ReportInteractive Games & Entertainment Association
Australian Video Games Industry Policy Platform: February 2025
1 Feb 202521 pages~52 min full read
The Australian video games industry aims to reach a $1 billion valuation by 2030, building on its 2024 fiscal year performance of $339.1 million in revenue.
See it on page 4The sector currently supports 2,465 full-time positions, with 93 percent of its revenue generated from international markets.
See it on page 7Over 50 percent of Australian game studios anticipate continued income growth, signaling strong potential for expansion into a global powerhouse.
See it on page 7Industry growth is currently hindered by fragmented regulatory frameworks, specifically classification and online safety laws that impose disproportionate administrative burdens on developers.
See it on page 17To sustain development, the industry requires improved migration pathways and enhanced STEAM education initiatives to address persistent talent shortages.
See it on page 15Strategic scaling requires a shift toward long-term federal investment, increased export support for local intellectual property, and targeted research and development incentives.
See it on page 11The Australian video games industry represents a vital economic sector, generating $339.1 million in revenue and supporting 2,465 full-time positions during the 2024 fiscal year. With 93 percent of revenue derived from international markets and over half of all studios anticipating continued income growth, the sector is positioned to evolve into a global powerhouse. The primary objective is to scale the industry to a $1 billion valuation by 2030, a goal that necessitates a strategic shift toward long-term policy frameworks, increased federal investment, and enhanced export support to facilitate international publisher partnerships and local intellectual property development.
To achieve this growth, the industry requires a modernized regulatory environment that replaces fragmented, reactive policies with evidence-based standards. Current classification and online safety laws often impose disproportionate burdens on developers, hindering innovation. By streamlining these frameworks and reducing administrative red tape, the government can provide the certainty required for studios to scale operations. Furthermore, the industry advocates for a more integrated approach to public policy, specifically by leveraging "serious games" to address societal challenges and fostering closer alignment between government initiatives and the practical needs of game developers.
Sustaining this trajectory also depends on addressing critical structural challenges, particularly regarding talent acquisition and capital access. The industry faces persistent talent shortages that demand improved migration pathways and a renewed focus on STEAM education to build a robust local workforce. By combining these educational and immigration reforms with targeted research and development incentives, Australia can foster a competitive ecosystem that attracts international investment while empowering domestic studios. Ultimately, the transition to a billion-dollar industry relies on a collaborative partnership between the public and private sectors to prioritize innovation, intellectual property protection, and sustainable economic development.
