The Queensland Government has announced a $3.7 million investment to support 20 new digital game development projects, signalling what it describes as a record-breaking moment for the state’s growing games industry. The funding is expected to generate $23 million in economic contribution and support more than 330 local jobs, further cementing Queensland’s position as Australia’s second largest state for game development.
For an industry that has seen full-time employment quadruple since 2021, this marks another acceleration point.
The Investment Breakdown
The funding, delivered through Screen Queensland’s Games Grants and related initiatives, aims to strengthen both commercial outcomes and long-term workforce development.
| Investment Area | Outcome |
|---|---|
| $3.7M Government Funding | 20 new digital game projects |
| 330+ Jobs Supported | Expansion of local studios |
| $23M Economic Contribution | Record economic uplift |
| 20% Local Expenditure Growth | Exceeded previous financial year within 6 months |
According to Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek, the funding reflects a strategic shift toward long-term industry development.
Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney emphasised that the sector has not only rebounded but surpassed previous growth cycles, pointing to a strengthening production pipeline and increasing global attention.
Insider Tip: For studios looking to secure future funding, alignment with workforce growth, export potential, and premium IP development appears to be a key factor in government support decisions.
Queensland’s Position in the National Games Landscape
Queensland’s rise has been rapid. Full-time employment in the sector has surged to over 665 roles, quadrupling in just five years. The state now sits behind only Victoria in total games development scale.
| Metric | Current Status |
|---|---|
| Full-time employment | 665+ roles |
| Employment growth since 2021 | 4x increase |
| National ranking | 2nd largest games state |
| International platform interest | Sony, Xbox, Nintendo, Steam, Apple Arcade |
The presence of global publishers and platforms signals growing confidence in Queensland-developed titles. This is no longer an emerging sector, it’s an export industry.
Insider Tip: Studios pitching to publishers should leverage Queensland’s growing reputation. Being part of a recognised production hub increases investor confidence.
Notable Projects in Development
Among the 20 newly supported titles are projects spanning indie, premium, and residency-backed development.
Highlighted games include:
| Studio | Project | Funding Stream |
|---|---|---|
| Prideful Sloth | Go-Go Town! | Digital Games Incentive (DGI) |
| Broadside Games | CHUNK | Games Grants |
| Fat Alien Cat x Nomo | Momento | Games Grants / Residency Program |
Momento is particularly notable as one of the first projects emerging from Screen Queensland’s Games Residency program – a talent pipeline initiative aimed at emerging developers.
Recent Queensland-developed releases have also gained international recognition, including:
- SMG Studios’ LEGO® Party! (The Game Awards 2025 nomination)
- Cozy Caravan (5 Lives Studios)
- Isopod: A Webbed Spin-off (Sbug Games)
This demonstrates a blend of commercial IP, licensed projects, and original indie development.
Insider Tip: Residency programs are becoming key entry points for emerging developers. Structured pathways like this reduce early-stage risk and improve funding viability.
Political Context and Industry Strategy
The announcement also carries political framing. Minister Langbroek positioned the funding as part of a broader economic strategy under the Crisafulli Government, contrasting it against what he described as underinvestment during the previous administration.
Beyond politics, the messaging is clear: Digital games are now being treated as a future-facing economic sector. With Brisbane preparing for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the state is emphasising creative industries as part of its long-term economic diversification strategy.
| Strategic Goal | Games Industry Role |
|---|---|
| Economic diversification | High-growth export sector |
| Youth employment | Skilled digital workforce |
| Global branding | Premium Queensland-made IP |
| Olympic-era momentum | Future industries positioning |
The games sector is being positioned alongside film, screen, and technology as part of Queensland’s long-term creative economy.
Insider Tip: Expect increased scrutiny on measurable ROI. Future grants will likely prioritise studios demonstrating commercial sustainability alongside creative ambition.
What This Means for Developers
The next Games Grants round, offering up to $200,000 per project, opens in the second half of 2026.
For developers, this signals:
- Continued state-level backing
- Expanding funding pathways
- Increased competition
- Growing professionalisation of the local industry
As Queensland’s ecosystem matures, funding rounds may become more competitive, but also more structured and commercially focused.
Studios that demonstrate:
- Clear market positioning
- Platform strategy
- Talent retention plans
- Export potential
will likely stand out.
Final Thoughts
Queensland’s $3.7 million investment is more than a funding announcement. It reflects a structural shift in how the state views digital games, not as a niche creative hobby, but as an economic engine. With employment quadrupling, publisher interest growing, and local IP earning global recognition, Queensland’s games industry appears to be entering a consolidation phase.
The next question isn’t whether Queensland can grow. It’s whether it can sustain momentum. If funding pipelines, talent development, and commercial scalability continue aligning, Queensland could solidify its position not just nationally but globally. And with the next Games Grants round opening later this year, the next chapter is already loading.
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