ACMI Microgames Commission

Calling all Australian game developers and artists: we want to hear your ideas for a microgame to be shown and played at ACMI during the run of a new major exhibition exploring the playable worlds of videogames, from September 2025 to February 2026.

We’re offering fees between $5,000 and $10,000 for individuals or teams to build browser-based games that demonstrate:

• exciting, expansive world-building
• interesting relationships between player and maker
• playful responses to the context of ACMI as a museum of screen culture.

If successful, your microgame will be installed in public spaces and exhibitions across ACMI for thousands of people to see and play while visiting the space. The game will also enter into the ACMI collection and be playable outside the museum.

Whether you have a microgame already in development or an idea for a brand-new microgame – all are eligible for proposal. We anticipate these microgames to be built on existing platforms, and players should be able to participate solo or in groups. Don’t forget, your game must be appropriate for public spaces and a museum environment.

Ready to pitch? Read through the FAQ plus full eligibility requirements and selection criteria, and submit your proposal before Tue 5 May 2025.

Good luck!

Eligibility

We encourage applications from First Nations People, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, Deaf and Disabled people and people from the LGBTIQA+ community.

You must be an Australian game developer or artist to apply for this commission. To be classified as an Australian artist, you must either be:

• born in Australia
• an Australian citizen
• living in Australia as an approved temporary resident for a minimum of two year, and/or a permanent resident of Australia.

The maker may be living in Australia or overseas as long as at least one of the above stated criteria are demonstrable. Where the game is produced by collaboration, no less than fifty percent of the contributors must meet the above criteria.

Applicants will need to provide:

• a description of the microgame
• a list of all the creatives and collaborators working on the microgame
• a pitch deck that outlines concept, playable elements, visual treatment and design elements
• examples of previous work
• a one-page CV
• a budget for the microgame
• a production timeline with milestones.

Selection Criteria 

Games will be chosen by the ACMI selection committee, on the following criteria: 

• Exciting, compelling world-building
• Interesting relationships between player and maker
• Easily understood by a wide variety of visitors in terms of game design, playability and mechanics
• Duration and the game experience
• Playful, thoughtful responses to the context of ACMI as a museum of screen culture
• Technical viability
• Previous experience of applicant(s)

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly do the successful recipients receive?

Fees of between $5,000 and $10,000 to build a browser-based microgame. Games to be available to be played at ACMI for the duration of the Game Worlds exhibition (September 2025 – February 2026). The game will subsequently become part of the ACMI collection.

What should I include in the budget?

You must ensure your budget realistically covers the cost of making the project and paying contributors appropriately, as there is no capacity for an increase in the final sum awarded.

Where will the microgames be on display?

The games will be on display in public spaces and exhibitions across ACMI. The games will also enter into the ACMI collection and be playable outside the museum.

Will there be another funding round?

No. This is the only funding round.

How many proposals can I submit?

Applicants can only submit one proposal. You can however, submit one application as the principal developer and be included as a collaborator on another developer's proposal.

When does the project need to be completed?

Prototypes for testing need to be ready by August, with the final game completed to go live in September 2025.

Who will be assessing my application?

Applications will be assessed by a selection committee comprised of ACMI staff.

How will my application be assessed? 

Games will be assessed by a selection committee comprised of ACMI staff, on the following criteria:

• Exciting, compelling world-building
• Interesting relationships between player and maker
• Easily understood by a wide variety of visitors in terms of game design, playability and mechanics
• Duration and the game experience
• Playful, thoughtful responses to the context of ACMI as a museum of screen culture
• Technical viability
• Previous experience of applicant(s)

Can I get feedback before I submit?  

The ACMI selection committee can provide general advice on a project idea, but they will not read applications before they are submitted.

Key dates

Sat 4 April 2025 Applications open
Tue 5 May 2025 at 5pm Applications close
Tue 26 May 2025 Applicants notified of outcome
Mon 1 June 2025 Project commences
August 2025 Prototype delivery deadline
September 2025 Microgame delivery deadline