Listen
There are fears a new tax incentive in Australia will mean video game studios in New Zealand, like A44 which is developing the video game Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn (pictured) will shift across the Tasman. Photo: A44 Studios
New Zealand's video game industry is at risk of losing out to Australia as game studios look to take advantage of new tax incentives across the Tasman. Companies here are expected to be eligible for a 40% tax break if they move or expand into Australia.
The NZ Game Developers Association says this will halt the growth of what has been a fast growing and promising sector, which has previously reported growing 34% each year.
Already Lower Hutt studio A44 Games has expanded to Melbourne, while Wellington's PikPok has expanded offshore with a new studio in Medellin, Columbia.
New Zealand's other leading studios including RocketWerkz, Runaway Play and StaplesVR are also making plans to move their thriving businesses across the Tasman.