Correction, 4 November 2026: the live intake still says submissions are accepted, but the October guidelines contain a material eligibility conflict. Page 2 offers support for released or near-release games, while page 4 excludes games already given a full retail release. We cannot resolve that scope from the published rules. Opportunity status is unconfirmed, not closed; the earlier verification timestamp is preserved. Our previous guide should have flagged this contradiction.
The 2026–27 program lists three one-off grant streams: up to A$30,000 for pre-production, A$150,000 for production and A$50,000 for substantial post-release work, excluding GST. These are caps, not guaranteed awards. The existing editorial image maps those advertised streams; it does not resolve eligibility.
Check eligibility before building the pack
Individual applicants need an active Australian Business Number, South Australian residency and must not be full-time students. The actual form additionally asks applicants to confirm Australian citizenship or permanent residence and age 18 or older; our earlier summary omitted that check. Companies need Australian control, South Australian registration and a principal South Australian place of business for at least six months. At least 75% of the team must primarily be based in South Australia. This is not an unrestricted international fund.
Projects need commercial intent, cleared rights and meaningful player interaction. Exclusions include gambling/social-casino games, educational-only or business-to-business products, retrospective milestones and remasters; lightly interactive visual novels are generally ineligible. Released-game eligibility needs the clarification above.
Match materials to the stream
The public application preview shows stream-specific pitch, budget, timeline and supporting-material requirements. Check the relevant stream rather than preparing one generic pack.
No closing date is published on the checked intake or program page. SAFC requires a pre-application discussion and reading its Terms of Trade, which contain funding, repayment, rights and reporting conditions. Confirm your eligibility and agreement terms with SAFC before preparing a request; Wumbo Games has not sought that clarification or applied.
Original sources
- SAFC — Digital Games Fund program page and current guidelines
- SAFC — October 2026 Digital Games Fund guidelines, including the post-release conflict
- SAFC — Digital Games Fund 2026–27 live application and form preview
- SAFC — Terms of Trade
Release plans and availability can change. Check the original source for the latest information.