| He kōrero nā te kaihautu | Executive Director's Note |
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Kia ora,
If you're thinking of joining or renewing your NZGDA membership - it's worth it and here's why:
As a valued member of the NZGDA, your support plays a vital role in fostering a thriving game dev community.
NZGDA membership not only grants you access to exclusive industry insights, networking opportunities, and resources, but also strengthens our collective voice in advocating for the growth and recognition of New Zealand's game landscape.
This is your chance to stay connected with fellow developers, enhance your skills through workshops and events, and be part of exciting initiatives that shape the future of our industry.
So stop thinking about it, and join or renew your membership today and lets continue to empower your passion for game development together! 🫶
Ngā mihi nui,
Joy Keene, Executive Director |
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Behind the scenes, we've been working hard not only on your behalf, but for the growth and recognition of the wider game dev community in Aotearoa. |
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The AMPLIFY SUBMISSION to the Ministry for Culture and Heritage is crucial to ensure the government prioritises the game industry and makes decisions that work with, and support the growth of our community. You can read the full submission from NZGDA and updates from the MCH here. |
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We recently released the first INDUSTRY REPORT detailing the state of the NZ games industry in 2024, highlighting major successes, economic contributions, and the importance of ongoing government support to maintain momentum.
This work and the ongoing involvement with government ministries and agencies is to advocate for policies that support our industry and provides data-driven insights to empower informed decisions and showcase the potential of our vibrant community.
This not only enhances visibility among stakeholders but also helps attract investment and talent, ensuring that the future of our industry remains bright and prosperous. Your support enables us to continue this important work! |
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Ensuring our collective voice is heard, NZGDA has been working with WeCreate for the past few months contributing to their CREATIVE EXPORT EXPLAINER document on creative exports. This document is designed to educate and promote all creative industries and garner ongoing support from government to secure the future of our sector. |
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Do you know all of the member benefits and resources available to you? |
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VIDEO LIBRARY including - all recorded presentations and panels from NZGDC 2024 and 2023
- Shared video library from IndieGameBusiness
RESOURCES including - market reports (local & global),
- publisher and investor lists,
- legal and business resources from NZGDA partners
DISCOUNTS on services and products such as a - member credit from Hnry,
- free consult and discounted rates from Buddle Findlay,
- start-up benefits from AWS
- 45% discount on RRP on selected Samsung products,
- discounts on services from Zeil and Drop.me,
- corporate traveller discount from Tryp Wellington; and more
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Member-only EVENTS such as workshops and networking
SOCIAL MEDIA and newsletter mentions sharing your successes and promoting your work
Studio and Partner Members also receive EXTRA BENEFITS such as - feature articles in newsletters,
- opportunity to host webinars,
- free ad placement on the NZGDA Jobs Board,
- exclusive Studio Manager meet-ups; and more
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AND discounted ticket prices for the New Zealand Game Developers Conference for all members! |
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And speaking of benefits - here's our newest: |
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BUY NZ MADE!
NZGDA has partnered with Buy NZ Made to bring you the opportunity to purchase an Associate Licence. This investment allows you to use the NZ Made logo to promote your NZ-made game!
This logo serves as a powerful symbol of quality and authenticity, instantly signalling to players that the game is locally developed and supports the New Zealand economy. |
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By proudly displaying the NZ Made logo, Studio Members can enhance marketing, attract a loyal customer base, and differentiate yourselves in a competitive market. It fosters community pride and resonates with players who value supporting homegrown talent, helping you build strong relationships with your audience while contributing to the growth of our local game industry.
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We are always growing our exclusive benefits and resources for our individual, studio and partner members so check the Member Hub and read this newsletter regularly. |
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There are so many ways to connect with the game dev community! Here's a few to get you started: |
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Other ways to connect (not managed by NZGDA)
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What about an online or face to face event? |
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The 2025 Webinar Series kicks off this week with the team from NZ On Air walking us through how to submit an Application for the GDSR.
This year's webinar series focuses on the business of doing business. Sessions will explore the essential principles of running a successful game studio beyond the creative aspects, focusing on key business strategies that drive growth and sustainability. We will delve into topics such as budgeting/funding, marketing, hiring and HR, legal issues, publishes and investors, building a loyal base, participating in local communities and more. Our aim is to provide valuable knowledge and practical tools to enhance your studio's operational efficiency and navigate challenges, ultimately empowering you to thrive in building and growing your studio.
The current programme incudes: - 2nd April - Funding - how to submit your application for the 2025 GDSR
- 9th April - Other Markets - Opportunities in Saudi Arabia
- 7th May - 2025/26 NZGDA Strategy
- 26th May - Hiring & HR - how Immigration can help
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Find more events including local meetups on the NZGDA events calendar www.nzgda.com/events/ |
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All NZGDA Studio Members and Partners have free job ad placement on the Jobs Board, and it's accessible to ALL our community.
A 3D Character Artist with Prismatic Studio is just one of the new roles that have been shared this month. With job listings coming and going it pays to bookmark the jobs board and check in often! |
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So if you're looking for a new role, want to break into the industry, or are keen to find new contacts within our community - visit www.nzgda.com/jobs/ |
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countless reasons to join or renew your NZGDA membership!
But don't wait too long, we could use your help, and your voice, in our thriving community today 🫶 |
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If you have news, content, community activities, events or jobs to share, email info@ nzgda.com |
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