The games industry is among the early winners of next week's Federal Budget, which will include a 30 per cent Digital Games Tax Offset.
New South Wales has joined South Australia in widening its 10 per cent post, digital and visual effects (PDV) rebate to include game development.
The Federal Government will provide an additional $19.6 million over two years from 2023 to expand the Digital Games Tax Offset so that it covers ongoing development work—known as ‘live ops’—on digital games following their release.
The Interactive Games and Entertainment Association is lobbying the government to establish a direct funding program similar to the now-defunct Australian Interactive Games Fund in order to support independent game developers.
Screen Australia will commit $6 million over two years to support small to medium independent game studios with projects with budgets below $500,000.
The Interactive Games and Electronics Association is aiming to keep gaming on the agenda in the lead up to the Federal Election, publishing a policy platform outlining objectives for the sector.
Queensland-based games projects will now be able to access up to $90,000 in funding as part of the state government's new Games Grants program.
Screen Australia has revealed the first round games to be supported via the Games: Expansion Pack fund, with 31 titles to share $4 million.