New Zealand’s game development industry has crossed the $1 billion annual revenue mark for the first time, with exports generating 95 percent of its earnings and new industry figures pointing to a rapidly growing high-value creative technology sector.
AUCKLAND, 1 October 2026: New Zealand’s game development industry has recorded its biggest year yet, generating $1.002 billion in annual revenue, according to figures being released by the New Zealand Game Developers Association.
The milestone represents a substantial increase from the $759 million recorded in 2025 and is the highest annual revenue ever reported by the country’s game development industry.
Around 95 percent of the industry’s revenue comes from exports, highlighting the international reach of games developed in Aotearoa.
The figures are being confirmed as part of the New Zealand Game Developers Conference 2026, being held at the New Zealand International Convention Centre in Auckland.
From $759 million to more than $1 billion
Crossing the billion-dollar mark represents an important milestone for an industry largely built around exporting digital products rather than physical goods.
|
Key industry measure |
2026 |
|
Annual revenue |
$1.002 billion |
|
Previous year’s revenue |
$759 million |
|
Revenue generated from exports |
95% |
|
Full-time equivalent roles |
1,261 |
|
Revenue per employee |
Approx. $795,000 |
|
Estimated return per $1 of Game Development Sector Rebate |
$9.73 |
The industry’s export performance means the overwhelming majority of money generated by New Zealand game developers comes from international markets.
That gives game development an unusual economic profile among creative industries. Studios can develop intellectual property and digital products in New Zealand before distributing them to customers around the world.
Productivity approaching $800,000 per worker
The latest industry survey puts the sector’s workforce at 1,261 full-time equivalent roles.
Based on the industry’s annual earnings, that represents productivity of approximately $795,000 in revenue per employee.
The figures underline the high-value nature of the sector, where relatively small development teams can create games capable of reaching large international audiences through global digital distribution.
Game development also brings together a wide range of specialist skills, including software engineering, animation, visual design, storytelling, music, production and interactive technology.
Game development rebate returns estimated $9.73 for every dollar
The latest figures also put renewed attention on the Game Development Sector Rebate, which was established to support eligible game development activity in New Zealand.
According to NZGDA’s figures, every $1 invested through the rebate generated an estimated $9.73 in taxes paid by the industry.
That is more than double the estimated $4.74 return reported in 2025.
The association is highlighting the figure as evidence of the industry’s growth and its contribution to New Zealand’s economy.
The rebate has been an important part of wider discussions about New Zealand’s ability to retain game studios, intellectual property and highly skilled technology workers while competing with countries offering their own incentives to game developers.
More than 100 Kiwi-made games coming together in Auckland
The industry’s billion-dollar milestone coincides with what organisers describe as the largest collection of New Zealand-developed games assembled in one place.
The Kiwi Games Zone will feature more than 100 playable games created by studios from across Aotearoa.
The showcase forms part of NZGDC 2026 and will give the public an opportunity to experience games produced locally and meet some of the people working behind them.
This year’s conference theme is “Shaping Our World”, reflecting the increasing role games play not only as entertainment and technology products, but also as a form of creative storytelling and culture.
The event brings established studios together with students, independent creators and first-time developers.
Kiwi Games Zone opens to the public
While much of NZGDC is focused on the professional game development community, the Kiwi Games Zone will also have a dedicated public open day.
Kiwi Games Zone public open day
|
|
|
|
Date |
Saturday, 3 October 2026 |
|
Time |
9am to 4pm |
|
Venue |
NZ International Convention Centre, Level 5 |
|
Address |
101 Hobson Street, Auckland CBD |
|
Games |
More than 100 NZ-developed playable titles |
|
Entry |
$5 per person |
|
Children under five |
Free |
The wider NZGDC 2026 programme runs from 30 September to 3 October at the New Zealand International Convention Centre.
A milestone for New Zealand’s creative technology sector
The billion-dollar result represents more than a symbolic threshold for New Zealand game development.
An industry that operates largely behind screens and sells overwhelmingly into overseas markets is now generating annual revenue at a scale that places it firmly within the country’s wider conversation about high-value exports and technology.
Its export share is particularly notable.
With 95 percent of revenue generated internationally, New Zealand-developed games are earning overseas income while much of the creative and technical work remains based in Aotearoa.
The industry also combines two areas in which New Zealand has sought greater international growth: technology and creative intellectual property.
The latest figures suggest that combination is becoming increasingly valuable.
The next challenge is sustaining the growth
Passing $1 billion is a significant milestone, but maintaining that momentum will present its own challenges.
Game development is an intensely international industry. New Zealand studios compete globally not only for customers, but also for experienced developers, investment and specialist talent.
Other countries are also actively competing to attract game development businesses through tax incentives, rebates and industry support.
For New Zealand, the longer-term question will be whether the sector can continue increasing revenue while building a sustainable pipeline of local talent and keeping successful studios and intellectual property based here.
For now, however, the 2026 figures mark a significant moment.
From $759 million in annual revenue last year to more than $1 billion today, New Zealand game development has crossed a threshold the industry has never reached before.
And with more than 100 locally developed games coming together in Auckland this week, the scale of what is being built in Aotearoa will also be on public display.
Source: New Zealand Game Developers Association, NZGDC 2026 industry survey and event information. Reporting and presentation by Webfit News.
