The Australian video game industry generated A$339.1 million ($211.9 million) in revenue in 2024.
Despite a “challenging” year for game development globally, full-time employment in Australia remained “stable” at 2,465 developers, with 61% of studios planning to hire next year. 81% of respondents also said they expected their studio headcount to remain stable or grow in 2025.
In its Overview of Australia’s game Development Industry report, the Interactive gaming and Entertainment Association (IGEA) revealed that of the 137 studios that responded, 85% developed games based on their own intellectual property and 93% of its income was generated outside Australia.
The survey also found that Victoria “remains a popular hub for game development”, with 52% of game studios’ headquarters located in the state. The distribution of employees illustrated that many studios “have a presence in more than one state and tend to track talent and incentives across the country,” yet 82% of workers are located on the East Coast (36% Victoria, 27% Queensland, 18% New South Wales, 1% ACT).
“This year has shown that the local games sector continues to build capabilities in the face of global headwinds. 93% of revenue generated in Australia comes from overseas sources, highlighting the popularity of Australian-made games among a global audience,” said Ron Curry. , general director of IGEA.
“Generous and globally competitive tax rebates, plus direct funding from federal and state governments, continue to ensure Australian game developers can deliver amazing game projects. 25% of respondents accessed the tax offset of digital games last year, and just under 40% intend to do so this financial year. We must maintain this level of support to ensure the local industry continues to grow and contribute to Australia’s creative and digital exports.”
The full report can be downloaded from the IGEA website.
