Australian game developers are lucky to have access to an array of national and state-based organisations providing support and funding to emerging and established developers, though grant applications require a significant investment of time and effort, and the rounds can be highly competitive.
A solid application is crucial to obtaining support but it can be hard to know where to start, or what to focus on.
If you need targeted grant writing advice for digital games funding, this handy guide combines advice from two of Australia’s most knowledgeable industry experts, Anthony Sweet and Ryan Penning.
Sweet has 15 years of game industry experience on both sides of the fence. He is currently Screenwest’s Digital Games Manager, as well as a writer and game designer in his own right.
Penning previously served as the inaugural Online & Digital Games Investment Manager at Screen NSW, and is a freelance games consultant with 10 years of industry experience.
‘Everyone is looking for a silver bullet, but the truth is it doesn’t exist,’ admits Penning. ‘There is no single formula for success and there are so many factors that contribute to how panels assess projects. But there are a few principles I consistently share with developers I feel will help anyone applying for agency grants.’
Grant writing tips for game developers – quick links
Tip 1: Adhere to the guidelines and assessment criteria
Your game might be groundbreaking and your dev team might be top notch, but that won’t translate to a successful application unless you communicate those factors clearly by providing the required support materials and addressing the relevant assessment criteria.
As Sweet says, ‘Funding rounds can be very competitive so it’s important to pay particular attention to the assessment criteria, not just the eligibility criteria.’
Crafting an application that gives your project an edge over equally-eligible applicants is key, and the best way to do this is ensure you have directly, concisely and thoroughly addressed every point.
‘The guidelines are everything,’ says Ryan Penning. ‘They are how agencies assess applications and they are also the documentation upon which your application is based.’
He adds: ‘The most common mistake people walk into is not reading the guidelines carefully enough. Often this comes from reading them quickly or interpreting them through personal assumptions rather than taking the time to fully understand how they’re used in assessment. Most application mistakes stem from this disconnect.’
If you’re unsure how to approach the criteria, it can be helpful to reach out to the relevant agency, and ask for clarification.
‘A lot of applicants are nervous about reaching out, but it’s the agency’s job to help answer questions about their programs,’ assures Penning. ‘They would prefer you contact them, because they want the highest quality applications they can get.’
Tip 2: Prepare a detailed budget
Creating an itemised budget might seem like an overwhelming task, especially for projects in early development, but don’t be put off by the level of detail required. Instead, focus on the ways in which your project will benefit from this detailed long-term planning.
‘Writing an application is one of the best ways to understand your project’s readiness and pressure-test it,’ says Penning. ‘Even if you’re unsuccessful, the process itself is hugely valuable.’
Your budget reveals a lot about the viability and scope of your project so make sure your approach is comprehensive and realistic. For example, if your project plan lists extensive localisation as a goal, but there is nothing in your budget pertaining to localisation, this could indicate a viability issue.
Your finance plan and budget should include all sources of finance, including in-kind contributions as well as expected expenditure. This might sound obvious, but if you list an item in your finance plan, make sure you’ve included it in your budget! If your project plan doesn’t align with your budget, this could demonstrate a lack of organisation or viability.
Different funds have different purposes, which should inform your financial approach. For example, some organisations require funding to be spent within a particular state or country. Others consider capital purchases, retrospective expenses, or ongoing expenses as being ineligible budget items.
‘Always have a thorough read of the application guidelines and try to gain a clear understanding of what the fund is designed for,’ suggests Sweet.
Penning agrees. ‘While everyone wants to support great projects, each agency has different priorities and programs. Knowing who you’re actually applying to and why is critical.’
When it comes to wages, you should provide evidence of fair compensation at industry standard rates. Ensure your funding requests are allocated to eligible items, and always use the provided templates where applicable.
Finally, triple-check your final draft for accuracy, inconsistencies and overlooked expenses.
Tip 3: Be realistic, rather than ambitious
Funding bodies appreciate ambition but the scope of your proposed project should balance vision with viability.
Both Penning and Sweet advocate for comprehensive planning that clearly outlines your project’s goals and provides explicit evidence of how you will achieve those goals.
For example, if you state an intention to port to multiple platforms, that’s great, but your application should demonstrate your ability to do so. If you propose an impressive range of accessibility features, you should ensure this plan is reflected in your budget, timeline and support materials. If you’ve allocated a healthy chunk of your budget to marketing, you should provide a thorough marketing plan, and a detailed breakdown of associated costs.
