News - NZGDA



The latest Xsolla Report delivers current data about player demographics, behaviour and monetisation strategies.  It also explores how the latest chapter in the Epic Games v. Apple case affects developers utilising digital storefronts and alternative payment processes.  Read the full report via the link below. The_Xsolla_Report_Q2_2025_Vol._7__1_-(1)

NewZoo’s latest Global Games Market Report is out now and kicks off with a “special focus” series. This edition explores how Roblox has evolved into an entertainment ecosystem, and what developers need to know to succeed. 2025_Newzoo_Free_Global_Games_Market_Report

It’s time for the bi-annual NZ Plays Report from IGEA in conjunction with Bond University.  According to the report, video games are now a regular part of life in most New Zealand homes and new research shows parents are not only on board with their kids playing video games, but are actively embracing it and […]

On Wednesday, the Labour party outlined its pre-election campaign strategy to strengthen New Zealand’s fast-growing game development sector. The announcement recognises the sector’s continued success and builds on the proven impact of the Game Development Sector Rebate (GDSR), introduced by the Labour Government in 2023. According to the 2025 NZ Game Development Association Industry Survey, […]

We’re pleased to announce that nominations for the 2025/2026 NZGDA Board are now open. If you’re passionate about shaping the future of New Zealand’s game development industry, we encourage you to stand for election. Candidates must be current NZGDA members to be eligible. Nominations close: 28 October 2025 Elections open: 3 November 2025 Elections Close: 17 November 2025 […]

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — September 26, 2025 The New Zealand Game Developers Association (NZGDA) today announced record-breaking results from its 2025 annual survey, revealing that the nation’s game development industry continues its rapid ascent on the global stage. Industry pre-tax income for the 2024/2025 financial year reached NZD 759.57 million, an impressive 38.6% increase over […]



As New Zealand’s game development sector continues to expand, collaboration between industry and education is becoming more important than ever. A new partnership between Mytona and Westlake Boys High School is helping to strengthen this connection. Together, they have launched one of the country’s first fully sponsored, structured game development programmes at secondary school level, […]

Wellington-based game studio Dinosaur Polo Club celebrates award-winning Mini Motorways hitting over nine million players and aims to redefine the strategy behind their simulation game with the launch of a massive free update called Creative Mode. The team view this update as something that was created as a love letter to fans. Mini Motorways is […]

Are you a passionate game creator with a Kiwi-made tabletop game? Here’s an exciting opportunity to showcase your creativity and connect with a highly engaged audience of gamers, enthusiasts, and industry professionals! What’s happening? The Table Top Games Showcase is a special event at the NZ Game Developers Conference (NZGDC) on Saturday, 27th September, from […]

Like all businesses providing goods and services in New Zealand, game studios are subject to rules and regulations around consumer protection. The Commerce Commission is responsible for monitoring and, where appropriate, enforcing these rules, including under the Consumer Guarantees Act and the Fair Trading Act. The Commission has recently undertaken some compliance monitoring of the […]

We’ve made a submission to the Education and Workforce Committee on the Inquiry into Online Harm experienced by young people. While we support efforts to keep rangatahi safe online, we strongly urge that video games not be lumped in with social media. Games offer structured, creative, and purpose-built experiences—not open-ended, algorithm-driven environments like social platforms. […]

Forty game development studios across Aotearoa New Zealand will receive a share of $22.44m in the second year of the Game Development Sector Rebate (GDSR), with initial data showing a 20.5 percent increase in roles and each GDSR-funded employee generating over $525,000 in revenue. In the second year of the GDSR, the number of studios […]