NZGDC, Education Submissions and Barbie™

Newsletter | Kawerongo

April 2026 | Paenga-whāwhā

He kōrero nā te kaihautu | Executive Director's Note

Kia ora koutou,

This past month, our strategic focus has centered on national advocacy. We recently submitted feedback to the NZ Curriculum consultation to champion vital Technology and Arts pathways.

We are also actively in discussions with Inland Revenue regarding the proposed tax changes which, as they currently stand, will cost the industry millions and put smaller studios at significant financial risk. We have already taken our concerns directly to the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Revenue, and the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology to raise awareness of the severe risk this poses to our sector’s revenue.

Alongside this, we’re refining an industry statement on AI designed to reflect our members’ diverse perspectives for external media and policymakers, rather than setting prescriptive rules for studios.

Looking ahead, NZGDC planning is in full swing, with lots of new exciting developments, events and formats. Stay tuned for more details and a super special keynote announcement at the end of May!

Finally, keep an eye out for our EY-Parthenon member webinar on May 19th covering studio valuation, governance, and exit readiness.

Ngā mihi nui,

Joy Keene,

Executive Director

Speakers and Masterclass Instructors

Speaker applications have opened for NZGDC 2026. We invite passionate creators, innovative thinkers, and inspiring educators to join us in shaping the future of game development in Aotearoa.

We believe in the power of diverse perspectives and fresh voices to inspire meaningful change and innovation in our industry. If you'd like to apply click here to submit your proposal. The deadline for applications is 5pm, Friday, 15th May 2026.

NZGDC 2026 is also inviting applications for one of the most impactful parts of the conference: our Masterclass programme. Masterclasses are not talks with extra time. They are premium, extended-format learning experiences built for depth, clarity, and real-world impact.

Running for 2 or 3 hours, these sessions are designed for attendees who want to move beyond inspiration and into genuine capability building.

We’re seeking experienced practitioners and industry leaders who can deliver deep, expert-led sessions that go beyond surface-level insights. The best sessions are those where attendees are actively engaged - thinking, applying, and building understanding as they go.

If this is you, we encourage you to submit your Masterclass proposal for NZGDC 2026 and help define what meaningful learning looks like in our industry. Applications close, 5pm, Friday 22nd May 2026.

Interested in sponsoring NZGDC 2026?

We'd love to hear from you! Get in touch to explore partnership opportunities and support the premier game development event in New Zealand.

News | Pūrongo

The NZGDA takes the opportunity to comment on the Income Tax Treatment of Software Development Expenditure issues paper. Read more ...

Join the AI and Creativity Summit 2026 being held in Auckland and Wellington (May 5th and 6th respectively). Take the opportunity to connect, learn and share ideas on the role of AI in creativity. Read more...

Introducing South Auckland to the Tech World 2 - a Techweek event collaboration with The Cause Collective - and they need our help bringing interactive play or playtesting experiences to life.

This is a hands-on, high-energy event focused on engagement over passive displays - think “no boring booths.”

Attendees (primary students on 19th May, and high school seniors + community on 20th May) will rotate through interactive showcases and short workshops, with a strong emphasis on touch, try, and create.

If you have a game, prototype, or experience and ideas for a short workshop that young people can jump into we’d love to have you involved.

Contact Andrew if you can help!

Tech New Zealand is looking to create a pop-up playspace on the opening day of Techweek26, specifically the evening networking session held at the Techweek Hub in Auckland at Pipiri Lane on Monday 18 May (5.15–7.00pm). The event will be called the Kōtahi Arcade.

The idea is simple: bring a game and set up a small, low-lift play area so attendees can jump in and have a go. They want to showcase Kiwi game development to a broad Techweek audience (tech ecosystem, local and national government, international guests, media), while creating a genuinely engaging format for connection on the night. The event is being supported by Stripe.

If you are keen to participate, then email Courteney today! 👍

Rauemi | NZGDA Member Content

New game releases!

Big Adventure has released a new demo of Dream Team Supreme on Steam ...... TODAY! Like, right now! 😱

This is a slice of their final game so you have a chance to check it out first! Woot! Here it is

Well done to Chris and the team at Crayonix Games who released Rollick N' Roll this past week, after 2+ years of epic development! 🙌 Check it out on Steam

PikPok announced a new game this month - Barbie™ Horse Ride and Rescue, coming to mobile, desktop, and console. Amazing! Check out the trailer here

Member Offers

Member offers are being updated regularly so be sure to check the Member Hub often.

Playful have activated their Member offer for playtesting services, BNZ have refreshed their offer and Samsung who already have a wicked 45% off rrp for selected products for Members - ALSO have another exclusive time-limited member offer coming soon! Head to the Hub!

Member migration update:

All our Members have been successfully migrated to our new platform. If you are a current member and haven't had the chance to sign in yet - just go to the Member Hub, request your temporary password and login. If you're having trouble, check out the updated FAQs here.

Updated Directory

We will be updating our Studio and Partner's Page on the NZGDA website with the Directory from the new member platform. Please take the opportunity to complete the Studio profile to ensure you have a stand-out presence on the website. It's as easy as signing in to the Member Hub and clicking Manage my Profile.

Here are some that were prepared earlier:

And if you're not a member and would like to join - you can do that on the new system too! Just click the Join Now link under the Membership menu of our website and choose your member type - easy!