In Penning’s words, ‘It takes real work to submit an application, so don’t rush in blindly.’
Take the time to ensure your milestones and dates are both specific and realistic. Include wiggle-room to allow for unforeseen circumstances, and create mitigation plans for anything that might go wrong. Look at your plan from every angle and – rather than downplaying your project’s potential weaknesses – address them directly and offer solutions.
When it comes to demonstrating your project’s viability, Penning emphasises the importance of objective self-analysis. ‘You need to be able to be self-critical enough to understand how your application will stand out in these rounds, and ask yourself the questions that the panel are likely to ask themselves.’
Tip 4: Communicate what makes your game unique
According to Screen Australia’s 2025 Trend Reports, successful applicants were able to ‘demonstrate what makes their game unique, in terms of visuals, design, gameplay, gamefeel, story, and mechanics, even if the game sits within an established genre.’
‘All developers want to succeed,’ says Penning, ‘but you need to consider how your project stands out. Ultimately, that is something you will need to determine and prove in your application.’
Sweet’s advice runs along the same lines. ‘If every single applicant is eligible, the applications that stand out to panel assessors are the ones that demonstrate a clear understanding of what the fund is, why their project should be made and why they are the people to make it.’
By including a variety of high quality support materials, you can paint an accurate picture of your project for assessors by leaning into your strengths without omitting potential weaknesses.
Examples of quality support materials include a pitch video that clearly addresses the criteria, an informed marketing plan, a comprehensive budget, a realistic timeline, glowing letters of support, confirmation letters from team members, and considered risk mitigation documentation.
If development is already underway, you may also be required to include gameplay footage or a playable prototype.
A thoughtful, considered approach to the creation of these materials will result in a stronger application.
Tip 5: Check everything, then check it again
According to Screen Australia’s 2025 Trend Reports, the most common issues among unsuccessful applications include:
- Missing or incomplete support materials
- Failure to consider accessibility and/or diversity
- Mismatched expenditure/request amounts
- Inadequate planning
- Insufficient evidence of viability
- Unrealistic timelines
- Failure to address the assessment criteria
Triple-check your application form and support materials before you submit, and make sure you haven’t forgotten to include anything important.
Tip 6: Don’t give up!
Very few applicants are successful on their first try, so don’t confuse a temporary roadblock with permanent failure.
‘These programs are immensely competitive,’ emphasises Penning, who goes on to explain that Screen Australia’s previous funding rounds were only able to approve between 10% and 15% of applications.
‘Even if you’re unsuccessful, the process itself is hugely valuable. Writing an application will familiarise you with the guidelines and help you understand the process. If you’re looking for ways to improve your chances, there is no better way than simply trying.’
Both Sweet and Penning have witnessed firsthand how game-changing grants can be for game developers. In Penning’s words, funding can, ‘give teams the breathing room to take creative risks, build sustainable practices and find their footing in a competitive market.’ These are goals well worth working towards.
‘I’ve seen how even relatively small grants can be transformative,’ says Penning. ‘Beyond individual projects, this funding strengthens the entire ecosystem by nurturing talent, retaining experience and ensuring Australia continues to produce distinctive voices in games.’
When teams reach out to Penning for feedback, he often asks them this question: ‘Does this project have a clear and strong reason to exist? Not just for you, but for your team and an audience?’ He believes that when developers can clearly articulate their answer, it strengthens every aspect of their grant application.
‘Digital games funding plays a foundational role in Australia’s industry,’ says Penning. ‘At a time when the global games sector is experiencing significant instability, public investment has helped local teams stay afloat, regroup and in many cases start again.’
On a similar note, if your first application is unsuccessful, stay afloat, regroup and try again.
Tip 7: Arm yourself with information
If you’re reading this article, you already understand the relevance of this self-evident tip. But you may not be aware that there are many sources of support for applicants. In addition to reading the funding round guidelines, you can attend information sessions, watch informative videos, or speak directly to the agencies themselves.
‘Agencies want strong applications,’ says Penning. ‘Helping you understand the program is part of their job, and something they explicitly encourage.’
Funding agencies and useful links
For information about digital games funding in Australia, see ScreenHub‘s guide to games industry grants in 2026, or refer to the following websites:
- Screen Australia
- Screen NSW
- Screenwest
- Screen Queensland
- Screen Tasmania
- VicScreen
- Screen Canberra
- Screen Territory
