Victorian Production Fund (VPF) – Games

Purpose and Program Overview

The Victorian Production Fund (VPF) – Games is designed to support Victorian digital game development companies and creators in the development, production, and release of original digital games. The program aims to foster the growth of Victoria’s screen sector by encouraging the creation of diverse, high-quality digital games with strong creative, cultural, and commercial potential.

The Victorian Production Fund (VPF) – Games grant plays a strategic role in advancing the local games industry by facilitating industry expansion, job creation, and the cultivation of Victorian intellectual property. It also supports the development of skills and talent within the state, reinforcing Victoria’s reputation as a leading hub for dynamic and innovative game development.

Key Details of Grant Program

• Grant amount: Up to $300,000 per stage or $500,000 per project
• Applications: Open on an ongoing basis (no set closing date)
• Eligible industries: Digital game development (PC, console, mobile, VR, AR, XR)
• Required co-contribution: Minimum 50% of stage budget (can include in-kind, cash, or external funding)
• Location: Victorian companies or Victorian residents; applicants must be based in Australia

Priority Sectors

• Priority is given to digital game development projects by Victorian developers.
• Projects must align with Victoria’s Screen Industry Strategy 2021–2025 priorities, including industry expansion, job creation, and the development of Victorian content and intellectual property (IP).

Funding Scope

• Minimum/maximum: Funding requests are capped at $300,000 per stage and $500,000 per project.
• Funding streams:
  • Pre-Production: 10%–25% of the total project budget
  • Production: 10%–50% of the total project budget
  • Post-Production: Up to 50% of the post-production budget
• Projects must be ready to advance to pre-production, production, or post-production for market readiness.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be Australian individuals or companies
• Must be either a Victorian company or a Victorian resident
• Projects must be original digital games (PC, console, mobile, VR, AR, XR)
• Applicants must demonstrate a minimum 50% co-contribution to the state budget
• Proof of external funding contributions is required in the financial plan

Eligible Activities and Expenses

• Staffing costs for the development team
• Engagement of experienced mentors or consultants (creative, technical, business, accessibility, diversity)
• Legal fees (distribution, licensing, publishing agreements, IP protection)
• Accounting costs and advice
• Pre-Production: Early-stage development, business development, market strategy, branding, pitch materials
• Production: Full-scale development, audience engagement, pre-release marketing
• Post-Production: Ongoing content, localisation, porting, post-release marketing, community engagement

Assessment Process

• The grant is competitive; a judging panel assesses applications.
• Key evaluation criteria include:
  • Project merit and readiness
  • Alignment with Victoria’s screen industry priorities
  • Creative, cultural, and commercial potential
  • Value for money and industry impact

Recent Program Updates

• Applications are open on an ongoing basis.
• No recent changes to funding caps or eligibility have been announced.

Application Tips

• Review all eligibility and documentation requirements thoroughly before applying.
• Prepare a detailed business case, including project milestones, financial forecasts, and team credentials.
• Align the project proposal with Victoria’s Screen Industry Strategy priorities.
• Consider engaging a professional grant consultant to strengthen the application, especially for competitive programs.
• Provide clear evidence of co-contributions and external funding commitments.

Where to Get Help For Victorian Production Fund (VPF) – Games 

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist, such as Pattens Group. We offer initial assessments to review your business’s eligibility and evaluate how well your project aligns with the grant’s objectives. You can also visit relevant government websites for application templates and further guidance.