NSW Game Developers Left Behind
20 September 2023, IGEA and our NSW-based game development members are incredibly disappointed to see the reduction of games funding programs revealed in the NSW State budget. NSW has steadily built its presence in the games sector for the last couple of years. Our data shows NSW has achieved growth in full-time employees working in game development and studios establishing and maintaining a base in the region.
The landscape in Australia for the sector to surge in employment, skills, business attraction and exports is ripe. The Commonwealth Government fully supports the game development industry, demonstrated by introducing the Digital Games Tax Offset in conjunction with direct games funding through Screen Australia. These Federal incentives support smaller and larger game projects created locally and encourage investment in Australia.
To capitalise on this and attract studios, other states across Australia are increasing and improving their game development funding to reap the benefits that a thriving, supported and recognised game development sector can tribute to a creative and technically skilled local economy. Sadly, NSW is now headed in the opposite direction. Not only is NSW the only state in Australia that does not have direct video game development funding options, a reduced rebate program leaves NSW with virtually no competitive edge and no incentives for up and coming video game creators to stay local.
IGEA has recently provided a submission to the NSW Government in response to its creation of a new arts and cultural sector policy, outlining not only the importance and cultural significance of the video games industry, but also how critical increased and ongoing government support is to keeping video game studios within NSW. We will continue our consultation with the NSW Government on their current Arts, Culture and Creative Industries Policy discussion while maintaining our advocacy for NSW game developers to create an environment where they can operate successfully and not at a competitive disadvantage to other States across Australia.
Media spokespeople available:
- Ron Curry, CEO of IGEA
Media contacts
About IGEA
IGEA (Interactive Games & Entertainment Association) is the peak industry association representing the voice of Australian and New Zealand companies in the computer and video games industry. IGEA supports the games industry’s business and public policy interests through advocacy, research and education programs. For more information, please visit www.igea.net