Is New Zealand a Rising Superpower in eSports?
Gaming is quickly supplanting watching TV or listening to music as
the preferred pastime. It is increasing at a nearly 10% annual rate, and
studies project that the industry will be valued at $222 billion by the end of
this year. You would think that this expansion is the result of industry titans,
big-name development firms, and studios in Japan, China, and the United States.
While that is not wrong, there is more to it than meets the eye.
The sector is also witnessing tremendous
growth from seemingly unlikely areas. Take, for example, New Zealand. According
to data supplied by the New Zealand
Games Developers Association (NZGDA), industry revenue has more than
doubled from $100 million in 2017 to more than $200 million in 2019. In 2020,
it increased by more than $300 million. Despite employing less than 800
full-time employees compared to more than 1,200 in Australia, New Zealand
currently produces more money
from gaming than Australia.
With that said, is New Zealand becoming an
upland rising gaming superpower? Here are the things you should know.
NZ game devs have greatly improved
Even a seasoned player may fail to name a New Zealand developer. But that's only
because so few people are aware that the island nation has produced some of the
world's most prestigious titles. Grinding Bear, located in New Zealand, created
the Path of Exile RPG series, while Auckland-based Ninja Kiwi created the Bloons.
You can also have a look at Cerebralfixis, a
Christchurch-based company specializing in virtual reality, software, and slot
games to assist the country’s burgeoning betting NZ
industry. New Zealanders have never been bashful about their love of betting,
whether in sports or casino games. The relatively new notion of iGaming
elegantly combines both.
The fast-paced rise of eSports
The New Zealand Esports Federation (NZESF)
became the 21st country to get the official designation of the national
sporting body for esports from sports New Zealand in 2020. On March 20,
2020, sport New Zealand submitted a confirmation letter to NZESF to give them their new status.
Because of NZESF's success, they will give
instructional opportunities about
eSports, allowing gaming newcomers to participate while also providing
educational materials and assistance to professional gamers. Furthermore, there
will be an increase in interesting job prospects in the esports industry for
New Zealanders.
Furthermore, NZESF now has criteria to work by
regarding visas, tax statuses, and handling money distribution among players.
Other reasons that will impact NZESF's functioning include a better structure
and greater financial opportunities, allowing New Zealand's national sporting organization
for eSports to continue embracing
the professional world of gaming.
Ben Lenihan, President of NZESF, has stated
that he is overjoyed with the sports organization's decision to designate NZESF
as the regulating organization of eSports in New Zealand. While he recognizes
that it will offer several possibilities to the country, as well as an exciting
new sector for New Zealanders to be a part of.
The country has also begun to embrace internet
gaming streaming. Brohx, a Twitch streamer, was in this situation. Broxh's stream gained a large following
as viewers watched him carve wood and communicate with his audience,
demonstrating Twitch's success in New Zealand. New Zealand Prime Minister
Jacinda Ardern appeared on Broxh's stream, where they had a casual talk about
Twitch, live streaming, and Broxh's work.
Final thoughts
By bringing these disparate components
together, New Zealand is solidifying its position in the worldwide gaming
landscape. It is a function that will only grow in importance in the coming
years. More developers are sprouting up, and the future looks bright owing to
developed channels to market and a mostly proactive and supporting government.
