NSW Independent Developers Invited to Shape the Future of the State’s Games Industry
An independent organisation dedicated to championing New South Wales’ burgeoning video game development scene has opened submissions for its crucial 2026 survey. State of Play, a collective of passionate local developers, organisers, and advocates, is calling on all NSW-based game creators to participate in this vital initiative. The survey aims to provide a comprehensive snapshot of the independent game development landscape within the state, meticulously documenting both the triumphs and the significant hurdles faced by studios and individual developers.
The ultimate goal of this data collection is to empower State of Play with the evidence needed to advocate for enhanced funding opportunities and bolster support for the sector’s continued growth and sustainability. By shedding light on the realities of game development in NSW, the organisation intends to influence policy and investment decisions, ensuring a brighter future for the industry.
NSW Independent Developer Survey 2026: Key Details
- Submissions Now Open: Developers can access and complete the survey to contribute their insights.
- Who Can Participate: All independent video game developers and development teams located in NSW are strongly encouraged to take part. This includes studios of all sizes, as well as developers who may have recently relocated from NSW but still possess valuable experience and perspectives relevant to the state’s industry.
- Scope of Questions: The survey delves into a wide array of critical topics, designed to paint a detailed picture of the sector. These include:
- Developer location within NSW.
- Demographic information, such as age and job position.
- Years of experience in the industry.
- The financial implications of shipping games to market.
- Specific types of funding that would be most beneficial.
- Studio size and structure.
- And many other pertinent aspects of game development.
The data gathered from this survey will form the backbone of State of Play’s annual report. This report is a powerful tool, serving to inform the strategic planning and decision-making processes of various screen bodies, state government agencies, and federal government departments. It provides an essential, data-driven perspective that can guide policy and resource allocation.
State of Play’s Mission: Fostering Growth and Support
State of Play views this annual survey as an indispensable instrument for illuminating the current state of game development within New South Wales. The insights gleaned will be instrumental in presenting a clear, evidence-based narrative to funding bodies and policymakers. The organisation’s core mission revolves around enhancing both the availability of funding and the level of support for NSW’s independent game developers.
Particular focus areas for State of Play include:
- Production and Mid-Career Development: Providing targeted support to help developers navigate the challenging stages of game production and sustain their careers in the long term.
- Visibility for NSW Indie Games: Actively promoting and showcasing the innovative games being created by NSW-based independent studios to a wider audience.
- Community Building: Cultivating a strong and collaborative network among developers within the state, fostering shared knowledge and mutual support.
- Advocacy: Engaging in consistent and impactful advocacy efforts to ensure the needs and contributions of the NSW games industry are recognised and addressed by government and industry stakeholders.
The State of Play team is comprised of individuals with a deep understanding of the NSW games industry. They are a self-funded collective, driven by a shared passion for elevating the local sector. The board includes:
- Rick Salter: Co-founder of Hojo Studio (creators of The Godfeather), bringing over two decades of experience in independent game development.
- Luella Moore: Formerly the Games Festival Manager at SXSW Sydney, with extensive experience as a program producer for numerous high-profile organisations.
- Emre Deniz: A multi-award-winning games producer and technology developer who has collaborated with major entities like NASA, Epic Games, Microsoft, and Google.
- Margaret Anderson: A former Director of the Australian Classification Board, offering valuable insights into regulatory and policy frameworks.
- Nico King: Co-founder of Chaos Theory Games, known for titles such as Crab God and Rusthaven.
- Josh Hallaran: Founder of Critical Games, the studio behind the popular 8-Bit Adventures series.
- Ben Armstrong: A seasoned professional in the technology and creative industries with over 20 years of experience, and the recipient of the 2024 AGDAs Rising Star award.
- Tegan Jones: An award-winning journalist and podcaster specialising in games and technology.
- Stephanie Salter: Executive Producer and COO of Hojo Studio.
With their collective expertise spanning various facets of the NSW games industry, from game development and production to festival management and journalism, the State of Play team is dedicated to leveraging their knowledge to elevate NSW-made games and developers on a national and international stage.
Australian Game Studios Show Strong Revenue in FY25
In related news, the Australian video game industry continues to demonstrate its resilience and economic significance. The Interactive Games & Entertainment Association (IGEA) recently released its findings for Fiscal Year 2025, highlighting a robust performance in a challenging economic climate.
According to IGEA’s report, Australian video game studios collectively generated a substantial revenue of $608.5 million during FY25. This data, derived from the 10th annual Australian Game Developer Survey Snapshot and supplementary intelligence from Sensor Tower, paints a picture of a “maturing” local games industry. The sector is characterised by a dynamic mix of established, veteran teams and innovative new entrants, all contributing to its vibrant ecosystem.
