Kia ora, and welcome to the final newsletter of 2025.
It has been quite a year. At times it felt like a full speed sprint through Path of Exile 2 and at others like that moment in Kitten Space Agency when you realise you have lost all sense of direction, but are quietly enjoying the drift while hoping for a safe landing.
From a hugely successful NZGDC25 at Tākina to strong industry growth; international recognition and renewed government support through increased CODE funding and the baselining of the GDSR, our sector has continued to gain momentum.
This year our community launched games, shipped updates, navigated deadlines and backed one another through the tough times and the busy spots. Our survey data showed that New Zealand’s game development industry can operate as efficiently as a finely tuned Mini Metro network and highlighted productivity levels that exceed every other sector in the country.
As the year closes, we extend our sincere thanks to everyone who built, tested, published, pitched, mentored, sponsored, volunteered, managed, promoted, supported, educated, produced and applied their specialist knowledge to our industry. Your contribution makes the NZ games community as spectacular as it is.
May your break be as restorative as a stroll through the Shire, any challenges feel as manageable as training your first horse in Rival Horse Stars, and may 2026 bring more wins than a perfect run in Dredge.
Thank you for everything you have given this year. Have a safe and happy break and we look forward to seeing you ready for another successful year in 2026.
Ngā mihi nui,
Joy Keene,
Executive Director
