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In an exciting move for many Australian gamers, Screen Australia has committed AUD $1.4 million to fund 26 new Australian-made video games. This is the latest investment in a larger strategy by Screen Australia to position the country as a leading force in video game development in the world. This mission continues on despite recent turbulence in the industry.
The announcement comes at an important time. The past year has seen some of the biggest studios in the country downsize, global publishers withdraw, and hundreds of talented Australian game developers be laid off. But, where some may see an industry experiencing stagnation, Screen Australia saw an opportunity. The new funding will provide a financial lifeline for the local gaming industry and also shows a strong cultural commitment to the future of Australian games.
Future Vision For Growth
The initiative is being led by Joey Egger, the newly appointed Head of Games at Screen Australia. She has a clear vision for the industry: by nurturing talent now, industry leaders will be empowered in the future. Egge explained that Screen Australia’s focus is in the long term to build up emerging talent through the funding programs, resulting in a positive impact in their career over the next 20 years.
This philosophy has already started to take shape. The company’s funidng is not about fast wins or commercial success in the short-term. Instead it is about laying a strong foundation that will support Australian video game developers for their entire developing journey, from concept to completion. The hope is that these games will receive global recognition.
Several projects are being funded this round, including Buru and The Old People, Penguin Colony, and Retopia. Those who enjoy online casino games will even find games they enjoy, with dice rolling tactics found in some of the luck-based games that will receive funding, like Rob & Roll. Many of the new projects will by enjoyed by players of Bitcoin casinos in Australia, since they offer luck, strategy, and as much excitement as a gambling game.
The variety of these projects shows the uniqueness and depth of the different stories being told by the local creators.
Diverse Developers And Stories
One of the most notable features of this round of funding is the variety in voices and regions that are represented. Funding receivers include urban studios in Melbourne and Sydney, as well a smaller regional teams in NSW, Wallabadah, and Toongabbie. Screen Australia is ensuring with this initiative that the games and their stories represent the full spectrum of experiences in Australia.
The list of funded games includes:
- Ashes: It follows a teenage skater who has to take refuge after witnessing a murder.
- Penguin Colony: Explore Antarctica as a penguin and discover hidden truths.
- Buru and The Od People: An adventure game with a rich Indigenous storytelling narrative.
- Retopia: Play along as robot companions who are restoring life in a collapsed world.
- Slumbering Woods: Help a destroyed village be restored after a climate catastrophe.
- Fern: Seed Guardian: Play as a mouse in the Australian bush who must battle a threatening goo.
- These Starless Skies: Scientists must uncover the secrets of a tidally-locked planet.
A full list of games can be viewed on the Screen Australia website.
According to Egger, the projects show a depth of talent and distinct content that reflects the diversity of Australian culture, landscapes, communities, and stories.
Games Beyond Pure Entertainment
Screen Australia’s advocacy goes beyond just the games. The company is trying to defend the place of video games within the country’s National Cultural Policy. Having a cultural focus is important, because unlike traditional entertainment, games give players a level of immersion and interaction. Video games can act as tools for healing, education, skill development, socialisation, and critical thinking.
“Games can tell stories, and they can teach lessons in really special ways,” Egger said. They can be puzzle-based. They can be for health. They can be for education. At the end of the day, they’re this immersive way for people to be able to really learn and grow, in a way that makes sense to them.”
Screen Australia is hoping that this potential can generate profits while also sparking a meaningful cultural dialogue.
Industry Support
Apart from funding game development, Screen Australia is also investing in the larger gaming industry. The Freeplay Independent Games Festival is supported by this funding round, and is just one example of the kinds of events where local developers can show their work and gain recognition, as well as network with other creators.
There’s also support for international travel and exposure. For example, creators will be supported to attend high-profile events like the Game Developers Conference. Other initiatives, like the Future Leaders Delegation, will allow emerging talent to receive global insights and connections, to ensure Australian voices are heard on an international stage.
All of this innovation comes at a time when the video games industry is exploding. Tony Burke, Minister of the Arts, emphasised this occurrence, saying in a statement: “Digital games are a billion-dollar global industry and Australia’s sector is growing every year. This funding ensures that we’re backing home-grown talent in order to be at the top of the leader board.”
Cultural Value Over Commercial Return
Many may view this investment from Screen Australia only in investment terms, to make a profit. However, Egger and her team are taking a different approach, emphasising cultural value and not just commercial return. They’re not just asking “What will sell best?”. They’re also asking “What story needs to be told?”.
The initiative is supporting local developers, growing the industry, fostering new talent, and exposing that talent at an international scale. Although the company sees plenty of games that they know will sell well, that’s not where they’re placing their focus. Instead, Screen Australia follows an inclusive, emotion-driven process. The funding is awarded after careful evaluation, data-informed choices, and the desire to highlight meaningful Australian narratives.
Working Towards A Bright Future For Local Game Development
Since last year, Screen Australia has invested more than AUD $3 million in game development, supporting 49 games, various festivals, mentorships, and delegations. The current round of applications is open and developers are encouraged to apply to become part of the initiative that has transformed the industry.
Australia has demonstrated that games are about more than just entertainment. They are part of a nation’s culture, telling stories with agency that created a deep connection to the source material.
