Australian industry association IGEA has launched a new “one-stop resource” called Game On Australia that it says will help developers in the region learn how to access funding opportunities while also showcasing the creativity of the country’s video game industry.
The website has a useful section that breaks down the Digital Games Tax Offset (DGTO), which IGEA describes as “one of the most generous game incentives in the world.”
“The DGTO is available for businesses incurring a minimum of AU$500,000 of qualifying expenditure on eligible games,” reads an explainer (in case you were wondering how it works). “There is a AU$20 million rebate cap per company/group per income year. This means up to AU$66.7 million in qualifying expenditure can be claimed each year. Games must be able to achieve a classification and not have gambling elements.”
Australian video game studios generated an estimated $339.1 million and employed almost 2,500 people in 2024. That’s according to an Australian Game Development Industry Snapshot published by IGEA, which also states the sector is still facing challenges when it comes to securing local and international publishing deals, and attracting early-stage development funding.
Notably, the snapshot adds that 93 percent of revenue generated by the Australian game industry currently comes from outside of the country, underlining he importance of expanding the local market and ecosystem.
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“Game development in Australia is more than just a creative endeavour, it’s smart business,” said Ron Curry, CEO of IGEA. “With world-class talent, generous tax incentives, and a proven track record of global success, Australia is ready to welcome the world’s studios, publishers, and partners into our thriving game development ecosystem.”
Last year, Game Developer attended Melbourne International Games Week for the second consecutive year to learn how the country’s video game industry was adapting and evolving during a period of global upheaval.