Local games industry innovators have the opportunity to promote their skills and products to international audiences with the opening of round two of the McGowan Government’s International Access Pass program.
Western Australians working in games and interactive technologies (including virtual reality, augmented reality and immersive technologies) can apply for grants of up to $5,000 to attend key events that help them connect with the global games industry.
The 13 recipients of round one grants reported their travel helped them find commercial opportunities and build their international relationships and partnerships, as well as boosting their confidence and motivation to continue in the burgeoning games industry.
Perth games development company, Dogmelon used its grant from round one to travel to PAX East in Boston, a huge gaming conference where multinational games companies and small businesses alike showcase their latest products.
It was at this conference that Dogmelon met a representative of Nintendo who is interested in creating a Nintendo compatible version of their game – Baron: Fur is gonna fly. The company is now in the last stages of development for the Nintendo version of their game.
Western Australians can apply for round two grants in the following five categories:
- Superstar – the main award, for talented Western Australians who have a great product that they are ready to take to the world and who can deliver business results;
- Bright Spark – for high potential individuals who have recently graduated (within the last two years) from a WA university or VET institution/organisation;
- Trailblazer – recognising women who inspire other women and girls to develop their science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills and act as leaders in their chosen field;
- New Horizons – for individuals who use games technology, theory or skills in other sectors such as education and training, health, mining or finance; and
- Teamed Up – awarded to a team of two who need to travel together to make their mission succeed.
Applications are open now and close at 12pm on October 7, 2019. For more information, visit https://www.newindustries.wa.gov.au/iap
As stated by Innovation and ICT Minister Dave Kelly:
“The McGowan Government’s International Access Pass program is supporting the State’s small but extremely talented games and interactive technology industry to promote their products and capabilities to international audiences.
“The global games industry had revenue of $135 billion in 2018, which shows there is an economic growth opportunity for our State by promoting our talented local games innovators.
“It’s fantastic to see participants from round one making strides in the global games industry by engaging with industry heavyweights, such as Nintendo, thanks to this program.
“The diverse range of categories provides opportunities for experienced games professionals, skilled graduates, women and others in the games and interactive technology fields to apply for round two grants.”
