Microgames Commissions

We define a microgame as a short player experience – somewhere in the realm of 5-15 minutes playtime depending on the particulars of the game itself.

Fee of $5000 to build an arcade-format microgame that will subsequently become part of the ACMI collection.

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.

The games will be playable in a prominent public space inside ACMI from August 2026 to January 2027. They will launch as part of Now or Never that runs from 19 – 30 August 2026.

No. This is the only funding round.

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.

Prototypes for testing need to be ready by 8 July 2026, with the final microgame delivered to ACMI by 7 August 2026.

Applications will be assessed by a judging panel comprised of ACMI and Now or Never festival staff.

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

• Interesting and innovative approach to the theme Remix
• 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)
• Appropriate for a general, all-ages audience

The ACMI selection committee can provide general advice on a project idea, but they will not read applications before they are submitted.
Please direct enquiries to commissions@acmi.net.au

There are lots of microgames we love at ACMI – here's a few that touch on some of the Remix themes:

Under A Star Called Sun – Cecile Richard

Salix8 Sunset – Timothy Charles Koch

Hint Line ’93 – Secret Lab in collaboration with Yarn Spinner and Paris Buttfield-Addison

The pitch deck is a cohesive way for you to outline and clarify the various aspects of your game proposal.

Game / playable elements describe how the game operates – what type of game is it? How does the player interact? What is the core gameplay loop? Narrative games may contain an outline of themes, characters and locations.

Visual treatment and design elements showcase the look and feel of the game. It could include concept art, character / environmental sketches, mood boards, UX / UI mockups, typography and text treatments.

You can use the commission to expand an existing game.

As part of the conditions of commission/acquisition into the Collection, ACMI will expect to have a license to use the work in perpetuity. No question of IP transfer of course, that remains squarely with the creator, but that ACMI can use it and make it available through our programs etc. ongoing/worldwide and royalty free.

When ACMI collects a game, it means we have decided it should be preserved for future generations. The creator retains the full rights to their microgame – but ACMI will collect a copy of the playable game, and a copy of the source code so that it can be preserved in our archive. It also means that ACMI has permission to exhibit the game on an ongoing basis, in other events and exhibitions. As part of the collecting process, we will also meet with you to record your intentions for how the game should be preserved, and any parameters around displaying it in future.

The collections agreement also has an exclusivity period – so while the microgames are being exhibited at ACMI (August 2026 – January 2027), you can't show your game elsewhere, including releasing it online. After January 2027, you are totally free to release it, exhibit it at other venues, or do whatever you like with it, so long as ACMI are listed as the commissioning body in the credits. If a really good opportunity comes up during the exclusivity period – don't worry. Just email us and we can work something out!