Australian game development survey FY2023REPORTStray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical by Summerfall StudiosF O R E W O R DIt is with great pleasure that I introduce the Australian Game Development Survey (AGDS) FY 2023 Industry Snapshot. This year’s report marks the seventh year that IGEA has undertaken this important survey, providing valuable insights into the size, scope, and health of the Australian game development industry.The AGDS FY2023 Industry Snapshot paints a picture of an industry continuing to grow and mature at a steady pace. Over $345 million was generated by Australian game developers in FY2023, representing an increase of 21% over the previous year. At least 2,458 people work directly in the sector, representing employment growth of 17%. The local industry is maturing with a significant number of businesses having more than a decade’s worth of experience.Much of this growth has been underpinned by the suite of support offered by the governments at both Federal and State levels, providing confidence to the sector and the ability to commence many new game projects. Despite adverse global economic conditions directly impacting our sector, Australian developers remain cautiously optimistic, with almost two-thirds of respondents aiming to hire more staff in 2024. Securing private investment and publishing deals will be challenging for game developers as we enter 2024, as was highlighted in the survey. No doubt the Australian industry will innovate and adapt to meet these challenges, having an enviable reputation around the world for developing highly creative and unique products, plus the ability to lift, persist and support each other through such difficult times.We sincerely thank those studios who participated in this survey, as it provides the vital data IGEA requires to advocate on the industry’s behalf. The provision of reliable and consistent data allows IGEA to seek and provide recognition and support from all forms of government and, in turn, enhance the Australian game development ecosystem.Enjoy this snapshot of our ever-changing and dynamic industry, and remember to support Australian-made games. If you need a list of recommendations, try the games from our AGDAs winners and finalists lists for the last few years.Yours sincerely,Ron Curry CEO, IGEA2INCOME GENERATED BY AUSTRALIAN GAME DEVELOPMENT STUDIOS IN FY 2023 $345.5MNUMBER OF FULL TIME EMPLOYEES* IN AUSTRALIAN GAME DEVELOPMENT STUDIOS2458 OF STUDIOS ARE PLANNING TO HIRE NEW STAFF IN FY 2024ESTIMATED AT OVERNEWHIRES63%200+AN INCREASE OF17%AN INCREASE OFOVER PREVIOUSYEAROVER PREVIOUSYEAR21%87%OF REVENUE COMES FROM OUTSIDE OF AUSTRALIAOF THOSE DEVELOPERS SELLING GAMESExport focusedIP importance89%OF RESPONDENTS DEVELOP THEIR OWN IPProjected growth68%OF STUDIOS ARE PREDICTING INCOME GROWTH OVER THE NEXT YEAR21%OF STUDIOS ARE PREDICTING STABLE INCOME NEXT YEARThe big numbersA...
