Powering up the digital games sector in NSW

Screen NSW is expanding its support and increasing workforce capacity for the dynamic digital games sector, with Screen NSW’s Digital Games Rebate expenditure threshold now lowered to $350,000. 

Through the Digital Games Rebate, the NSW Government offers a 10 per cent rebate on qualifying NSW expenditure for eligible digital games. The Rebate is designed to nurture homegrown developers, attract and retain work and talent to the state, and accelerate growth in the NSW digital games sector.   

While many larger, established studios currently access the Rebate, the lowered threshold means it will now be more accessible to a broader range of digital games companies in NSW, including many independent studios that currently operate in the state.   

Lowering the threshold from $500,000 was first announced as part of the three-year NSW Screen and Digital Games Strategy in October 2024. For a limited six-week period, from Friday 28 February 2025 to Friday 11 April 2025, there will be an exemption period for new applications for the Rebate to include eligible expenditure incurred on or after 16 October 2024.  

For full details and updated guidelines, please visit the Digital Games Rebate page. 

Head of Screen NSW, Kyas Hepworth said: 

"We have already seen the positive impact the Digital Games Rebate has had on the local industry, with our larger studios like Riot Games creating valuable jobs for the sector, which has given our NSW talent the chance to develop essential skills and get on the job knowledge and experience.  

“However, a flourishing games industry is one that includes large and small developers. By lowering the threshold it means Screen NSW can support more digital games businesses in the state. This will build business capacity to encourage sustainable growth in the digital games sector, while also meaning creators can keep making world class games here in NSW, and sharing these stories on a global platform.”  

Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (IGEA) CEO, Ron Curry said: 

“We are thrilled that the NSW Government continue to ramp up their support of digital games in NSW. The digital games sector is made up of businesses of all shapes and sizes and I’m excited to see what new opportunities will be available for studios, now more projects will qualify for the Rebate. I’m sure this will be welcome news across the sector and means we can continue to build a robust work force, expand knowledge, and foster creativity of developers in NSW.” 

Chaos Theory Games Executive Creative Director, Nico King said: 

“This announcement is fantastic news for the NSW games industry. By broadening the scope of the projects that can receive the Rebate we will see new games being created, and new businesses able to grow. We look forward to seeing what amazing indie games are produced in our state, and hopefully, we can contribute a few of our own!”

Image: Valorant. Courtesy of Riot Games.