NZGDA and IGEA Release 2026 Policy Platformer
The New Zealand Game Developers Association (NZGDA) is pleased to announce the release of the 2026 Policy Platformer, a joint document produced in partnership with the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (IGEA).
The Policy Platformer has been developed to give political parties and government decision-makers a clear picture of where the New Zealand game development sector stands today, and what policy settings will help it continue to grow.
Why now?
New Zealand's game development industry has just surpassed $1 billion in annual revenue, with 95% of that generated through exports, primarily to the United States and Europe. With an estimated productivity rate of $706,000 per full-time equivalent employee, game development is one of the country's most productive industries, and one of its most significant sources of high-value jobs.
With parties actively developing policies ahead of the election, this is the right moment to make sure the industry's voice is clearly heard.
What does the Platformer cover?
The document outlines where the government can help the sector reach its full potential. Key areas include:
The Game Development Sector Rebate (GDSR): Our most critical ask. The GDSR currently returns $4.74 for every dollar the Government invests - one of the strongest fiscal returns of any industry support mechanism in New Zealand. We are calling for it to be maintained, strengthened, and treated as a stable, long-term policy setting rather than a short-term lever.
Formal recognition of game development as a distinct, multidisciplinary industry across policy, data, and funding frameworks.
Long-term policy stability and regular engagement between government and industry across electoral cycles.
Trade and international market access, including continued investment in coordinated delegations to global events such as Gamescom and GDC.
Immigration settings and the talent pipeline, to ensure studios can access and retain the skilled workforce they need.
STEAM education, including earlier introduction of computer science fundamentals and stronger pathways from education into the industry.
Good regulatory design that reflects the real characteristics of game development.
Healthy gameplay and the protection of creators' intellectual property.
What happens next?
The Platformer has been distributed to political parties and relevant government contacts across both the NZGDA's and IGEA's networks. An executive summary is available alongside the full document.
We welcome the opportunity to meet with any party or minister to discuss these priorities further.
You can download the full 2026 Policy Platformer and Executive Summary below.
[Download Full Policy Platformer] [Download Executive Summary]