IGEA-建立一个蓬勃发展的游戏开发产业（英文）-2018.12-28页_6mb

报告摘要

Summary of "Building a Thriving Interactive Games Development Industry in Australia"

Core Content

The document outlines the potential of the Australian interactive games development industry to become a key driver of economic growth, workforce development, and cultural export. It emphasizes the need for government support to unlock this potential and highlights successful international examples such as Canada and the UK to demonstrate what can be achieved with the right policies.

Main Points and Key Information

The Role of Games in the Economy

Innovation and Future Outlook: Interactive games are a highly innovative and future-focused creative industry that intersects technology, information, and entertainment.
Economic Potential: The global games market is valued at over $137.9 billion, with Australia's industry currently small but growing. The Australian game development sector employs around 928 full-time workers and generates $118.5 million annually.
Export Opportunity: Games are a valuable, IP-driven, and weightless export with high global demand. They can be easily distributed and have no transportation costs, making them ideal for international markets.

Workforce Development

Skilled Jobs: Game development can create high-paying, skilled jobs across various sectors, including IT, software, digital design, and media production.
Regional Impact: Game development can support regional Australia by creating jobs in smaller towns and cities.
Talent Retention: Australia risks losing its skilled game developers and graduates to overseas markets. Supporting the industry can help retain talent and prevent brain drain.

Serious Games and Education

Serious Games: These are no longer just for entertainment but are being used in sectors like health, education, defence, and emergency management. The market for serious games is expected to grow significantly, from $4.5 billion in 2017 to over $24 billion by 2023.
Educational Impact: Games are powerful tools for education, especially for children. They can be used to teach STEM subjects, promote social issues, and encourage inclusivity.
Examples: Games like Sound Scouts, Virtual Dementia Experience, and Project Desal are used for educational and awareness purposes. The Dumb Ways to Die campaign has had a massive global impact.

Cultural and Social Benefits

Digital Inclusion: Games help bridge the digital divide by connecting people across geographical and practical boundaries.
Cultural Export: Games are a more effective form of cultural export than traditional media, with the potential to shape Australia's global image.
Social Skills: Games improve social skills and foster communication, teamwork, and leadership among children and adults alike.

Recommendations for Government Support

Policy Recommendation	What It Will Achieve
Reinstate the Australian Interactive Games Fund with $40 million over four years	Seed funding to help game development businesses expand, encourage new ventures, and increase employment and investment
Provide a 30 per cent refundable tax offset for video game development	Attract global investment, increase tax receipts, and support local studios with financial incentives
Provide strategic funding and support for cultural, educational and serious games	Encourage the development of games with culturally-significant Australian content, high educational value, and serious applications
Additional funding and support for game developers	Include assistance for shared working spaces, regional innovation hubs, and review of existing grants and tax incentives to better suit the game development sector

Economic and Fiscal Case

Cost-Effective: The cost of supporting the game development industry is modest and sustainable.
Recoupable Investment: Funding for games is recoupable, while a tax offset can lead to increased tax receipts.
Attracting Foreign Investment: Financial incentives can act as a magnet for foreign investment, creating jobs and boosting the economy.
Return on Investment: The benefits of growth and investment will more than justify the cost of support.
Budget-Neutral Package: Support can be introduced via a budget-neutral package, using savings from streamlining existing financial incentives for the screen industry.

Political and Stakeholder Support

Bi-Partisan Support: There is strong support from both major political parties and crossbench members for the growth of the game development industry.
Public and Industry Backing: The screen industry and the Australian public recognize the value of games in the economy and culture.

Conclusion

The Australian game development industry is a "sleeping giant" with significant potential to drive economic growth, create skilled jobs, and enhance Australia's global cultural image. With the right financial incentives and strategic support, the industry can flourish and become a major contributor to the Australian economy and society.

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