The ACT Government, in partnership with Screen Canberra, has launched a new Screen and Games Fund to strengthen Canberra’s growing screen sector and support the city’s rapidly expanding digital games industry.

The fund will target investment across three streams — Film/TV, Games, and Direct-to-Audience productions — to drive innovation, support local creators, and stimulate economic activity.

Michael Pettersson MLA, minister for business, arts and creative industries, said the initiative recognises Canberra’s strong base of digital talent.

“Canberra is home to one of Australia’s highest per-capita concentrations of games creators,” he said. “We want to back our local developers to take their products to the next level.”

Mr Pettersson said documentary, television and feature film production have steadily grown in Canberra, creating jobs and contributing to Canberra’s reputation as a creative hub. Direct-to-audience content, including YouTube productions, will also be eligible for support.

The fund complements ACT Government investment in Screen Canberra’s programs and industry development work.

Screen Canberra CEO Holly Trueman said the fund reflects the modern screen landscape.

“With specific streams for Games, Direct-to-Audience and Film/TV, we are focusing our resources on production — creating jobs and delivering results,” she said. “By extending financial backing to digital games, we are creating a holistic ecosystem that supports creators across every screen.”

CanDev organiser Jarrod Farquhar-Nicol said the funding would help local game developers build sustainable studios in the ACT.

“With a very generous 1:2 expenditure ratio, this fund will help game developers stay in Canberra and build their studios here,” he said. “It heralds a new era of support for Canberran game developers.”

Applications open on 11 December. Guidelines will be available on the Screen Canberra website.