Nine Victorian games development companies have been awarded funding to create a diverse range of games for distribution across any platform thanks to support from the Victorian Coalition Government.
Minister for Innovation Louise Asher said the companies received funding through Film Victoria’s Assigned Production Investment – Games program.
"Since December 2010 the Victorian Government has invested more than $4 million in funding support for digital games companies through Film Victoria programs, funding support for the Games Developers Association of Australia, export facilitation and attracting key industry events, including the world’s largest gaming event, PAX,” Ms Asher said.
Through the Assigned Production Investment – Games program, we assist Victorian developers to produce prototypes or full games with an emphasis on the creation of intellectual property (IP) and long-term business benefits for their businesses.
“The projects supported in this round will receive a total of $505,000 and are expected to provide employment for 50 Victorians.”
The nine successful companies and the games they will be developing are:
• Space Dust Racing (Space Dust Studios)
• Nosferatu MD (Grapple Gun Games)
• Bonza (Minimega)
• Puzzle Wiz (Sculptured Entertainment)
• Desync (The Foregone Syndicate)
• Zombie Fort: Smackdown (Zero Latency)
• Leaves (Many Monkeys Development)
• Ice Caves Of Europa (Io Normal)
• Screencheat (Samurai Punk)
Ms Asher said more than 40 per cent of Australia’s game development studios are now located in Melbourne with over 60 companies already commercialising and exporting their products.
“Melbourne is recognised, globally as one of the leading locations for high quality games output,” Ms Asher said.
Film Victoria CEO Jenni Tosi said enabling games developers to develop and produce original content fosters local talent, builds businesses and further strengthens the vibrant games sector in Victoria.
“We’re delighted to help Victorian companies to develop innovative new games concepts, advancing local developers’ skills so they can continue to compete and succeed in the global marketplace,” Ms Tosi said.
“Additionally, through our new Assigned Production Investment funding model, Film Victoria’s equity, copyright and recoupment position is assigned to the games developers, giving them access to increased returns and greater financial capacity to develop ideas and build their businesses.”
For more information on Film Victoria’s games programs visit www.film.vic.gov.au