The Australian Gaming Industry's Path to a Thriving Ecosystem

The Melbourne International Games Week 2023 marked a triumphant return to form for physical events in Australia, with a record number of events and attendees. The week-long celebration of gaming featured over 58 events, including the popular PAX Australia and Games Connect Asia Pacific conference. According to Fran Kerlin, senior manager for digital games and fashion at Creative Victoria, the event's success was a testament to the industry's growth and creativity. The Australian games industry has been expanding rapidly, with over 405 companies employing more than 2,100 full-time staff and generating AU$284 million in revenue last year. However, the industry still faces challenges, including funding and recruitment. Ron Curry, CEO of the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (IGEA), notes that the industry is still growing and that the recent introduction of the Digital Games Tax Offset (DGTO) has been a significant boost. The DGTO has helped to attract more investment and talent to the industry, but there are still concerns about the lack of funding for small teams and senior talent. Trent Kusters, founder and director of League of Geeks, believes that the industry needs more bespoke solutions to support studios of different sizes and scales. Meanwhile, Sanatana Mishra, co-founder of Witch Beam, argues that the current tax breaks are geared towards large companies and that more needs to be done to support small companies and R&D funding. Despite these challenges, the Australian games industry is known for its collaborative and supportive culture. Paul Callaghan, head of games and interactive at VicScreen, notes that the industry is distinctive and has a unique mix of big studios and individual game makers. The industry's friendly competition and willingness to help each other out are key to its success. Looking ahead, Kusters believes that Australia will attract more major investors and that the industry will continue to grow and thrive. With its unique culture and creative space, the Australian games industry is poised to become a major player in the global gaming market.