Western Australia’s Screenwest has announced a dedicated new digital games strategy that outlines significant support for WA game developers and studios through to 2029.
The strategy commits to boosting the economic benefit of locally-produced, Screenwest-supported games from $2.2 million per year to $4 million by mid-2029.
It also aims to help increase the number of digital games companies based in WA by 50% by mid-2029, and to support at least six game releases per year in the same window.
Screenwest digital games strategy – quick links
Boosting support for the WA games industry
As announced, the push to better support the WA games industry has been inspired by recent, successful game releases including for Lunars: Ultimate Zodiac Party from Anubis Arts, Omi Oh My Ai from Every Second Studio, and Don’t Stop Girlypop! from Funny Fintan Softworks.
Per Screenwest, the state’s games and interactive sector has tripled in size since the Covid pandemic, recently hitting what the industry development body has called a ‘record-breaking’ month. With secure, ongoing financial support, the organisation aims to encourage that growth, to make WA a new hub for creative, innovative games projects.
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‘Western Australia’s digital games sector has seen strong growth in recent years, and this strategy backs local gaming houses and developers with a bold vision,’ Screenwest Chief Executive Officer Rikki Lea Bestall said in a media release.
‘The plan embraces the recent upward trajectory to elevate Western Australian made games, interactive products and talented developers on a global stage. With this strong foundation, Screenwest will help drive the industry into its next phase of growth and best position Western Australia to further capitalise on the economic benefits, talent innovation and export capacity of our digital games sector.’
What Screenwest’s new funding aims to achieve
Beyond direct funding, Screenwest’s new strategy will also include advocacy for a more competitive incentive and rebate for Western Australian game developers, in line with offerings in other states.
It will also work alongside the WA Government and other stakeholders to develop a creative hub to foster industry networking and collaboration.
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As shared by various developers, Screenwest’s support has already helped an array of creative experiences to launch, including the cosy and delightful Misc. A Tiny Tale.
‘Screenwest’s support has been essential in making our creative vision a reality,’ said Michael Pearce, Developer of Misc. A Tiny Tale.
‘It allowed us to invite local creatives to join and contribute to many parts of the experience. We’ve received many letters from fans thanking us for making the game and encouraging us to make more in the future. Their personal stories and how they felt emotional experiencing Misc’s world is heartfelt and touching – and it wouldn’t have been possible without Screenwest’s support.’
In future, the organisation aims to continue supporting games like this all the way to release, and to elevate WA’s talented game development community well into the future.
Also on ScreenHub: Screen Australia is paving the way for future games industry leaders
There is a better future for the Australian games industry, beyond recent layoffs, studio downsizings, publisher absence, and closures. But it’s one that must be actively supported, with organisations like Screen Australia putting in the work to elevate creative projects, and ensure diverse stories are told.
Speaking to ScreenHub, the organisation’s new Head of Games, Joey Egger, spoke enthusiastically about that future, and how Screen Australia’s latest round of games funding highlights the company’s long-term goals to foster new talent and lay the brickwork for a stronger, more stable Australian games industry. Egger has taken the reins from former Head of Online and Games Lee Naimo, with the role expanded to focus solely on games.
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