Video games in New Zealand

In New Zealand, 67% of the population play video games, 48% of video game players are female and the average age of a video game player is 34. New Zealanders spend an average of 88 minutes a day playing video games[1]

In 2015, domestic video game development in New Zealand supported 568 full-time game developer jobs and collected $78.7 Million in revenue.[1] Overall, the video game industry in New Zealand is worth $424 million annually, inclusive of traditional retail and digital sales.[2] Despite the difference in population size, New Zealand game development is comparable to Australia's, in terms of revenue and employment.[3]

The industry body for video games in New Zealand is the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association.[2] The New Zealand Game Developers Association supports video game development.

History

New Zealand was an early adopter of the video game phenomenon, despite its remoteness.[4] Many Atari 2600 titles were assembled under licence by Monaco Distributors in Auckland.[5] New Zealand developed its own Pong-style game console, the Sportronic, in the late 1970s, as a result of import licensing laws.[6][7] The development of games in New Zealand was continued in the 1980s and 90s. Notable games include Laser Hawk, which was developed for the Atari 8-bit in 1986 by Andrew Bradfield and Harvey Kong Tin, and Super Skidmarks, which was released for the Commodore Amiga in 1995 and was developed by Auckland-based company Acid Software.

Major companies and global recognition

Although a minor player in the global video gaming industry, New Zealand has had success with homegrown game developers. Sidhe, the largest game studio in New Zealand, have developed a number of sports games, including several titles in the Rugby League series. Dinosaur Polo Club developed Mini Metro. The action RPG Path of Exile, perhaps the best-known New Zealand game, was developed by Grinding Gear Games and released in 2013, enjoying international success.

The New Zealand Game Developers Association was formed in 2001 to support the development of games in New Zealand.

Exhibitions

The Game Masters exhibition was held at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, from 15 December 2012 through to 28 April 2013.

Independent scene

The rise of digital platforms has seen independent studios publish video games worldwide, including Rainbite and Screenshock Games, each consisting of developers trained at Media Design School in Auckland.

Controversies

In 2003, Manhunt became the first video game officially banned in New Zealand.[8]

References
  1. "Digital New Zealand Report 2016" (PDF). Interactive Games & Entertainment Association. 2016.
  2. "Scoop Business » NZ video games industry revenues race ahead to $424M in 2016". Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  3. 7111, corporateName=Commonwealth Parliament; address=Parliament House, Canberra, ACT, 2600; contact=+61 2 6277. "Chapter 2". www.aph.gov.au. Retrieved 2 June 2017.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  4. Melanie Swalwell (2005). "Early Games Production in New Zealand". Victoria University of Wellington.
  5. Retrogames.co.nz - New Zealand Atari 2600 Games
  6. Russell Brown (22 September 2003). "Sportronic in Beige". Public Address.
  7. Obscure Pixels - Sportronic
  8. "New Zealand bans video game". NBC News. Retrieved 23 May 2011.


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