Robert Walsh, CEO and co-founder of Australia's largest game developer, Krome Studios, seems to think so. He has recently written an article for GameDaily BIZ, talking about why Australia is such a great location for a game development company, and why the Aussie industry is destined for great things.
Robert writes that Australia is in a prime centralised location in the world, where development companies can outsource and work efficiently and seamlessly with many different international time-zones. A key factor to an expected "boom" to the industry is the large rise to the game development scene in the Asia-Pacific region. Due to Australia's location, it will be the most effective candidate to be used as a "cultural link" to the Western World.
One reason game studios are thriving in Australia is our local multitude of talent. Australian companies are always looking for skilled and talented people to fill numerous studio roles. At Krome we like to think of our positions as progressive, with roles evolving over time. As our company grows so do our job descriptions, especially for producers, stressing the need to hire asset coordinators and more game designers to help ease the workload of the producer and to create more jobs within our local industry.
For an interesting read, click the related link to be taken directly to Robert's article.
"One reason game studios are thriving in Australia is our local multitude of talent". Hrm.. Krome doing well.. and various other companies falling asunder doesn't generally means the industry is 'super healthy' here. There are three more sizable companies I know of that will be folding in the next 6-8 months.. maybe I missed the memo that said "all is well... and contracts are flowing into Aus.."
We used to be cheap (when out dollar was worth 50 cents.. remember then?) .. now we are expensive, and there is no real economic or quality reason to develop here. Hence why so many offices have opened in Shanghai :)
Another classic set of comments from a person with his fingers in his ears. Just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy to know there is such good things happening here...
Yep, but don't worry. I am sure that the delusional fantasy will start to begin to become "reality" as next-gen has more effect, especially as the PS3 and its effect is really felt.
I recall attending a talk that Robert was a part of for the AGDC. The thing I remember the most, is when he explained how they had seriously underestimated how complex and detailed the actual design of the original Ty game would be, as they had never done an action adventure before.
No shit Sherlock!
To #2. You sound like a kid. How old are you exactly ? My guess is around 14. Am I right :)
The fee for service revenue that has been the mainstay of Australian game development income is drying up. A combination of higher currency value, an arrogant and corrupt Australian government that will not give tax concessions to companies setting up development, more experienced foreign developers in Singapore and China (along with a closer flight and conference time with Singapore) will ultimately remove most fee for service contracts from the Australian industry. You can have all the talented developers you need, however if you do not have venture capital / development capital, contract, and strong publisher ties, no development is going to go ahead. mate.
But at least you lot still have Vegemite. That'll see you through.
That's simply wrong Matt. The local industry simply cannot keep up with demand and the demand is growing. Singapore and Chinese developers cannot compete with Australian development studios.
Anyone who knows anything about the industry knows that Asian companies cannot compete with Australian development studios. Many Asian companies do joint ventures with Australian companies to try and break into the US market, or use technology from Australian studios.
Australian developers are stealing jobs from US companies and it has nothing to do with price. That's a fact and it will continue. Many Australian developers are just as good as thier US and UK counterparts now and they will continue to get better. They are also reaching the same sizes. Krome is in the hundreds and there is at least 3 other companies that will reach that size in the next 12 months.