New Zealand's video game industry is experiencing a remarkable surge, with a 38% growth rate, while the global market is facing stagnation, according to industry expert Kate Edwards. This growth is attributed to a supportive government ecosystem and a robust education system that nurtures talent for the gaming industry. Edwards highlights the contrast between New Zealand's thriving sector and the challenges faced by major international game companies during the pandemic. Many companies overextended themselves, hiring extensively during the boom in gameplay due to lockdowns, only to downsize when the pandemic subsided. Despite being relatively young, New Zealand's gaming industry is witnessing significant success, particularly from 'indie' and 'double-A' studios. These smaller studios, like the French team behind Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and the Canadian creator of Balatro, are proving that success isn't solely dependent on studio size. The industry's resilience is further showcased by the Christchurch-based indie game Dredge, which achieved massive success with a team of just four people. Edwards emphasizes the importance of innovation and the 'long tail' of popular IP, citing franchises like Call of Duty and Battlefield that have endured for decades. New Zealand's online game Path of Exile, released in 2013, has maintained a dedicated player base for over a decade, with its sequel released to even greater acclaim. Edwards draws parallels between New Zealand and Finland's gaming industries, both of which are thriving and leveraging their national identity to foster a cohesive and collaborative creative sector. This sense of unity is crucial as the industry evolves, with trans-media properties and IP crossing over into film and TV, offering immense opportunities for collaboration.
