State government support for video game developers in NSW will be topped up in the Budget as part of a $380 million package for the screen and digital games sector.
The Minns government will also establish the local games sector’s most direct advice channel yet with a dedicated spot on a new Screen and Digital Games Industries Advisory Committee.
Full details on the extended support for NSW game developers are being held for the Budget, to be handed down later this month, but will include more funding for the Digital Games Rebate program.
The Digital Games Rebate program offers a 10 per cent rebate on expenditure for qualifying expenditure if the spend is at least $350,000.
It was announced back in 2021 after several other states introduced rebates to lure developers, and effectively extended NSW’s support for screen productions to video games.
In an effort to grow the local sector, games studios in NSW can claim the rebate for paying salaries and local suppliers, licensing material created or held by a NSW resident or supplier, and testing and marketing. Some post launch costs and general business overheads may also qualify.
NSW Treasurer Daniel Moohkey announced the $380 million package for screen and games production on Sunday.
$280 million of the package will go to topping up the games rebates, a similar program for post, digital and visual effects and the Made in NSW fund to lure global productions.
The other $100 million is for a capital fund for a second film studio in Sydney.
“The screen and digital games sector generates $1.2 billion into our state economy and supports over 13,500 jobs,” Mr Mookhey said.
“By supporting the sector, we are acting to attract investment, stimulate job creation and boost economic growth.”
The state government has also committed to regulatory changes to encourage local productions and will establish a new Screen and Digital Games Industries Advisory Committee after passing enabling legislation in May.
The Minns government last year also committed to Screen NSW establishing its own advisory group to develop an Australian industry response to artificial intelligence.
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