New Zealand's game development industry has exceeded $1 billion in revenue, reaching this milestone two years ahead of schedule.
New Zealand's game development industry has surpassed the $1 billion revenue mark earlier than expected, thanks to initiatives like the Game Development Sector Rebate (GDSR) and funding from the Centre of Digital Excellence (CODE). The sector experienced a 7% growth by the end of 2023, hitting $270.9 million. In the previous year, the industry saw a significant increase, generating $758.9 million and expanding its workforce by 29%.
Developers in New Zealand have been able to create games with the support of the GDSR and funding from the CODE, leading to a substantial return on investment for the government. The industry's success is highlighted by the projection that the creative, digital, and tech sectors will soon outperform the primary sector in GDP, showcasing the rapid growth and potential of the game development industry in the country.
The NZGDA executive director, Joy Keene, emphasized the collaborative efforts between the government and industry players, which have significantly contributed to the industry's growth and economic impact. Keene stressed the importance of establishing educational pathways to sustain this growth and leverage the job opportunities that the expanding game development sector offers as a valuable export industry for New Zealand.
