Inaugural Games Week highlights rapidly growing NZ industry

Coinciding with the annual New Zealand Game Developers Conference, Wellington Games Week offers an opportunity for the public to learn more about the sector, and also participate in some unique interactive events.

New Zealand Game Developers Association executive director Joy Keene says the week is all about fostering connections between games enthusiasts, players, and the people who make the games.

“It is also an opportunity to attract international representatives of the industry to New Zealand allowing us to show off the incredible talent that the game development industry fosters.”

Wellington Games Week runs from the 13 to 19 October.

About 25 events are on offer from storytelling discussions, behind-the-scenes studio tours, workshops networking functions, and the New Zealand premiere of ‘Extra Lives’ a narrated choose-your-own-adventure game performed with a live score.

Joy says Wellington Games Week follows a similar format to one being held in Melbourne and attracts publishers and investors from all over the world.

“The New Zealand games industry is performing very well and to continue that growth we need more people to get involved this week will enable us to nurture and strengthen our connections with the public and the international industry enabling future growth

The game development industry is on target to earn more than $1 billion in the next few years.

“Our industry is providing highly paid jobs, clean exports and making a strong contribution to GDP.”

The industry saw a 24% growth in its annual export earnings in the past financial year compared to global growth of just 4%. Technology Minister Judith Collins is set to announce updated figures via a pre-recorded speech at the conference.

“This achievement not only boosts the economy but also opens the door for more opportunities in talent development, international collaboration, and future investments,” Joy says.

She also says critical government support via the Game Development Sector Rebate scheme has helped foster an environment where innovation and creativity can thrive.

“With increased investment and strategic backing, we could unlock even greater potential, driving job creation, and further amplifying our economic impact on the world stage.”

Meanwhile, the conference will see about 1,000 delegates converge on Tākina Wellington Convention & Exhibition Centre across three days for workshops, panel discussions, and talks covering the intersection of creativity and technology.

One of the conference highlights will be honouring the pioneers of the game development industry in New Zealand as part of the conference’s 20th anniversary.

Wrapping up the week is the Games Zone, a free family-friendly day-long event at Tākina of interactive, hands-on game playing and demonstrations. More than 40 New Zealand games will be on display with developers keen to seek feedback on their products from players.

Wellington Games Week

New Zealand Game Developers Conference

Date published: 10 October 2024