In the world of gaming, Australia has emerged as a surprise contender, punching well above its weight to become a major player on the global stage. From humble beginnings, the country’s gaming industry has grown exponentially, driven by a perfect storm of innovation, government support, and a thriving ecosystem of game developers, publishers, and tech companies.
A Brief History of Australian Gaming
The roots of Australia’s gaming industry date back to the 1980s, with the establishment of companies like Beam Software and SRL (now known as Saffire). These pioneers laid the groundwork for the industry’s future growth, creating iconic games like _The Manhole_ and _Hardcore_ that showcased Australian ingenuity. However, it wasn’t until the 2000s that the industry truly began to take off.
Government Support and Tax Incentives
A key factor in the industry’s growth has been government support. In 2008, the Australian government introduced the Australian Taxation Office’s (ATO) film and television production offset scheme, which also applied to video games. This tax incentive, combined with other government initiatives such as the Interactive Games Fund, has provided a significant boost to the industry. The government’s backing has helped attract major game development studios to Australia, creating jobs and driving innovation.
The Rise of Independent Game Developers
The growth of independent game developers has been a significant driver of the industry’s success. With the rise of platforms like Steam and GOG, indie games have been able to reach a global audience, bypassing traditional publishing channels. Australian indie developers like Halfbrick Studios ( _Fruit Ninja_ and _Jetpack Joyride_ ) and Mouseion Games ( _Stikbold!_ and _RimWorld_ ) have achieved international recognition and success, demonstrating the country’s potential for innovative game development.
The Melbourne Games Festival and PAX Australia
In recent years, the Melbourne Games Festival (MGF) and PAX Australia have become two of the most important gaming events in the country. The MGF brings together game developers, publishers, and industry professionals to showcase new games, network, and collaborate. Meanwhile, PAX Australia, a major gaming convention, attracts thousands of visitors from around the world, providing a platform for Australian game developers to showcase their work to a global audience.
The Future of Australian Gaming
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Australia is well-positioned to remain a major player. With a growing pool of talented game developers, a supportive government, and a thriving ecosystem of game development studios, publishers, and tech companies, the country is poised for continued growth and innovation. As the global gaming market becomes increasingly competitive, Australia’s unique blend of creativity, innovation, and government support makes it an attractive destination for game developers and publishers.
Key Players in Australian Gaming
* Halfbrick Studios: Creator of popular games like _Fruit Ninja_ and _Jetpack Joyride_.
* Mouseion Games: Developer of innovative games like _Stikbold!_ and _RimWorld_.
* Beam Software: A pioneer of the Australian gaming industry, established in the 1980s.
* The Melbourne Games Festival: A major gaming event that showcases new games and brings together industry professionals.
* PAX Australia: A major gaming convention that attracts thousands of visitors from around the world.
Conclusion
Australia’s gaming industry has come a long way since its humble beginnings. With government support, innovative game development, and a thriving ecosystem of game developers, publishers, and tech companies, the country is poised for continued growth and success. As the global gaming market continues to evolve, Australia’s unique blend of creativity, innovation, and government support makes it an attractive destination for game developers and publishers.