Canberra Screen and Games Fund 2027, Round 2: Games Production and Development Program
Screen Canberra gives games grants of up to AU$30,000 for development and AU$100,000 for production. Round 2 opens 11 January and closes 19 March 2027.
The Games Production and Development Program is the games stream of the Canberra Screen and Games Fund, run by Screen Canberra with the ACT Government. It supports ACT based studios and creators who develop and produce digital games with creative and commercial potential. Round 2 opens on 11 January 2027 and closes on 19 March 2027, with money available from July 2027.
There are two phases. Phase 1 Development gives up to AU$30,000 for concept work, prototypes, vertical slices, narrative design and commercial planning. Phase 2 Production gives up to AU$100,000 for full production, including assets, coding, level design and quality assurance. Both are grants that do not have to be paid back. Applicants must show a 1:2 Qualifying ACT Expenditure ratio.
Both individuals and companies can apply. All applicants need an active ABN, must hold the rights to the game and must be ACT based or show clear benefit to the ACT. Individuals must be at least 18, Australian citizens or permanent residents and not full time students. Companies must be incorporated in Australia. Games must be fully digital and meant for commercial release.
Applications go through the Screen Canberra SmartyGrants portal while the round is open. You need a pitch video of up to 3 minutes, a pitch deck, a project plan of up to four pages, team CVs, a finance plan, a budget and rights documents. Incomplete applications cannot be assessed.
Screen Canberra assesses economic impact, creative merit and viability, including the realism of the budget and the strength of the team. Assessment normally takes 8 to 12 weeks. Across Rounds 2 and 3, the fund puts AU$1.1 million into the screen and games sector, with up to AU$700,000 in Round 2.
Quick answers
Do I have to repay the grant?
No. Both the development and the production phase are non recoupable grants.
Which games are not eligible?
Advertising games, gambling games, hybrid or physical games, projects made mainly by full time students, and games built on pay to win or play to earn mechanics.
Is there another round later in 2027?
Yes. Round 3 opens 12 July 2027 and closes 17 September 2027. Unspent Round 2 money moves into Round 3.