Australia's Games Industry Embarks on a Journey Towards a Thriving Ecosystem

The 2023 Melbourne International Games Week marked a significant milestone for Australia's gaming industry, with a record number of events and attendees. The week-long celebration featured over 58 events, including PAX Australia and the Games Connect Asia Pacific conference, both of which reported record attendance. According to Fran Kerlin, senior manager for digital games and fashion at Creative Victoria, the event's success is a testament to the industry's growth and resilience. The Australian games industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, with over 405 companies employing more than 2,100 full-time staff and generating AU$284 million in revenue last year. This represents a 26% increase over the previous year and a 148% increase since 2016. Despite these positive trends, the industry still faces challenges, including funding and recruitment. The Digital Games Tax Offset (DGTO), which was finally approved earlier this year, is expected to provide a significant boost to the industry. The DGTO is a crucial step towards creating a more sustainable and competitive games industry in Australia. Ron Curry, CEO of the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (IGEA), notes that the industry is still growing and that the DGTO will help to attract more investment and talent to the country. However, some developers have expressed concerns that the tax breaks are geared towards large companies, leaving smaller studios and independent developers without adequate support. Sanatana Mishra, co-founder of Witch Beam, argues that more needs to be done to support small companies and R&D funding. Trent Kusters, founder and director of League of Geeks, believes that the industry is on the cusp of significant growth, with major investors taking notice of Australia's potential. He predicts that the country will see a combination of experienced developers leaving large studios to start their own companies, as well as overseas investors looking to establish a presence in the Australian market. The Australian games industry is known for its distinctiveness and creativity, with a mix of large studios, independent developers, and innovative game makers. Paul Callaghan, head of games and interactive at VicScreen, notes that the industry's unique culture is driven by a collaborative and supportive community. This culture is evident in the way that developers respect and celebrate each other's work, with a focus on creativity and experimentation. Overall, the Australian games industry is poised for continued growth and success, with a thriving ecosystem that supports innovation, creativity, and collaboration. While challenges remain, the industry's resilience and determination are likely to drive it forward, making it an exciting and dynamic sector to watch in the years to come.