541 days ago

Dunedin: absolutely positively (almost) the gaming capital of New Zealand

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Dunedin News

From reporter Hamish McNeilly:

Dunedin has leapfrogged Christchurch and Wellington to move to second place in New Zealand for gaming studios.

The southern city now had 19 gaming studios, behind Auckland (27), but well ahead of Wellington (13) and Christchurch (5), according to a 2022 New Zealand Game Developers Association survey.

The secret to Dunedin’s success was the establishment of the government-backed New Zealand Centre of Digital Excellence (Code).

When Code was set-up in 2019, Dunedin only had four gaming studios in the city: Runaway, Rocketwerkz (which has since relocated), Spotted Kiwi Interactive and Balancing Monkey Games, a report presented to the economic development committee of the Dunedin City Council on Monday morning.

As a result of Code funding, 25 studios had been set up – of which some had been disbanded and staff absorbed into other studios.

The committee heard that Code funding, which included grants for studios and support to attend gaming conferences, had contributed to 90 jobs.

‘’Dunedin has become a destination for game development studios,’’ the report said.

That included an Auckland-based company choosing the city for its satellite base, while other larger studios visiting the city for ‘’scouting purposes’’.

Another example was Deep Field Games established by successful United States’ indie developer, Geoff Keene, who ‘’chose Dunedin over any other city in New Zealand, and New Zealand over any other city in the world to set up his new studio’’, the report noted.

The studio’s nine staff members, which included some laid-off from Rocketwerkz, had secured oversea’s investment and a publishing commitment, with the first game expected to be launched in September.

The report also noted that Māori representation, 8%, was almost three times higher than the national average, 3%.

Code chief executive Tim Ponting told the committee that the studios and their staff enjoyed being based in Dunedin, and there was loyalty between them and Code.

‘’We are building an ecosystem here.’’

The Government announced it was increasing its support to $2.25million a year, until 2027 to expand Code, which wil remain headquartered in Dunedin but have an expanded national focus.

‘’New Zealand’s game development sector has been rapidly growing,’’ Minister for the Digital Economy and Communications, David Clark said of the November announcement.

The latest data from the New Zealand Game Developers Association shows the total revenue for the industry was $407m, compared to $276m a year ago.

Code’s new focus would see the team expand from four roles to seven, with representatives to be added for Auckland and Wellington.

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More messages from your neighbours
20 hours ago

Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.

Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.

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Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
  • 65.5% Yes
    65.5% Complete
  • 32% No
    32% Complete
  • 2.5% Other - I'll share below
    2.5% Complete
995 votes
1 day ago

Riddle Me That: Ready to Test Your Wits?

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

If the prisoner tells a lie, he'll be hanged;
if he tells the truth, he'll be beheaded.
What can he say to save himself?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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2 hours ago

Floor show

The Team from Resene ColorShop Dunedin

Spruce up your outdoor area for spring soirées in the sun with a simple but stylish rug you can personalise with your own design using your favourite Resene colours.

Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.

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