Rogue-like action-adventure game 'Cult of the Lamb' from Melbourne/UK indie studio Massive Monster herded its way to four wins at the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association Australian Game Developer Awards, including Game of The Year.
The Australian games sector has built some solid momentum over the past couple of years, but developers should be wary of increased economic challenges before stepping up their operations in 2024, according to IGEA CEO Ron Curry.
Made Up Stories producer Bruna Papandrea, Binge executive director Alison Hurbert-Burns, and First Nations multi-hyphenates Leah Purcell, Kodie Bedford, and Jub Clerc have been added to the SXSW Sydney line-up as the event draws closer.
Clara Reeves, CEO of digital games studio Hipster Whale, has joined the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC) board for a three-year term.
The games industry is among the early winners of next week's Federal Budget, which will include a 30 per cent Digital Games Tax Offset.
The Interactive Games and Entertainment Association is lobbying the government to establish a direct funding program similar to the now-defunct Australian Interactive Games Fund in order to support independent game developers.
The games industry in Australia is entering a new era, with the Digital Games Tax Offset and increased
direct investment in games from Screen Australia and state screen agencies. IF examines how the support will stretch beyond developers alone to benefit visual effects and post-production companies and creatives who have traditionally worked in film and television.
Australia's interactive entertainment sector posted a 23 per cent fall in traditional retail sales last year to $1.16bn