Screen Australia has announced funding of over $2.1 million to support the creation of 41 new video games projects from development teams located around Australia.
This support, delivered as part of the established Games Production and Emerging Gamemakers programs, aims to encourage the growth and success of Australia’s video games industry, particularly following the delivery of Screen Australia’s data-driven Screen Currency report.
Screen Australia’s new games funding – quick links
Report affirms importance of supporting Australia’s video games industry
‘Screen Currency 2026 shows that games is growing faster than all other screen sectors in terms of gross-value-add, employment and exports,’ said Screen Australia Head of Games Joey Egger.
‘These funded projects are a reflection of the continued growth and maturity of the Australian games industry, with gamemakers from all corners of Australia creating ambitious, distinctive and globally competitive work. Drawing on their lived experiences and unique creative perspectives, these teams are developing games that resonate with audiences both here and around the world.’
As reported by Screen Australia, gaming is one of the fastest-growing creative industries, and fasting growing hobbies, in the country. The economic value contributed by Australian games has reportedly doubled since 2016-17, with many locally-made breakout hits driving growth.
The Screen Currency research found 78% of Australians reported playing a digital game in the last six months. As an added bonus, the research also found that discovering a game was created in Australia was seen as a ‘value add’ for audiences.
Buoyed by this desire to play and appreciate more locally-made games, Screen Australia will continue to support video games funding in the country.
Highlights from Screen Australia’s latest funding round
Here are some of the highlights from the list of newly-supported games, as shared by Screen Australia:
Night Shift: 1999 (SA)
‘A unique urban fantasy from Winter Schloss Studios, created by emerging solo developer Georgina Owassapian and featuring voice work from Twitch streamers Victoria Chirkova, Liam Seeds and Matthew Ellis. Arriving on New Years Day 1999, a vampire from a century ago must reconcile with the changing landscape of the world as she overcomes her murky past.’
ScreenHub: Night Shift: 1999 explores migration through vampires
Project Worl (WA)
‘Produced by solo gamemaker and Nyungar technologist Kathryn Gledhill-Tucker, Project Worl is a futuristic, rhythm-based auto-running platformer, where players pilot a spaceship through six worlds inspired by the Noongar seasons.’
Bedtime Stories (VIC)
‘A casual 2D platformer with fun combat play inspired by Cantonese and Indonesian folklores from Liquid Heart studio. Produced by award-winning film editor Kevin Luk with art direction from award-winning animator Fitriani Revanda (Little Hiccups).’
The Birdwatcher’s Journal (NSW)
‘Developed by Reuben Moorhouse and Ann Li Khaw, this birdwatching adventure has players investigate a mysterious island, documenting strange birds and uncovering the fate of a missing researcher.’
Untitled SporkTank Project (VIC)
‘Led by creative director Martin Stradling, alongside 2D artist Lachlan Monaghan, lead artist Joy Ferrentino, designer and project manager Christopher Ferrentino, and with consultancy from Dean Baron, this 2D side-scrolling puzzle adventure follows a curious bat on a mission to capture the perfect photo of the full moon.’
Innkeep (WA)
‘From Boot Disk Games comes a medieval fantasy-themed pixel art game, where players take the role of the new master of a run-down inn. Developed by Daniel Burke, the team includes lead artist Ben Chandler (Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster), assistant programmer Keegan Martens (Umbral Omen), 2D artists Torgeir Fjereide and Fernando Salvaterra, composer Filippo Beck Peccoz, sound designer Philipp Sellier and narrative consultant James Baille.’
Infinite Airport Upholstery (TAS)
‘Led by creative director Richie Cyngler, a first-time game developer with a background as a creative technologist, Infinite Airport Upholstery is a meditative, experimental game where players create endlessly varied textile-inspired patterns, designed for the handheld console Playdate.
Untitled BYTEr Project (QLD)
‘With a compelling visual identity, created by designer Shaun Shepherd, animator Zev Edward Donovan and 3D artist Aidan Clark, this game is an adrenaline-pumping boomer-brawler where you surge through levels at rapid speed as a boxing frog, battling machines.’
Super Sphere FX (ACT)
‘From solo developer Justin Hogie (Microvania), this micro-scale open-world platformer invites players to spin, boost and perform stunts through a retro 3D world, as they strive to find their place as the first mixed-race being.’
Spell Slinger (NT)
‘Created by producer and 3D artist Luke Fronsko, programmer Daniel Ferguson and composer Ben Houghton. As the last mage of the Order of the Bound Book, you are tasked with eradicating evil foes across a fantasy world in a game inspired by arcade classics.’
