Screen NSW has announced a new Gamescom 2024 Market Travel Program, designed to support experienced NSW game developers with travel to and from Gamescom in Cologne, Germany, in 2024. This is the first year that Screen NSW has offered this funding, as part of the NSW Government's expanded commitment to increase support for games development in the state.
As many know, NSW has historically lagged behind other states in funding video game development, but over the past year, a concerted effort by local developers and advocacy groups has led to a greater understanding of the economic and cultural benefits of video games, resulting in new government policy.
“Gamescom is the essential event for game makers and digital games companies around the world, providing opportunities to network, collaborate, build international business relationships and gain valuable insight into emerging industry trends and technologies,” said Kyas Hepworth, head of Screen NSW.
Read: What video game funding really means for local Australian developers
“Supporting NSW practitioners to travel to Cologne through Screen NSW's Gamescom 2024 Market Travel Program will help showcase NSW talent to international markets, enabling local practitioners to return to the state with global connections and industry knowledge to further their creativity and ability to produce world-class games.”
The total allocated funding is 25,000 AUD, with eligible applicants able to claim up to 5,000 AUD for personal travel expenses. There are strict criteria for claiming this budget, and developers must have one or more commercial games to sell at the event. The press release also highlights that experience is essential:
Competition for this grant can be extremely fierce. Places are limited and Screen NSW is keen to support the best and brightest talent representing NSW, so applications should be well thought out and considered.
NSW developers who plan to take their commercial games to market and would like to attend Gamescom 2024 can find out more about the new Gamescom 2024 Market Travel Program on the Screen NSW website. Applications close on 27 June 2024.
