John Banks and Stuart Cunningham write in The Conversation (29.2.16) about the likely findings and policy recommendations of a Senate inquiry into Australia’s video game industry. They highlight different state-based initiatives where governments have supported these innovative enterprises.
‘In April the Senate will present findings on its inquiry into the future of Australia’s video game development industry.
‘A recent “perfect storm” of factors combined to change the face of the Australian games industry. The strong Australian dollar through the global financial crisis gutted the industry of its pricing advantages. Of even greater structural consequence for the industry was the simultaneous explosion of apps-based mobile casual games play, based on the smartphone platform and then also the tablet.
‘We have been tracking the fortunes of this beleaguered industry. Much has been destroyed, but many green shoots have come after the storm.’