New Zealand (Commonwealth Union) – Gaming technology continues to become more and more realistic to enhance user experience. As the industry grows, the economics of the sector has received more attention across governments and private sectors across the world.
The Christchurch Game Developers Association, Screen CanterburyNZ, ChristchurchNZ and the University of Canterbury (UC) have joined hands to enhance the game development industry in Canterbury which is situated in the central-eastern South Island. Leaders and contributors recently came together to release the 2022 Game Industry Action Plan to tackle obstacles and collaborate on potential solutions to the obstacles.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic occurred, the digital economy was the most rapidly growing sector of the global economy with the interactive media industry valued at $258B (approximately 163 billion US dollars) in 2021, beating the film and music industries together. New Zealand presently contributes a minor amount to the global games market, if the country’s game industry raised its share by just 0.1% – it would represent $258M (approximately 163 million US dollars) in exports each year making it a goal of the chair of the Christchurch Game Developers’ Association.
“There’s no denying Christchurch has a real chance to improve industry outcomes and grow our sector ten-fold with the right attitude changes, investment opportunities and pathways. The action plan lays out the next steps to improving access to business support, early-stage funding, and regional events to support the growth of the game industry locally,” said Leith Caldwell, Chairperson of the Christchurch Game Developers Association (CGDA).
Countries such as Canada and the UK give significant backing to the game development Industry. The UK recently brought in a Games Fund allocating up to £25,000 for video game development projects, a move which Screen CanterburyNZ Manager Petrina D’Rozario views as a simple and effective step.
The report noted five key goals: Collaboration, Capability, Content, Culture and Contribution; activating local government and rūnanga, businesses and trade organizations, education providers, central government as well as the game industry.
