NZ gaming industry grows

How big are video and computer games in New Zealand? Try $145,662,181.

Latest figures from the Interactive Software Association of New Zealand (Isanz) released last week showed that New Zealand's computer games industry has recorded a 17 per cent increase on sales of console games and PC software, console hardware and peripherals in the past financial year.

Bob Glancy, president of the association, said overall recorded sales for the industry had increased from $121,312,445 in the period from June 2006 and May 2007, to $145,662,181 from June 2007 to May 2008.

"They (the figures) show two major trends. Firstly, the games business is a major player both in terms of employing and entertaining Kiwis. Secondly, this is a mainstream industry which is defying the recession by continuing to widen its appeal year upon year."

Isanz is a trade body designed to represent and encourage the growth and development of the software industry throughout New Zealand.

- © Fairfax NZ News