Whenever you start playing one of the latest video games, whether they’re for PC and console or mobile devices, have you ever paused to wonder where those games were produced? Actually, there’s a great chance that in recent years, they were probably designed and developed in Australia, whether in whole by smaller studios or teams working for international publishers.
But none of the recent successes achieved by Australian game developers happened overnight. Major investment within this sector of entertainment has taken years to achieve, reaching the current point whereby this country has become a major international hub, constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation and creativity.
Likewise, the culture which surrounds gaming activity and products is just as impressive. This is a country and society that has fully embraced gaming, within the scope of the digital revolution that has undoubtedly been hugely transformative during the last couple of decades. Let’s take a look at the two main sectors of the games industry, and how their growth continues to inspire further and greater investment than ever before.
Games Development is Big Business in Australia
In Australia, there’s a long established and strong cultural affinity for gaming. Just to underline that point, based on 2023 reports in-depth studies revealed that 94% of households in this country own at least one device to play video games.
Considering that Australians really enjoy playing video games for entertainment, it’s hardly surprising that annual spending provides further evidence. Indeed, additional reports by the IGEA highlighted that Aussies spent $4.21 billion AUD on games, during the financial year between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023. This is actually more than both the movie and music industries, combined.
Such numbers underline just how important gaming has become, within Australian culture and society. But it’s not just a cultural or entertainment phenomenon, as this deep understanding towards the power of gaming also extends to the national economy. According to reports by Servers the Australian Government has become invested in supporting the games industry.
Aiming to support local indie developers, established studios, and foreign investors alike, the Australian Government now provides both financial support and tax relief. Grants are available to smaller developers, typically with budgets below $500,000 AUD, while those above that figure can get up to 30% tax offsets on larger projects. Both are significant assistance packages, aimed at ensuring the games industry here continues to thrive.
Gambling Revenues Fuel the iGaming Sector
On the one hand, saying that Australia is a nation of gamblers might seem derogatory. But on the other hand, any such statement is not without some statistical truth. According to various market research groups and government bodies, data has been published to indicate that 81% of adult Australians regularly wagered on something, during the course of 2023. Such empirical data also underlines why the country is appealing for iGaming companies.
Mainstream gamers will already be familiar with the Konami brand, yet the Japanese company also has an iGaming arm for casino games, which is based in Botany, New South Wales. This focuses on the production of gaming machines like pokies, plus online casino software and management systems. Another leading brand that originated in this country is Aristocrat, and they remain the largest gambling machine manufacturer in Australia.
Both of these giant corporations and many others provide the software and games, powering many of the leading and most trusted sites, based on comprehensive reviews for online casinos (found at https://www.australiaonlinecasinosites.com/review/). And were it not for such a thriving industry, they undoubtedly wouldn’t lay down such strong roots in Australia.
Although there is increasingly stringent regulation in Australia, with lawmakers aiming to resolve issues with problem gambling, the activity itself remains one of the most popular leisure pursuits. Indeed, online gambling revenues generated more than AUD $15 billion in 2023 alone. The iGaming sector employs people in the tens of thousands, while tax revenues are important for both state and national economies.
Aussie Gaming Sectors Will Continue to Flourish
As we can see by looking at the two key sectors – both mainstream and iGaming – Australia has made itself an attractive location for development and investment. Looking ahead, along with continuing to flourish and thrive financially themselves, they will be joined by a third when analysts prepare reports in the coming years.
Web3 gaming is creating the next buzz of excitement, as the next iteration of the internet leans more towards decentralization and democratization of gaming, where players have control and ownership of their in-game assets. Based on early platforms and projects released over the last couple of years, that ranges from in-game pixels to crypto and NFT assets. And guess what? Australian developers are right there at the cutting edge of this next gaming revolution.
In conclusion, thoughtful legislation, a strong industry, and a commitment to fostering innovation are the reasons for Australia’s climb to prominence in the game production sector. The country has drawn both foreign gaming corporations and entrepreneurs due to its unique combination of solid infrastructure, a highly skilled labor population, and excellent economic foundations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, thoughtful legislation, a strong industry, and a commitment to fostering innovation are the reasons for Australia’s climb to prominence in the game production sector. The country has drawn both foreign gaming corporations and entrepreneurs due to its unique combination of solid infrastructure, a highly skilled labor population, and excellent economic foundations. You can also refer tips and strategies for winning games online for informative purpose.
As seen by its financial incentives, talent development programs, and encouraging legislation, Australia has taken the initiative to promote innovation and expansion in the gaming business. Apart from incentivizing indigenous developers, the implementation of persuasive tax exemptions, subsidies, and financing plans has also drawn foreign production companies to create a noteworthy foothold in the country.
