Labour backs Kiwi game developers to grow

A Labour Government will expand eligibility for the Game Development Sector Rebate to ensure New Zealand remains competitive in the fast-growing global games market.

“Labour will make sure the huge job and economic opportunities from New Zealand’s gaming sector stay right here at home,” Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said.

“The gaming sector is on the way to being a one billion dollar industry, employs more than a thousand people and is building global brands from the ground up. It’s crucial we keep those opportunities and that talent here in New Zealand.

“Keeping ideas, talent, and profits here at home is a core part of Labour’s economic plan. That’s why we have announced the New Zealand Future Fund to invest in innovative Kiwi businesses that create good jobs here.

“We will increase the Game Development Sector Rebate rate to 25 percent, and open it up to smaller, independent studios by lowering the minimum annual spend threshold to $200,000. The maximum annual rebate will also lift from $3 million to $4.5 million, so studios can scale up without leaving the country.

“This means more of the existing $40 million that Labour made available to the gaming sector each year will be used to help Kiwi companies grow and create jobs here, and ensure New Zealand remains a serious player in a global, multibillion-dollar industry,” Chris Hipkins said.

“Labour backed this industry when we first introduced the rebate in 2023, and we will back it again to help it grow,” Labour technology and innovation spokesperson Reuben Davidson said.

“Over that time the sector has seen growth in revenue of 86% and the creation of hundreds more skilled, higher paid jobs. If we get the settings right and invest in our future, we can do even better.

“We recognised early on the potential of New Zealand’s game developers to compete globally, this expansion shows we’re serious about keeping that momentum going,” Reuben Davidson said.