Game Development Workforce Report: New Zealand 2026

Key insights

5 slides

Workforce makeup

The New Zealand game development workforce is predominantly male and senior-level.

The workforce is composed of 59% male, 24% female, and 4% non-binary employees. There is a high concentration of senior and lead-level roles within the industry.

Industry evolution

The industry must shift from a culture-reliant model to one with robust operational structures.

The sector's future success depends on transitioning from a culture-reliant model to one supported by robust operational structures and transparent, industry-wide benchmarks.

Like building a house, a strong foundation of operational structures is needed, not just a welcoming interior.

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Summary

The 2026 New Zealand Game Development Workforce Report provides a comprehensive baseline analysis of the nation’s gaming sector, focusing on workforce demographics, compensation, workplace culture, and the impact of artificial intelligence. The report serves as a strategic roadmap for the industry, highlighting that while the sector is resilient and culturally strong, it faces critical challenges regarding salary competitiveness, career progression, and technological adaptation.

The findings are derived from two primary sources: an anonymous survey of 119 attendees at the 2025 New Zealand Game Developers Conference and aggregated salary data from the 2026 Game Development Sector Rebate (GDSR) recipients. While the survey data is indicative rather than statistically representative, it offers a directional snapshot of a workforce that is 59% male, 24% female, and 4% non-binary, with a high concentration of senior and lead roles.

Key findings reveal a significant pay equity concern, with 32% of respondents reporting dissatisfaction with their remuneration, a sentiment that varies sharply by gender. Although New Zealand studios are praised for their "people-first" culture, flexibility, and rejection of crunch, employees expressed frustration over stagnant wages and inconsistent role titles. Furthermore, the rise of artificial intelligence has created widespread uncertainty; while 60% of workers acknowledge the utility of AI in technical tasks, 55% remain uncomfortable with its integration, fearing potential impacts on job security, creative quality, and junior-level skill development.

To address these issues, the industry is urged to standardize salary frameworks, formalize career progression pathways, and establish ethical guidelines for AI adoption. The report concludes that the sector’s future success depends on transitioning from a culture-reliant model to one supported by robust operational structures and transparent, industry-wide benchmarks.