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South Australia’s Digital Games Fund (DGF) will offer $1 million in its second round—double the $500,000 inaugural round—with applications scheduled to open on 21 October 2026. The South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC) describes it as the state government’s largest-ever single investment in game development funding. Developers can seek up to $30,000 for pre-production, $150,000 for production or $50,000 for post-release work.
How much is South Australia’s Digital Games Fund?
The second DGF round totals $1 million. The SAFC announced it on 6 October 2026, with applications due to open on 21 October through the corporation’s online grants platform. The fund opens once a year. Applicants are advised to read the SAFC Terms of Trade and discuss their intended request with the agency before applying. See the SAFC announcement and its Games program page.
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| Stream | Maximum grant | Purpose | Examples of application materials |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-production | Up to $30,000 | Explore, test and prove a new game concept. | Pitch deck; milestone budget and timeline. |
| Production | Up to $150,000 | Develop a sufficiently advanced, appropriately scoped project toward a significant milestone, including release. | Pitch deck; game design document; current game footage; audience engagement, accessibility and marketing plans; budget and timeline. |
| Post-release | Up to $50,000 | Extend a released or near-release game’s commercial life, reach or platform availability. | Store page; latest playable build; performance summary; evidence of an existing audience and a future growth plan. |
These are maximums, not guaranteed awards. The October 2026 DGF guidelines set out the eligibility and application requirements; applicants should check them and confirm current requirements with the SAFC.
Which funding stream fits a project?
Pre-production: test the concept
This stream supports early work such as design, prototyping, technical proof of concept, art direction, narrative design, market research and planning. It is intended to establish whether and how a new game can proceed.
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Production: move toward a major milestone
Production applications need to show that the game is sufficiently developed and appropriately scoped. The proposal should explain a credible route to an audience, market, release or further finance.
Post-release: make a substantial next move
Potential milestones include localisation, substantial content additions or downloadable content, accessibility improvements, live-service updates and porting. Routine maintenance, minor patches and general operating costs are excluded unless they form part of a substantial, clearly defined strategy.
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Who can apply?
The October 2026 guidelines set different tests for individual and company applicants, alongside requirements for the project itself.
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- Must be over 18, hold an active Australian Business Number (ABN), and not be a full-time student.
- Must meet the SAFC Terms of Trade definition of a South Australian resident.
- Must hold the necessary rights and clearances, comply with the Terms of Trade and have no outstanding contractual obligations to the SAFC.
Company applicants
- Must be incorporated and carrying on business in Australia, with central management and control in Australia.
- Must be registered in South Australia and have had its principal place of business there for at least six months before applying.
- Must be current with relevant government obligations.
Eligible projects
A project must be a digital game developed by a South Australian team, with at least 75% of the team primarily based in the state. It must be intended for digital release, involve a moderate degree of game interactivity, and have project intellectual property owned or licensed by the applicant. Retrospective funding is not available.
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The guidelines exclude gambling and non-digital games; education-only or business-to-business products; games not intended for commercial release; projects based on external intellectual property the applicant does not own or license; certain student-led projects; games unlikely to receive Australian classification; and remasters or games that have already had a full retail release.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What will the SAFC assess, and what can the grant pay for?
Assessment considers originality and creative ambition; the strength of visuals, story, gameplay and audio; the feasibility of the timeline and budget; the team’s development record; commercial potential and audience positioning; career pathways for South Australian residents; and accessibility. The SAFC says it weighs these criteria in light of its strategic objectives and diversity and inclusion strategy.
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Eligible costs include staffing and legal or licensing expenses. Office hire, marketing, mentoring and external support are eligible only in the production and post-release streams. Grant funds cannot be used to buy computers, laptops, developer kits or other equipment, including mice, monitors, headsets and gaming consoles. Education and travel are also excluded.
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The inaugural fund launched in October 2025, when 11 South Australian studios shared $500,000, according to the SAFC. In announcing the expanded round, the corporation cited several early outcomes: Pro Jank Footy, by Powerbomb Games and Tinkertown, reached No. 1 on Nintendo Switch on its August release and is also available on PlayStation, Xbox and Steam; Bad Plan Studios’ End of Ember secured a publishing deal with Thailand-based Rising Tide Publishing. The SAFC also said The Troll & The Witch’s House and Peppermint had been selected for exhibition at PAX Aus and could be wishlisted on Steam at announcement time. These are examples reported by the SAFC, not independent verification of sales or performance.
How the fund fits with other South Australian support
Games Studio Placement Program
Announced alongside the expanded DGF on 6 October 2026, this separate program is expected to open later in 2026; no opening date has been announced in the sources cited here. Eligible South Australian studios can seek salary and superannuation support for a six- or 12-month full-time placement for an emerging or mid-career developer.
SA Video Game Development Rebate
The rebate is separate from the DGF grant and has its own guidelines and eligibility rules. It is a 10% discretionary rebate on eligible game-development expenditure incurred and retained in South Australia, subject to available funds, and requires at least AUD $250,000 in qualifying eligible expenditure. The SAFC says it has supported development of more than 40 South Australian video games through the rebate. Details are on the SAFC Games program page.
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