SAFC Digital Games Fund 2026: round two for South Australian developers
The SAFC Digital Games Fund gives South Australian game developers grants of up to A$150,000 from a A$1 million round. Applications open 21 October 2026.
The South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC) is running a second round of its Digital Games Fund. The round has A$1 million in total, double the A$500,000 of the first round in October 2025, when 11 local studios received funding.
The fund now has three streams. Grants for preproduction of up to A$30,000 support prototyping, proof of concept, early design and market testing. Production grants of up to A$150,000 support teams in full production, or about to start it, that are moving a game toward its next major milestone or release. Grants after release of up to A$50,000 support work such as localisation and porting that extends the commercial life of a game already released or close to release.
The fund is for South Australian game developers. The SAFC says applicants asking for larger production awards must show stronger evidence of production readiness, market understanding, team capability and economic benefit to South Australia. Full eligibility rules and evaluation criteria are in the guidelines on the SAFC games page.
Applications open on Wednesday 21 October 2026 through the SAFC grants portal on SmartyGrants. Before applying, applicants must read the SAFC Terms of Trade and speak to the SAFC about their planned request. The fund opens once a year. The SAFC has not yet published a closing date.
The SAFC also announced a new Games Studio Placement Program, which will subsidise salary and superannuation for six or twelve month staff placements at local studios. It will open later in 2026.
Quick answers
How much does it pay?
Up to $150,000 per project from a $1 million round (pre-production up to $30,000, production up to $150,000, post-release up to $50,000). It is a grant and takes no equity.
When is the deadline?
Applications open on 21 October 2026. The official page does not give a deadline.
Who can apply?
South Australian game developers and studios. See the SAFC guidelines for full requirements. It is limited to applicants in Oceania, AU.
How do I apply?
Through the official page at safilm.smartygrants.com.au. The link is at the top of this page.