SA developers score support for original video games
SA video game developers have won the “biggest single tranche of funding for games in the SAFC’s history”, including for one featuring a ramen truck on an alien planet. See the full list of games.
South Australian video game developers will level up thanks to new funding dedicated to creating original, innovative video games.
Eleven SA projects will share in $500,000 of South Australian Film Corporation funding, which will bolster the studios and increase the number of locally-made video games in the global marketplace.
The SAFC’s new Digital Games Fund was launched in October 2025 and received more than 50 applications.
Successful recipients showcased the breadth of genres and styles being made in SA, from an arcade-style AFL game with a twist to farming and cooking simulators set on alien plants.
SAFC head of production Leanne Saunders said she was “delighted to announce the biggest single tranche of funding for games in the SAFC’s history”.
“We also welcome the members of our inaugural Games Industry Advisory Group, and look forward to working with them as we continue to grow and evolve our suite of programs and initiatives supporting the local game development sector,” Saunders said.
The inaugural members included Cerulean Creative Studios founder Arthur Ah Chee, Women in Creative Tech and Dream Divers Interactive founder Onnie Chan, Tantalus South head of studio Kim Forrest, Bad Plan Studios production manager Chad Habel, AEDA business investment advisor Ben Kirchner and Cam Rogers legal principal Cam Rogers.
Arts Minister Kyam Maher said the government was “proud to support our local developers to take a bigger slice of this growing, global industry”.
“South Australia is a true hub of innovation, and these video game developers and studios reflect some of the best of what the state has to offer in this sector,” Maher said.
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The selected developers and their projects are:
The Troll & the Witch’s House by Little Bandit – solo developer Ditte Wad-Andersen
A fun point-and-click adventure and puzzle game where you play as a troll trapped in a strange house filled with mysteries. Winner SAGE Best in Exhibition 2026.
Yakshini Lokam by Soft Magnets – lead developer Orlando Mee
A whimsical turn-based action-adventure where you play as a family of four magically transported from Hyderabad, India, to battle against a kingdom of magical creatures.
Life, Death and Ramen by We Made a Thing Studios – lead developers Jeremy Kelly-Bakker and Tom Phillips
You and your helpers, the Ramenlings, run a ramen truck on an alien planet, cooking by day and avoiding monsters by night.
Pro Jank Footy by Powerbomb Games – lead developers David Ashby and Tyler Roach
A fun Australian rules football game fusing action-packed retro arcade-style gameplay with absurd Aussie humour. Winner SAGE Best in Exhibition 2025.
TOYA. by The RnD Department – lead developers Rupert McPharlin and Daniel D’Cruz
A minimalist puzzle game where you guide a colourful cube through an evolving abstract landscape, with music from former Cirque du Soleil musician Chris Norton. Winner SAGE Elevate Award 2025.
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Pipsqueak! by Pond Games – lead developer Daniel Freer
A 2D action platformer starring Tofu, a tiny mouse exploring a strange and hostile world.
Delphinium by Cinnadev – lead developer Heidi Borge
A story-driven farming simulator in which cultivating connections with those around you matters just as much as growing your crops.
One Pop Planet by Mauii Makes Games – solo developer Lyndon Cullen-Reid
Match the pieces as they fall in this fun puzzle game.
End of Ember by Bad Plan Studios – lead developers Chad Habel and Daniel McGuiness
Kill demons and fight weird and gross bosses in this totally unhinged game that pays homage to horror movie franchises.
Photo Roboto by Monomyth Games – lead developers Quincy Geary and Tristram Geary
Use your Timewarp Camera to help Peppino the Roboto run his photography business, explore the island of Pallacanezza, and solve the Mysterious Curse.
Peppermint by Cowboy Fish – solo developer Samara Kelly
Play as Pepper Mint as she battles her way through a melting candy world in this cute, sweet and macabre action-adventure game.
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