Vertical Slice / Early Access

Up to $30 000 contributing to polished core gameplay, where players can experience a good representation of full release gameplay.

  • You can apply for up to $30,000 per applicant.

    Examples of formats that may be funded:

    • Premium and free-to-play games
    • Live-ops development
    • Entertainment games for a mass audience
  • You can apply if:

    • you meet Screen Territory’s general eligibility criteria
    • you are a Northern Territory resident or company
    • you are an emerging or established games developer
    • at least 50% of the development team must be based in the Northern Territory unless an exemption is granted by Screen Territory prior to lodgement of the application
    • Applicants must include at least one team member with a lead credit in a previously published interactive screen project relevant to the application.
    • Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they are the IP creator and owner of the game. Please note: commissioned projects are not eligible.
  • Your application will be assessed taking into account:

    • The track record of the team and their ability to deliver the project.
    • The overall quality of the project, considering artistry, gameplay, originality, technology and any commercial potential.
    • The strength and appropriateness of the marketing strategy and the project’s ability to reach its target audience.
    • The viability and appropriateness of the budget and schedule, and the strength of the finance plan, including contributions from the applicant and other funding sources.
    • The benefits to the Northern Territory games industry, including an assessment of the levels of NT expenditure, employment of Northern Territory games developers, upskilling and internship
  • You must submit the following:

    • One-page CV’s and bios for the applicant and key creative team
    • Chain of Title documents
    • A 10-page Creative Pitch document including:
      • Title and Introduction
      • Gameplay Mechanics Overview
      • Visual Overview
      • Progression Overview
      • Audio/Sound Overview
      • Development Team Summary
    • A project plan document including:
      • Which platform(s) will the game be released on? How will it generate income?
      • Audience Plan
      • Competitor and market analysis
      • Evidence of interested distributors/publishers
      • Evidence of licenses, approvals and development kits
      • Game developer Company details and ABN
    • A Development timeline of key milestones
    • A budget with Northern Territory expenditure included
    • Stipulated Deliverables


Grant round dates

The funding program has three grant rounds. Open and closing dates for each grant round are listed below.

Round 1 Open: Monday 12 August 2024 Close: Monday 30 September 2024 @ 2pm
Round 2 Open: Monday 28 October 2024 Close: Monday 25 November 2024 @ 2pm
Round 3 Open: Monday 10 February 2025 Close: Monday 10 March 2025 @ 2pm
Close