Right call to subsidise video games industry

Right call to subsidise video games industry
The video games sector generated $400m in exports last year and employs around 1,200 people. (Image: Getty) (Image: Getty)
Peter Griffin
Accusations of “corporate welfare” greeted the news in last week’s budget that the government would introduce a 20% subsidy for video games development companies. “They are subsidising fxxking video games,” the New Zealand Initiative’s chief economist Dr Eric Crampton, a vocal subsidy sceptic, vented on Twitter. Former economic development minister Steven Joyce said the subsidy, which is applicable to a game development studio with annual development costs of $250,000 or more and will cost the taxpa...

More Opinion

Why luxury needs a wake-up call
Opinion Fashion

Eden Bradfield: Why luxury needs a wake-up call

The focus should be on selling consumers a lifestyle, not just status symbols. 

Facebook is no place for risky financial investment offers
Opinion

Maria Slade: Facebook is no place for risky financial investment offers

Misleading ads continue to be thrust in the faces of Mum and Dad investors.

Maria Slade 30 Jun 2025
Money, Money, Money
Opinion

Simon Robertson: Money, Money, Money

Like it or not, everything digital is coming.

Simon Robertson 28 Jun 2025