A NSW Government website

Digital Games to Europe

Eligible businesses can apply for support to export digital games products and services to Europe. Applications closed on Sunday 9 June 2024.

Program dates

The program will run from June to August 2024.

Selected businesses will participate in an onshore educational program followed by attendance at Gamescom 2024.

Key event

GamescomExternal Link is on from 21 to 25 August 2024 in Cologne, Germany. In-person attendance at the event is required.

Gamescom is one of the largest and most influential trade fairs for digital gaming and entertainment worldwide.

Gamescom is particularly noteworthy for its massive scale and extensive range of global exhibitors, making it a key event for showcasing the latest in gaming, and providing opportunities for industry professionals to collaborate, share knowledge, and develop business relationships.

Curriculum

Market Intelligence and Cultural Training

  • Gain insights on doing business at Gamescom, including cultural etiquette and cost management.
  • Understand the digital games landscape both in Europe and globally, alongside general business economics and trends in gaming.

Pitch Development

  • Develop effective Gamescom-specific pitch decks, prepare for engagements with investors and publishers, and receive feedback from market experts.

Go-to-Market Strategy

  • Receive tailored strategic advice for securing publishing deals, funding, and investment. Learn about competitor analysis, user research, team building, budgeting, and marketing strategies.
  • Develop negotiation tactics and media strategies, including PR and influencer engagement.

Industry Opportunities and Partnering

  • Enhance business development through introductions to potential partners, customers, publishers, and investors.
  • Participate in targeted business matching.

Mentoring

  • Benefit from mentoring sessions with industry leaders and Australian executives experienced in European and global business expansion.

Ongoing Support

  • Access continuous guidance from NSW Government/Austrade TradeStart Export Advisers for sustained business growth.

We estimate you will invest 10 hours on our educational/training programs prior to travelling in-market. This does not include any optional activities or work your business may need to do outside of sessions.

*The curriculum may be subject to change.

Participation requirements and success factors

Eligibility for the overall Program

  • Have headquarters in NSW.
  • Have a valid Australian Business Number (ABN) registered for NSW.
  • Be export-capable and export-ready.
  • Have an employee number between 3 and 199 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.
  • The product or service must be produced primarily in NSW.
  • The product or service is achieving sales already.
  • Have a website featuring the product or service.
  • Be prepared to adapt the product or service for the new market.
  • Be flexible regarding market-entry method.
  • Have resources to support marketing and development for a new market.
  • Be willing to travel to the selected market (where and when travel is permitted) and/or to Sydney for events, and must cover own travel expenses.

Note: this program is designed for NSW businesses who produce and own their IP and brand. This program is not for aggregators, traders, or businesses who sell services to exporters.

The ideal participant for this program will be:

  • Revenue generating.
  • Well-resourced for expansion, particularly looking to securing a publisher.
  • Have qualified customer leads.
  • Offer a unique and innovative digital games product, aiming for refinement to showcase at a global event.
  • Present a compelling proposition for the market.
  • Have a clear awareness of competitors.
  • Follow up from leads/communications from GDC and Gamescom 2023.

This program targets small- and medium sized studios looking for support.

Your business is not suitable for this program if you have no customers and are not generating revenue and have no plans to enter European or global markets within the next 12 months.

How to apply

Applications closed on Sunday 9 June 2024.

Contact us

If you have any questions relating to this stream, please contact:

William Robison, Senior Export Advisor

[email protected]