The state of play in Australian game development

Company
Game Developers Association of Australia

As local game developers busily prepare builds to shop around at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco next week, Screenplay has sat down with Tantalus CEO and Games Developers' Association of Australia president, Tom Crago, to talk about the current state of play in the Australian games industry. How well are local studios weathering the current climate? Amidst the news of studio closures and downsizings, Tom is still very optimistic. From Screenplay...

(the) impact is being felt in Australia, there's no doubt about that. You only have to look as far as the closure of Pandemic up in Brisbane to see that impact.

However, I do think that we are in a pretty strong position here in Australia for a number of reasons. Firstly, we have had a win with the exchange rate. So it really is the case now that publishers when they come to work in Australia are able to get more game for the same money.

Tom also provides some encouragement for discouraged new devs currently looking for their first job in the industry, who I can imagine are disheartened by the current predicament that the financial crisis has brought. Head on over to Screenplay for the rest!

Submitted by designerwatts on Fri, 20/03/09 - 1:59 PMPermalink

I wish all the independent Aussie studios going to GDC that their original IP ideas get some publishing exposure and recognition.

And what Mr Cargo says about new people looking to break into the industry holds true. The industry always welcomes those who really apply their skills and makes something that truly shines. :)

Good luck dudes!

Submitted by souri on Fri, 20/03/09 - 2:05 PMPermalink

It's a tough climate for recent graduates and for those hoping to get their foot in the industry, to be sure.

But I'm hoping you guys aren't resting on your laurels waiting for an opportunity to pop up. There are plenty of opportunities to go out on your own as indies. Some may scoff at indie games and casual games, but you have to realise that some of Australia's most renowned studios started off as a few guys making games together.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 20/03/09 - 4:18 PMPermalink

Absolutely agree. Those who are passionate about games (though I'm usually reluctant to use that word) will make their own games anyway. But I'm keen on hearing more about the dynamic involved with an indie project - what kind of expertise do people look for? How do projects play out?