Video Game Industry

The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD (14:59): My question is to the Minister for Trade and Investment. Can the minister please inform the chamber how industry has reacted to the government extending the PDV rebate to the video game sector?

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Minister for Trade and Investment) (14:59): I thank the member for his ongoing interest in this great announcement. As members in the chamber would recall, on Tuesday I updated this chamber regarding the government's decision to extend the post-production and visual effects rebate to video game development to drive jobs and investment in a sector that is enormous on the global stage.

The Marshall government is proud of its record of consulting with industry and working in unison with them to identify ways to grow our economy, particularly in the priority sectors that we have identified. We have been consulting for an extensive period with the creative industries sector as part of the creation of our industry-owned sector plan.

During that consultation with industry, one of the areas that was consistently identified as an opportunity for growth was broadening the PDV rebate to the video game sector. I am happy to again say that the government heard industry loud and clear, and as of yesterday, 1 July, the PDV has been extended to video game development.

Since our announcement many businesses and industry figures have been vocal in their support of our move, which, of course, members would know is a national first. Local company Monkeystack said, 'The extension of the South Australian PDV will give Monkeystack, and the South Australian games industry, a significant, tangible advantage in attracting significant overseas projects.'

Ben Marsh, Managing Director of ODD Games said, 'By expanding the existing VFX PDV to Video Game Development South Australia is quickly cementing itself as one of the leading Creative hubs globally for Entertainment properties.' Ron Curry, Chief Executive of the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association has said, 'The future is bright for those studios working and looking to establish a base in South Australia.'

But it isn't just the video game and visual effects industry supporting this policy decision. Businesses in many different industries are also onboard, highlighting how gaming and 3D visualisation technology is now used by industries across the economy.

Mr Dan Calacci, Researcher at MIT Media Lab and Media Artist at NASA Jet Propulsion Lab said, 'Engines used for game development are also crucial tools used in data visualisation and storytelling. They allow urban planners, industry researchers, and academics to visualise, explore, and communicate data in ways that just aren't possible with other tools.' Robotics company SE4 said, 'Game engines are an essential technology for us at SE4, because a game engine and what would traditionally be called a "simulator" are one and the same these days.'

It has been a no-brainer to extend the PDV rebate to the games sector. The decision has been supported across the board. We believe this change will drive jobs and investment into this growth industry and turn South Australia into a global creative industries hub. I look forward to providing the chamber with further updates on the video game industry as we look to bounce back stronger than before.