Nine digital games supported for the pre-production phase of development
Applications are now open for a new round of pre-production and post-production funding, closing Monday, 11 November 2024 at 5:00pm AWST.
Screenwest is pleased to announce that nine Western Australian digital game projects have received funding for the pre-production phase of development through our Digital Games Production Fund.
The fund supports game development for PC, consoles, mobile, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) or extended reality (XR) and is designed to help WA studios and developers bring their ideas and prototypes to a level that will gain interest from other investors and partners, have successful releases and achieve high player retention post launch.
From an adventure game set in the world of Homer’s Odyssey to a groovy tribute to 70’s and 80’s spy camp, the projects supported through the latest round span a range of genres including puzzle, horror, role-playing (RPG) and action.
“Once again, the latest round of pre-production funding has demonstrated how many talented game developers we have in Western Australia. The quality and quantity of applications we have received continues to exceed our expectations. We can’t wait to share the projects we are supporting with the latest round as they take their imaginative ideas and game designs into pre-production. A big congratulations to all our recipients!” said Mark Smith, Screenwest Digital Games Manager.
Applications for a new round of pre-production and post-production support are now open, closing Monday, 11 November.
Digital Games Production Funding recipients
Pre-Production
Locating Echos
- Genre: Adventure, Puzzle
- Platform: PC, Nintendo Switch
- Key Creatives:
- Lead Developer: Mitchell Hancock
- Synopsis: Locating Echos is a narratively driven story of the Nymph Echo as she explores the world, reconnecting with the people in her life, as she heals after great heartache and tragedy. It is a story of self-discovery, and forgiveness. She will explore the world, changed by the machinations of the gods, from whom she seeks forgiveness, and those who have granted aid. Her vision changed to only see with sound, she must navigate the world paying attention to it, leveraging the time she spent as but a voice repeating that which she hears.
Golem SMASH
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Platformer, Physics, Puzzle, Sandbox
- Studio: TwinRune Studio
- Platform: VR
- Key Creatives:
- Directors: Joshua Anderson, Kailen Anderson
- Programmer: Campbell McCracken
- Composer: Matthew Massang
- Voice Artist: Carmina Farano
- Synopsis: An action-packed/physics-based VR game where YOU are a GOLEM with the ability to grow in size and strength! Fight a variety of enemies using physics-based combat and interactive hand locomotion to solve puzzles, defeat enemies and traverse the world.
Asherah’s Moon
- Genre: Puzzle, Casual
- Platform: Mobile
- Key Creatives:
- Creative Director: Lucy Peach
- Director: Lucy Cooke
- Lead Developer/Artist/Designer: Esther Krogdahl
- Artist: Sam Ee
- Engineer: Dixon Hee
- Synopsis: Asherah’s Moon is a mobile game for tweens and teens inspired by the power of cycles in nature. Players nurture four guardian spirits mirroring the narrative of self-care through the four phases of the menstrual cycle. Periodic gameplay is tailored to each guardian to both increase their happiness and, restore balance to the cosmos by bringing their four planets back into orbit with each other.
Outback Truckers
- Genre: Adventure
- Studio: Prospero Productions
- Platform: PC, Mobile
- Key Creatives:
- Executive Producer: Julia Redwood
- Producer: Justin McArdle
- Synopsis: Prospero Productions, in collaboration with Truck World Australia, is developing the first DLC for the Truck World Australia game, inspired by the hugely popular and long-running observational documentary series Outback Truckers. Designed and created in Western Australia, this DLC lets you step into the cab and experience the life of a trucker for a day, alongside your favorite characters from the show.
Aletheia: Return of Odysseus
- Genre: Adventure, RPG
- Platform: PC
- Key Creatives:
- Lead Developer: Sean Rowick
- Support Developer: Ashley Binks
- Synopsis: Embark on an accurate retelling of Homer’s Odyssey. A classic-inspired CRPG that puts you in control of Odysseus during his return home from the Trojan War. The game features turn-based combat, detailed character creation, choices and consequences, and a faithful depiction of Homer’s Greece.
Monster Snap
- Genre: Photography, Cozy
- Studio: Moo Duck Games
- Platform: VR
- Key Creatives:
- Programmer: Laurance Valentini
- Artist: Clinton Ellard
- Synopsis: Capture photos of legendary creatures like Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster in VR! Explore magical environments, unlock gadgets to trigger unique creature behaviours, and fill your compendium with rare shots while uncovering the secrets of the Bermuda Triangle!
Pixel Wizards
- Genre: Action, Platformer, Couch Co-op
- Studio: Slow Rush Studios
- Platform: PC
- Key Creatives:
- Founder: Caspar Krieger
- Synopsis: Pixel Wizards (working title) is a fast-paced couch co-op run-n-gun, where you blast baddies with custom spells in a fully destructible world where every pixel is individually physically simulated – and your friends are more dangerous than your enemies.
Red Swing
- Genre: Horror, Roguelike, Stealth
- Studio: Bytesprite
- Platform: PC
- Key Creatives:
- Directors: Sam Zeid, Liam Hunt
- Synopsis: Red Swing is a stealth horror roguelike for PC. You play as children in a new surreal world where childhood nostalgia collides with eldritch horror. You will need to use stealth and cunning to survive the monstrosities that lurk in every corner. When hiding is no longer an option, use a cache of diverse toys-turned-weapons to stand a chance in this unique take on the roguelike genre.
Fabulous Crisis
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Rhythm
- Platform: VR, AR/XR
- Key Creatives:
- Lead Game Designer: Aramis Marcuola-Bel
- Narrative Director: Pauli Kidd
- Producer/Narrative Designer: Amy Louise Doherty
- Synopsis: Fabulous Crisis is a VR Rhythm Action pose-off battle set in a groovy but deadly world of Queer spies. Your mission: Control Richard Twunk, Superspy for International Intelligence agency GAAYS, as you unleash the power of Groove Energy, put on your most flashy outfit, and dance battle your way around the world through a hierarchy of corrupted dance idols, and free them to join forces and outwit your most cunning adversary – your Supervillain Ex-Boyfriend who is more than they seem! A groovy tribute to 70’s and 80’s spy camp, and a celebration of all things Queer and musical!
Applications for the new round close Monday, 11 November 2024 at 5:00pm AWST.
The full guidelines, application materials and eligibility criteria are available on the Digital Games Funding page of the Screenwest website.
Please note: for this round support is only available for the pre-production and post-production phases of game development.
Program Contact
For more information about Digital Games funding (including travel), please contact:
Mark Smith, Digital Games Manager
Screenwest
T: +61 8 6169 2108
E: mark.smith@screenwest.com.au
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