Government today announces backing for world class motion capture facilities and doubles funding for trade events
(Melbourne, Australia) - December 13, 2005 - The Game Developers? Association of Australia (GDAA) today applauded the Victorian Government?s commitment to establish world class motion capture facilities in the State, and the doubling of funds for trade events to further support the thriving electronic games industry.
The announcement was made today by the Hon. Marsha Thompson Minister for Information and Communication Technology at the Victorian Government?s ICT Industry Plan 2005-2010 launch and industry briefing lunch.
Evelyn Richardson, President and CEO of the GDAA, the governing body for the Australian electronic game industry, today welcomed the Government?s further commitment to the industry saying: ?The Victorian Government has been a great supporter of the electronic games industry and has been instrumental in every growth phase of the sector.?
?The fact that Melbourne is now recognized as a centre for the industry is a credit to the backing we have received over many years.?
The industry is now well on its way to being worth more than $500million in exports and a creator of 2,000 plus jobs by 2010, and is well positioned to share in the Asia Pacific growth which PwC projects will continue to be the fastest growing; going from $A12.9 billion in 2003 to $A36.7 billion in 2008.
Tom Crago, CEO, Tantalus Interactive and Convener of the Victorian GDAA chapter also commended the Government on its announcement today that it would double funding for international trade events.
"Over the years the Victorian Government's ICT Trade Events and Export Assistance Program has enabled many video game developers to participate in international trade shows and missions? Crago said.
?Many success stories have come about as a result of these trips. The announcement today that this program will have its funding doubled is sure to result in still more international successes for Victorian video game companies."