Screen Australia Invests $2 Million in 23 Studios

Screen Australia has unveiled the recipients of its latest funding round, allocating a total of AU$3 million (over $2 million) to 23 studios. The First Nations Games Studio fund has awarded AU$600,000 (over $400,000) to two studios, with Guck, a Victoria-based First Peoples-led studio, and Awesome Black, a creative social enterprise, each receiving half of the amount. Guck is currently developing the Aboriginal-led mobile game Future Folklore, while Awesome Black is working on various projects, including games, music, literature, and digital art. Meanwhile, the Games Expansion Pack fund has provided AU$2.4 million ($1.6 million) in funding to 21 studios, with the full list available on Screen Australia's website. According to Screen Australia's CEO, Graeme Mason, the organization is proud to support the growth of the Australian games industry, which boasts an impressive array of talented creators. The First Nations Games Studio fund was launched in May to provide a culturally safe environment for First Nations people to develop their skills in game development. Earlier this year, the Australian government approved the Digital Games Tax Offset, offering a 30% tax incentive to local studios with projects exceeding AU$500,000 (approximately $341,000).