Australian game developers have access to numerous national and state-based organizations offering support and funding, but grant applications demand significant time and effort in highly competitive rounds. A solid application is crucial, yet knowing where to start can be challenging.
This guide compiles advice from two of Australia’s most knowledgeable industry experts: Anthony Sweet, with 15 years of experience and currently Screenwest’s Digital Games Manager, and Ryan Penning, a freelance games consultant and former Online & Digital Games Investment Manager at Screen NSW.
Penning notes, “Everyone is looking for a silver bullet, but the truth is it doesn’t exist. There is no single formula for success, but there are principles that can help anyone applying for agency grants.”
Tip 1: Adhere to the Guidelines and Assessment Criteria
Your game might be groundbreaking, but success hinges on clearly communicating its strengths by providing required support materials and addressing relevant assessment criteria. Sweet emphasizes, “Funding rounds can be very competitive, so pay particular attention to the assessment criteria, not just eligibility.” Craft an application that gives your project an edge by directly, concisely, and thoroughly addressing every point.
Penning adds, “The guidelines are everything. They are how agencies assess applications and the documentation upon which your application is based.” The most common mistake is not reading guidelines carefully enough, often due to quick reading or personal assumptions. If unsure, reach out to the agency for clarification—they prefer you contact them to ensure high-quality applications.
Tip 2: Prepare a Detailed Budget
Creating an itemized budget might seem overwhelming, but it’s essential for long-term planning. Penning says, “Writing an application is one of the best ways to understand your project’s readiness and pressure-test it. Even if unsuccessful, the process is hugely valuable.” Your budget reveals project viability and scope; ensure it’s comprehensive and realistic. For example, if your plan includes extensive localization, your budget should reflect that.
Include all sources of finance, such as in-kind contributions and expected expenditure. Different funds have different purposes, so understand what the fund is designed for. Sweet advises, “Always have a thorough read of the application guidelines.” When it comes to wages, provide evidence of fair compensation at industry standard rates, allocate funding to eligible items, and use provided templates. Triple-check your final draft for accuracy.
Tip 3: Be Realistic, Rather Than Ambitious
Funding bodies appreciate ambition, but balance vision with viability. Both experts advocate for comprehensive planning that outlines goals and provides explicit evidence of how you’ll achieve them. For instance, if you plan to port to multiple platforms, demonstrate your ability to do so. Ensure your milestones and dates are specific and realistic, include wiggle-room for unforeseen circumstances, and create mitigation plans.
Penning emphasizes objective self-analysis: “You need to be self-critical enough to understand how your application will stand out and ask the questions the panel will ask.”
Tip 4: Communicate What Makes Your Game Unique
According to Screen Australia’s 2025 Trend Reports, successful applicants demonstrate what makes their game unique in visuals, design, gameplay, story, and mechanics. Penning says, “You need to consider how your project stands out and prove it in your application.” Sweet adds, “Applications that stand out show a clear understanding of why their project should be made and why they are the people to make it.”
Include high-quality support materials like a pitch video, marketing plan, budget, timeline, letters of support, and risk mitigation documentation to paint an accurate picture of your project.
Tip 5: Check Everything, Then Check It Again
Screen Australia’s 2025 Trend Reports list common issues in unsuccessful applications: missing or incomplete support materials, failure to consider accessibility/diversity, mismatched expenditure/request amounts, inadequate planning, insufficient viability evidence, unrealistic timelines, and failure to address assessment criteria. Triple-check your application and support materials before submission.
Tip 6: Don’t Give Up!
Very few applicants succeed on their first try. Penning notes that Screen Australia’s previous rounds approved only 10-15% of applications. “Even if unsuccessful, the process is hugely valuable. Writing an application familiarizes you with guidelines and helps you understand the process.” Grants can be transformative, giving teams breathing room for creative risks and sustainable practices.
Penning asks developers, “Does this project have a clear and strong reason to exist? Not just for you, but for your team and an audience?” Articulating this strengthens every aspect of your application.
Tip 7: Arm Yourself with Information
Beyond reading guidelines, attend information sessions, watch videos, or speak directly to agencies. Penning says, “Agencies want strong applications. Helping you understand the program is part of their job.”
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