Australia v NZ in the race for gaming and animation talent

Australia and New Zealand are in hot competition for gaming and animation specialists 

Sporting rivals since way back, Australia and New Zealand are also competitors when it comes to the gaming and animation sectors. Both countries use tax incentives to lure big game and film producers to their shores. And when they land, they need people with gaming and animation skills to deliver. 

For example, the new Lord of the Rings movie, set to land on our screens in 2026, will involve plenty of animation work. 

Meanwhile, the New Zealand Game Developers Association says skills shortages remain a constraint on the sector’s growth. A recent survey found 35% of studios say it’s challenging to recruit qualified programmers, especially those with experience. And 20% find it challenging to recruit 3D artists or animators. 

In 2023, the number of people employed by Australia’s game development studios grew by 17%. So whether you’re based in New Zealand or Australia, gaming and animation is a serious STEM career to consider. 

Star power 

Screen New Zealand says at least 150 visual effects jobs are expected to move from the US, as production of the Avatar sequels is consolidated  in New Zealand in coming years. 

Who’s hiring 

• Blind Squirrel Games (New Zealand and US) 
• Gameloft (Global) 
• Halfbrick Studios (Australia) 
• Not Doppler (Australia) 
• Outerdawn (New Zealand) 
• PikPok (New Zealand) 
• Riot Games (Global) 
• Ubisoft (Australia) 
• Weta FX (New Zealand) 

This article first appeared in Careers with Technology: 2024

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