| He kōrero nā te kaihautu | Executive Director's Note |
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Kia ora,
With just 4 weeks to go until NZGDC 2025 at Tākina, Wellington, now is the time to secure your place. Tickets at this price are limited, so get yours today before it is too late. This year’s theme, “People at the Heart of Games,” celebrates the creativity, passion, and community that drive our industry.
Expect an action-packed programme of inspiring talks, hands-on workshops, and networking with peers, collaborators, and future partners. The conference has exciting new innovations as well as some old favourites to enjoy, alongside the Pioneers of Play awards that honour our industry’s legacy.
Wellington Games Week kicks off on 27th September with the Kiwi Game Zone, featuring more than 60 New Zealand–developed video games plus new table top games. Free to the public, it is a unique chance to welcome Wellingtonians into our community – made possible by CODE and with support from Blind Squirrel Games. The Kiwi Game Zone launches a week of activities right across the city.
Do not wait – get your ticket now! Ngā mihi nui,
Joy Keene, Executive Director |
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Read the Commerce Commission open letter to our industry sharing its findings after recent compliance monitoring. |
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NZGDA has made a submission to the Education and Workforce Committee on the Inquiry into Online Harm experienced by young people and has now been invited to speak in front of the Select Committee next month. |
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Lance Burgess & Tyrone McAuley were invited to speak with the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Select Committee about the non tariff barriers Kiwi game developers face when looking to grow in the China market. Read more. |
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Mytona and Westlake Boys High School launch game development partnership Mytona has partnered with Westlake Boys High School to launch one of the country’s first fully sponsored game development programmes at secondary school level. |
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Mini Motorways celebrates nine million players as Dinosaur Polo Club launches new Creative Mode 🙌 |
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Introducing Doomsday Diner 🌭 from Space Rock Games! A simulation game where you run the last functioning hot dog diner in the apocalypse! ☢️ Let's try it!! |
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Spoilt to have been able to share in the launch of Tales of the Shire at Wētā Workshop this month. 🫶 Who doesn't love a cosy game!? |
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We welcome our most recent individual and student members and hope to meet you at an NZGDA event soon. And extend a warm welcome to our newest Studio Members.
Thank you to everyone for your ongoing support. It's because of you that we are able to do what we do. Together, we’re building something incredible! |
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Based in Otuatahi Christchurch, Disc 2 Games is an Indie Games Studio co-founded by Nadia Thorne, Kris Nicholson and Joannes Otte - long time veterans in the games industry with more than a combined 40 years experience. |
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And launching their first game - Canvas City - a turn-based tactics RPG of rebellion on rollerblades! Check out the trailer here |
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Camshaft Software is an independent studio based in Wellington New Zealand, built around a small core team of games professionals and car enthusiasts, collaborating with a variety of talent from the vibrant games development scene in the ANZ region and beyond. |
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These are just some of the organisations that have listed cool jobs this month - check these out and more on the NZGDA jobs board ✅ |
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Mad Carnival are looking for authentic voices for their game - How Was Your Day? - a supernatural coming-of-age adventure game set in 1980s Aotearoa. |
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Prismatic Studios is needing an Animation Technical Artist to build and optimise UE5 animation systems, create and maintain 3C state machines and more. |
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Dinosaur Polo Club would like a Community Operations Manager to oversee and optimise their community engagement initiatives. There's room to make this role you're own. |
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| Kaupapa whakatairanga | Events |
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Did you know?
That the NZGDC workshops aren't just for those attending Conference? Workshop tickets can be purchased as stand alone events for anyone wanting to up-skill, learn new stuff or share an experience. Check out the full range of workshops available on Thursday, 25th September on the NZGDA Events Calendar. |
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U/Day is back for 2025
Wednesday 24th September 9.30am - 4.35pm |
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Join Unity for a day full of games-focused topics featuring talks by a host of Unity experts. Places are limited so save your seat now!
And if you can't make a whole day - how about joining just for Unity Happy Hour at Foxglove from 5.00pm. Everyone is welcome! Register here |
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Table Top Games at NZGDC!
You're invited to showcase your NZ-made table top game at NZGDC on Saturday 27th September! This is a great chance to introduce your board, card, dice, RPG or other game to an enthusiastic audience. If you're keen, put forward your interest now as spots are limited. See you there! https://forms.gle/8wBMbZdiY9JLh8jw6 |
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TICKETS FOR NZGDC ON SALE NOW! 🙌
Don't miss out! NZGDC tickets are still available. Act quickly - grab your tickets now before the final price increase to late registration rates, and ensure you don’t miss any of the exciting sessions, networking opportunities, and exclusive content |
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We introduce and welcome our opening Keynote Speakers for NZGDC: |
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Thank you to our sponsors. Your support has been essential in making this event possible, and we truly appreciate your partnership.
Please take a moment to view our Sponsor page and be sure to introduce yourselves at Conference! |
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What else to look out for at NZGDC?
The Conference is full of collab opportunities enhancing our theme of the people at the heart of games.
Check out nzgdc.com for more! |
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Explore innovative solutions, meet subject experts, and discover the latest trends. Stop by the NZGDC Business Booths to connect, collaborate, and learn how your studio can thrive! |
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U/Day is back for 2025! Kick off the Conference early with an immersive day of game development with Unity where creativity meets cutting-edge technology. It's free - and amazing! So book now - seats are limited! |
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We are committed to ensuring an inclusive experience for all. The Sunflower Lanyard Scheme will be running again this year allowing individuals to discreetly indicate their need for additional support or consideration; and there will be a sign language interpreter for key talks, ensuring that vital information is accessible to everyone. |
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The Kiwi Games Zonecontinues to evolve, with the addition of a New Zealand designed tabletop games area. Come along and meet the game designers and find your next favourite TTG!
Did you know? The KGZ now boasts over 60 games for you to test, demo and play! |
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We're also excited to announce that Tales of the Shire will be joining the KGZ allowing everyone to step in and discover, decorate, and share in this idyllic corner of Middle-earth. |
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Join us for engaging social events designed to help you forge new friendships and strengthen existing ones.
Want to gather your own crew? Use the event app to explore exclusive delegate deals on fantastic local food & beverages, as well as exciting activities around town.
Whether you're connecting with others or organizing your own group, there's plenty of memorable experiences to be had! |
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If you have news, content, community activities, events or jobs to share, email info@nzgda.com |
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