Game on: Screenwest launches first digital games strategy as production surges with record number of releases in January – Screenwest has levelled up support for Western Australia’s burgeoning digital games industry, launching its first ever dedicated games strategy for the next four years.
The commitment comes as research shows the Western Australian games and interactive sector continues to grow – after tripling in size during the COVID pandemic – and hitting a record-breaking month in January with the release of four Screenwest-supported games - Lunars, Finch and Archie, Omi Oh My AI and Don’t Stop Girlypop!
The Screenwest Digital Games Strategy 2026-2029 sets out key initiatives to further grow the industry, including securing ongoing financial support to help make WA games funding the most competitive in Australia.
The strategy will work to:
• Boost the economic benefit of locally-produced, Screenwest-supported games from $2.2 million a year to $4 million by mid-2029.
• Increase the number of digital games companies based in WA by 50% by mid-2029.
• Support at least six games a year by the end of 2029.
In addition, Screenwest will advocate for a competitive incentive/rebate for Western Australia in line with other states. Screenwest will also work with the WA Government and stakeholders with the intent to develop a creative hub to foster industry networking and collaboration.
It comes as research by the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (IGEA) shows 94% of Australian households have a device for playing video games and 81% of Australians play video games.
Bucking the widespread misconception that gaming is a pursuit of teens and young people, data reveals 74% of Australians aged 65-74 years old play video games and 58% of Australians aged 75-84 years old.
Screenwest Chief Executive Officer Rikki Lea Bestall said:
“Western Australia’s digital games sector has seen strong growth in recent years, and this strategy backs local gaming houses and developers with a bold vision. The plan embraces the recent upward trajectory to elevate Western Australian made games, interactive products and talented developers on a global stage. With this strong foundation, Screenwest will help drive the industry into its next phase of growth and best position Western Australia to further capitalise on the economic benefits, talent innovation and export capacity of our digital games sector.”
Waleed Agawani, who with his brother Hanny developed the recently released Anubis Arts’ game Lunars, said:
“Screenwest’s support extends well beyond funding. Through industry guidance, expo support, and their active presence in the WA game development scene, they’ve played an important role in helping Anubis Arts and other local developers grow.”
Michael Pearce, who developed highly successful 3D platforming adventure Misc. A Tiny Tale, said:
“Screenwest’s support has been essential in making our creative vision a reality. It allowed us to invite local creatives to join and contribute to many parts of the experience. We’ve received many letters from fans thanking us for making the game and encouraging us to make more in the future. Their personal stories and how they felt emotional experiencing Misc’s world is heartfelt and touching – and it wouldn’t have been possible without Screenwest’s support. Screenwest has had a huge impact on the games industry in WA and I can’t wait to see how the seeds they’re planting grow in the future.”
The latest catalogue of Screenwest-supported games releases includes:
• Lunars, Anubis Arts, is a multi-player party game where players customise characters, conquer mini-games and outsmart rivals with special items and power-ups. With three games modes, including one where everyone plays at once, it is non-stop fun!
• Finch and Archie is a two-player episodic co-op noir murder mystery game, produced by Octarine Arts set in the Great Depression, where players each play one half of crime-fighting duo: Detective Jack Finch or his police dog, Archie, using deduction skills and sense of smell to find evidence, interrogate suspects and catch the culprit.
• Omi Oh My AI, by Perth-based indie studio Every Second Studio, is a 90s inspired puzzle game. Omi is your quirky AI friend that leads you on a quest of the World Wide Web of the 90s, where you must prove you’re human. Omi Oh My AI is the studio’s first game.
• Don’t Stop Girlypop! is a highly anticipated first-person-shooter game by Funny Fintan Softworks. It is a Y2K arena movement shooter game, where staying still is not an option.
Last financial year, Screenwest supported 22 games projects through the Digital Games Production Fund, which are expected to inject around $2.2 million into the WA economy.
Digital games practitioners were also supported to attend key markets/conferences including the Tokyo Game Show, Melbourne International Games Week, Game Developers Conference in San Francisco and Gamescom in Germany.
The Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport has estimated Western Australia’s games and interactive sector tripled in size since the COVID pandemic, with a 217% increase in the number of full-time games development employees based in WA from 2020-21 to 2021-22.
Media Release – Screenwest
Link to Screenwest HERE
TV Central Screen Australia content HERE
Game on: Screenwest launches first digital games strategy as production surges with record number of releases in January
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