$330k fund for five Australian studios

Five developers based in the Australian state of Victoria will receive a share of $330,000 – as part of a new initiative to help boost the region’s battling games industry.

“Victoria’s games companies are competing on the world stage, and our government will continue to play a leading role in supporting and driving Victoria’s growing digital media sector,” said business minister Louise Asher.

“By investing in five commercially appealing projects, we are assisting games developers to create content that attracts overseas interest, generates further investment opportunities and stimulates the global market.”

The funds come via the Film Victoria Games Investment program, which is open to studios working on all platforms from consoles to iPads to social networks.

“Developers can also access the program to help them create a prototype game to show potential distributors or publishers, which will help them to access higher levels of investment,” Asher said.

The funded projects, and studio recipients of the fund, can be found below:

• Rugby Union, by Wicked Witch Software
"This official football game for iPhone will feature all official clubs and players with 3D graphics for arcade game play and a range of fun activities and mini-games".

• Urban Wolf, by Brawsome
"A puzzle adventure game is for PC/Mac/iPhone/iPad, where players help a magician escape unique puzzling rooms using the power of a mysterious amulet".

• Puzzle Treasure, by Play-Bit Entertainment
"A free-to-play social game for Facebook that challenges players and their friends to solve, create and share 2D Dissection Puzzles".

• Table Top Cricket, by Big Ant Studios
"This PlayStation Network and Xbox Live game takes a fun and addictive approach to table top cricket while pushing the online aspects of the consoles and bringing players together in a world cup".

• Mykola on the roof, by Ivan Dickson and Greg Sharp
"This independent game for iPad, iPhone and web features Mykola, a chimney sweep, who survives in a post-industrial world gone berserk by making friends and taming beasts".