Digital Games Pathway Program – 2027

BUILD YOUR PATH INTO THE GAMES INDUSTRY

Turn your career goals into a plan, and get the support to make them happen.

Where do you want your games career to be in 12 months?

Screenworks’ Digital Games Pathway Program gives one emerging games practitioner from regional NSW the opportunity to turn that ambition into action.

Develop a plan around where you want to go, identify the skills, experience and industry connections that will help you get there, and receive targeted financial support to make it happen.

Whether you’re developing games, creating art, writing narratives, working in production, audio or another area of the games industry, this program is designed to help you take your next career step.

The Opportunity

The successful applicant will receive a tailored support package to help bring their career plan to life.

This includes:

• $2,000 professional development support – To fund approved training, mentoring, conferences and other career-building activities.
• $1,500 travel support – Assistance with travel costs for approved industry events, markets, conferences and professional opportunities.
• Complimentary IGEA membership (valued at $500) – A one-year membership to the Interactive Games & Entertainment Association, providing access to industry resources, insights and networking opportunities.
• An opportunity to apply for IGEA’s mentoring program which develops ongoing relationships with executive members of the Games industry by means of regular 1:1 meetings and facilitated group forums to discuss matters relating to video games within an organised yet flexible framework. 
• Industry connections and guidance – Opportunities to connect with games professionals, expand your network and build valuable industry relationships.

The program is delivered by Screenworks with the support of Screen NSW and the Interactive Games & Entertainment Association (IGEA), with IGEA assisting with the assessment of applications.

How It Works?

Applicants will create a 12-month Career Plan outlining the activities and opportunities that will help them progress towards their professional goals.

Your plan could include:

• Professional development courses or training
• Industry conferences, events or markets
• Mentoring or guidance from industry professionals
• Other approved activities that support your career development.

Your Career Plan should be practical, achievable and clearly demonstrate how the support will help you move your career forward.

Who Is It For?

The Digital Games Pathway Program is for emerging and early-career games practitioners living in regional NSW who are committed to developing a career in the digital games industry.

You may be working in a studio, independently or across a hybrid practice, or transitioning into games from a related creative field.

Applicants must:

• Be an emerging or early-career games practitioner
• Demonstrate a commitment to building a career in the digital games industry
• Be a current Screenworks member
• Currently live in regional NSW and have lived in regional NSW for at least six months prior to applying.

How Will Applicants Be Selected?

Applicants will be assessed on:

• The quality of their previous work, skills and experience
• Their commitment to a career in the games industry
• The strength and potential impact of their 12-month Career Plan
• How the opportunity could support their professional development and career goals
• Their potential to contribute to the growth of the games industry in regional NSW.

What Do I Need To Apply?

You will need to provide:

• Completed application form
• CV/resume
• 12-Month Career Plan – download and complete the template, then upload it with your application
• Proof of regional NSW residency (e.g. driver’s licence or proof of age card)
• Proof of Australian citizenship

Definitions, guidelines, terms & conditions:

Please read the Program Guidelines and Terms & Conditions before applying.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 10:00am (AEDT), TUESDAY, 1st DECEMBER, 2026