WELLINGTON, New Zealand — September 26,
2025 — The New Zealand Game Developers
Association (NZGDA) today announced record-breaking results
from its 2025 annual survey, revealing that the nation’s
game development industry continues its rapid ascent on the
global stage.
Industry pre-tax income for the
2024/2025 financial year reached NZD 759.57 million, an
impressive 38.6% increase over the previous year’s NZD 548
million. This surge far outpaces the single-digit growth
forecast for the global gaming industry in 2025.
The
industry’s workforce has expanded in tandem with revenue.
Full-time equivalent jobs (FTEs) grew by 29.2%, rising from
1,097 in 2024 to 1,418 in 2025, underscoring the sector’s
importance as a high-value employer within
Aotearoa.
Export demand remains the cornerstone of
success: 95% of revenue (NZD 709 million) was generated from
international consumer sales, cementing New Zealand’s
position as one of the world’s most export-driven creative
industries.
The survey also highlights the
industry’s fiscal contribution. Companies reported more
than NZD 115 million in combined income tax and PAYE
contributions, equating to an estimated 474.31% return on
investment through the Government’s Game Development
Sector Rebate (GDSR) program. For every dollar invested, the
program has delivered NZD 4.74 in return to the economy as
of March 31, 2025.
Voices From the
Industry
Carl Leducq, Chair of NZGDA:
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“The
industry’s 38% revenue growth shows the world is hungry
for New Zealand-made games. This is a sector that delivers
jobs, exports, and cultural impact, and it’s only just
getting started.”
Joy Keene, Executive Director of
NZGDA:
“The success of the GDSR can be measured in
the economic returns it delivers, both to individuals in the
industry via way of high salaries and to New Zealand’s
economy through tax. But there’s still more to do. We need
international publishing and investment deals to sustain
growth, and robust, relevant education pathways that keep
NZ-developed talent here in Aotearoa.”
Chantelle
Cole, Director of the Game Development Sector Rebate, NZ On
Air:
“We’re seeing unprecedented growth in
Aotearoa New Zealand’s games industry. Data from GDSR
recipients shows that in just two years revenue has surged
by 61%, while, over the past year alone, jobs grew by more
than 20% and the number of games in development rose from
145 to 170. These results highlight the industry’s growing
contribution to our economy and its immense potential on the
global stage.”
About the NZGDA
The New
Zealand Game Developers Association (NZGDA) is a
not-for-profit incorporated society dedicated to
championing, supporting, and growing game development in
Aotearoa. Founded in 2001, NZGDA works with government,
educators, and industry partners to ensure the continued
success of New Zealand’s game creators on the world
stage.
