Australia’s interactive entertainment sector posted a 23 per cent fall in traditional retail sales last year to $1.16 billion, according to the Interactive Games & Entertainment Association (iGEA).
However, that data (from market researchers NPD Group Australia) excluded growing online and mobile game sales, as well as in-game transactions, prompting iGEA to state that it remained confident of the industry’s health.
iGEA’s chief executive Ron Curry said it is becoming harder to get a true indication of the value of the industry via a single source. “While there is a decline in traditional sales, the gaming industry as a whole remains buoyant as people shift towards a ‘hybrid’ model in their consumption of interactive entertainment,” he said in a statement.
Local technology analyst firm Telsyte has forecast an 18 per cent lift in expenditure on digital games subscriptions, virtual goods and mobile games to $730 million this year.
The screen and games sectors are becoming increasingly intertwined with high-end games content (such as the Australian-produced L.A. Noire from the now defunct Team Bondi) bringing interactive storytelling to new heights.
Arts Minister Simon Crean announced a $20 million fund for games production late last year. Screen Australia, which will implement the funding, recently held a consultation period and expects to call for funding applications in April. It has also released draft funding guidelines.
Games Development Association of Australia (GDAA) chief executive Antony Reed said: “The funds represent an investment in an industry that has continued to develop in Australia, with local game developers continuing to show their capabilities around the world. The continued success of Firemonkeys, 2K Games Australia, Halfbrick and Kumobius are clear examples of the strength of the industry here in Australia. The investment by the government will be used to further secure jobs, encourage innovation and creativity, and promotes investment in Australian talent."