NZ Games Sector Shows Continued Growth: GDSR Data Release

The New Zealand game development sector is experiencing significant financial growth, reinforcing its status as a vital high-value digital export industry. Data from the 2026 Game Development Sector Rebate (GDSR) reveals that combined studio revenue reached $829 million for the 2025/26 period, representing a 17 percent increase over the previous year. This trajectory aligns with industry projections that the sector is on track to reach a $1 billion annual revenue target ahead of schedule.

The 2026 GDSR program supported 43 studios, an increase from 40 in the prior year, with the number of active game projects rising from 170 to 194. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) remain the backbone of the industry, comprising 90 percent of rebate recipients. These medium-sized studios demonstrated the most robust financial performance, reporting 44 percent revenue growth, while small studios saw a 21 percent increase. Export income remains a primary driver of this success, accounting for 98 percent of total revenue generated by recipient studios.

While the total full-time equivalent employment figure across recipient studios shifted from 1,288 to 1,124, this headline number masks internal growth trends. Despite broader global industry challenges, the average GDSR-recipient studio expanded its workforce by 14 percent during the period. The government-backed rebate program continues to serve as a critical mechanism for fostering resilience, enabling studios to invest in talent and maintain competitive output in an increasingly globalized market.