2026 New Zealand Video Games Industry Policy Platformer

10
Jun

The Interactive Games & Entertainment Association (IGEA) and the New Zealand Game Developers Association (NZGDA) proudly present the 2026 New Zealand Policy Platformer. In this platformer, we celebrate the New Zealand video game industry success story and most importantly, the world-class creatives behind the screens.  

Video games are a cornerstone of the digital economy, and game development is a highly skilled, technical, creative and export-focused sector. Preliminary revenue figures show New Zealand game developers now generate over $1 billion dollars of revenue a year, which equates to roughly $706,000 in revenue per full-time equivalent, more than double the national productivity average. 

As the general election approaches, we outline key opportunities and policy settings that will determine whether New Zealand’s game development sector reaches its full potential, and presents a unified vision for a modernised partnership between our industry and Government. Our policy asks fall under the following key themes:  

  • Building the next generation of talent  
  • Supporting game development across the education system  
  • Formally recognise game development as a distinct multidisciplinary industry 
  • Good public policy design drawing from international best practices 
  • Support and healthy gameplay for all Kiwis  
  • A modern classification scheme for video games 
  • Consultative and constructive approach to copyright and IP 

 

Download the 2026 New Zealand Policy Platformer here.

The Executive Summary is also available here.  

Media spokespeople available:

Joy Keene, Executive Director of NZGDA
Ron Curry, CEO of IGEA
Raelene Knowles, COO of IGEA

Please contact Policy@igea.net

About NZGDA

The New Zealand Game Developers Association (NZGDA) is the national industry body for interactive media and game development in New Zealand.
NZGDA supports and advocates for local game developers, promotes the industry globally, and works to foster a thriving, sustainable game development ecosystem in Aotearoa. For more information, please visit www.nzgda.com

 

About IGEA

IGEA (Interactive Games & Entertainment Association) is the peak industry association representing the voice of Australian and New Zealand companies in the 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