The 20-year-old Freeplay, an Australian festival dedicated to indie games, faces uncertainty due to a lack of government funding

Since its inception in 2004, Freeplay has been a celebrated independent gaming festival in Australia. However, its future is uncertain due to a recent inability to obtain government financial support.

An online notice issued by the festival organizers, also covered by Game Developer, reveals a strain on the festival's operation. Although organizations like Freeplay often rely heavily on volunteers and sporadic funding, the inability to receive funds from the Creative Victoria's Creative Enterprises Fund has left a significant gap in needed resources.

The festival's team expressed their discontent, noting that of the 81 arts organizations receiving funding in the 2026-2029 cycle, not a single one pertains to games or interactive arts. They highlighted the continued importance of Freeplay’s mission to honor games as an art form.

The statement emphasizes the significance of games in Australia's culture and highlights Freeplay's longstanding role in showcasing unconventional and experimental gaming. While they are eager to extend their work for another two decades, the lack of governmental support places this goal at risk.

As a key player in the Australian gaming landscape for over two decades, the Freeplay team is seeking insights on maximizing their remaining assets and exploring other funding avenues to continue their advocacy for experimental game development in Australia.