Games

FUNDING & SUPPORT

The SAFC supports video game development and production and games businesses as part of its commitment to supporting and developing all sectors of the South Australian screen industry.

Game-changing rebate

Launched in 2020 as the first of its kind in Australia, the SAFC’s ground-breaking SA Video Game Development (VGD) Rebate enables video games studios to claim a 10% rebate on costs incurred to develop a game in South Australia.

Claimable on eligible projects with a minimum South Australian spend of $250,000, the rebate aims to establish South Australia as a leading location for game development by encouraging established local games studios to scale, and by incentivising non-South Australian games studios to establish a base or undertake work in the state.

FIND OUT MORE

Image: QA analyst at work at Mighty Kingdom, credit Iain Dalrymple

Funding & Support

The SAFC offers a range of funding and support programs for the South Australian game development sector. Click the headings below to find out more about each initiative.

SA Video Game Development (VGD) Rebate

The SA Video Game Development Rebate (SA VGD Rebate) enables video games studios to claim a percentage of costs incurred to develop a video game in South Australia. The SA VGD Rebate is paid by the South Australian Government and administered by the SAFC.

The SA VGD Rebate is a new scheme and the first of its kind in Australia. The Rebate seeks to be responsive to the needs of the games industry and to establish South Australia as a leading location for games development by encouraging established South Australian games studios to scale and by incentivising other games studios to establish a base or undertake work in South Australia.

What is on offer?

A discretionary rebate equivalent to 10% of Eligible Expenditure on video game development work undertaken in South Australia on an Eligible Project*, subject to available funds.

A minimum of AUD $250,000 must be spent and retained in South Australia on Eligible Expenditure on an Eligible Project.

Key dates

The SA VGD Rebate will apply for projects with eligible expenditure incurred from 1 July 2020.

You do not have to wait until the game is completed before applying for Provisional Approval for the SA VGD Rebate. Applicants should apply when the schedule for the game is relatively certain and where funding for the costs of development have been confirmed.

Applications can be made throughout the year at regular intervals. Complete applications must be received no later than six weeks prior to a Board Meeting. Please note that SAFC Board dates may be subject to change at the SAFC’s discretion. Applicants can check latest Board dates and deadlines here.

Guidelines & Downloads

SA VGD Rebate Guidelines (226kb PDF)
SA VGD Rebate – Qualifying Expenditure Principles (190kb PDF)
SA VGD Rebate – Audit and Statutory Declaration Proforma (250kb PDF)

Please contact us if you require these guidelines in an alternative format – see contact details for this program below.

How can I apply?

Submit your application through the SAFC’s online grant portal: safilm.smartygrants.com.au

Before you apply, please make sure you are familiar with the SAFC’s Terms of Trade.

For more information, including eligibility requirements, evaluation criteria and application instructions, download the guidelines (linked above).

Where can I find out more?

Contact SAFC Game Development Executive Patrick Webb on 8 8394 2024 or [email protected]

Accessibility Options

SAFC supports engagement from Deaf and disabled practitioners. For a confidential discussion of your access needs, please contact us at [email protected] or call SAFC Program Manager Jess Cahill on 8 8394 2012 or via the National Relay Service.

Export Market Travel Fund

The Export Market Travel Fund supports South Australian screen producers and game developers to take finance ready projects to the international marketplace.

Funding recipients are expected to raise export finance for their project at the market as a result of SAFC support.

What is on offer?

Travel funding is available for:

up to $3,500 for an individual
up to $5,000 for a team of two or more

This program is targeted at specific markets, including Gamescom, Game Developers Conference (GDC) and more. Download the guidelines for the full list.

For eligible game projects, priority will be given to projects that have a proof-of-concept in the form of either a playable prototype of the game or an animated gameplay trailer for the game.

Where a contingent of South Australian companies are seeking to attend the same marketplace, SAFC may award funds at a lower level to ensure equity of participation. Applicants should speak to the SAFC Program Coordinator prior to application.

Key dates

Applications are open at any time via the SAFC’s online grants portal: safilm.smartygrants.com.au

Applications will be accepted for projects with travel from 1 July 2022.

Applicants are advised that the maximum turnaround time for application decisions is two weeks and this timeframe should be considered when submitting an application.

Guidelines

Export Market Travel Funding Guidelines (139 KB PDF)

Please contact us if you require these guidelines in an alternative format – see contact details for this program below.

Where can I find out more?

Contact SAFC Game Development Executive Patrick Webb on 8 8394 2024 or [email protected]

Accessibility Options

SAFC supports engagement from Deaf and disabled practitioners. For a confidential discussion of your access needs, please contact us at [email protected] or call SAFC Program Coordinator Jess Cahill on 8 8394 2029 or via the National Relay Service.

Targeted Diversity Attachments

The SAFC is committed to supporting increased participation by people from groups underrepresented in the South Australian screen industry including; women, First Nations practitioners, Deaf and disabled, practitioners from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds, practitioners from LGBTQIA+ communities and practitioners from regional and remote areas.

The Targeted Diversity Attachment scheme supports the SAFC’s mission to build a more inclusive screen industry in South Australia, by providing paid on-the-job experience for diverse key creatives, below-the-line crew, post-production, digital and visual effects crew and game developers.

What is on offer?

The successful applicant will be attached to a supervising crew member or Department Head who is obligated to provide appropriate tasks and supervision, creating tangible opportunities to learn, observe and assist in the relevant department. The attachment may cover more than one department.

The duration of attachments will vary and is negotiated between the SAFC and the host company prior to the call for applications.

Targeted Diversity Attachments are funded by the SAFC, at no less than the relevant industry award rate. Host companies are expected to adhere to all requirements of the Fair Work Act. The host company will deduct tax and employee entitlements before their payment.

Targeted Diversity Attachments cannot be used to substitute a paid role.

Guidelines

Targeted Diversity Attachment Guidelines (152kb PDF)

Please contact us if you require these guidelines in an alternative format – see contact details for this program below.

How can I apply?

Targeted Diversity Attachment opportunities are mutually agreed upon by the SAFC and the host company in advance. When opportunities become available, SAFC will issue a Call for Applications via the Professional Opportunities page.

Before you apply, please make sure you are familiar with the SAFC’s Terms of Trade.

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by SAFC staff for an interview with SAFC and the host company. The SAFC and the host company will mutually select the best candidate for the position.

For more information, including eligibility requirements, evaluation criteria and application instructions, download the guidelines (linked above).