The New Zealand entertainment landscape boasts an array of various forms of gaming that hold great entertainment value. Some of the more common options include console, PC, and mobile games, as well as immersive iGaming platforms. The diversity and accessibility of these options have made the entire gaming industry enticing to players, and even spectators in the case of eSports events.
However, the growth of this sector has not reached its limit yet as embodied by the progressive surge in certain types of gaming and its effects have a wide impact on the social lives of participants while also fostering economic development. How is this achieved? Here is a detailed breakdown of the role of gaming in New Zealand’s culture.
History of Gaming in New Zealand
Gaming has always had an intrinsic relationship with New Zealand culture starting several decades ago. The early 1980s marked an important era in the history of the country’s gaming industry as the first gaming companies such as Interzone Games emerged as industry players by developing home computer games that later became household names, representing New Zealand on the global gaming scene.
The 1990s represented a growing trend of PC gaming and the growing number of global game developers such as Gameloft took an interest in New Zealand but as the 2000s neared, console games started dominating this industry and expanded the interest of gamers across the world.
Currently, as mobile gaming is increasingly becoming popular, Kiwis are embracing this trend by being one of the major contributors and players of mobile gaming and gambling. Mobile gambling sites have seen huge growth with real money online pokies being the preference. Kiwis usually play on offshore sites to bypass the tough local restrictions in place when it comes to online casino games. Gambling expert Vlad Gindhu highlights the diversity of offshore iGaming options, mentioning that there is a wide selection that caters to everyone’s needs.
New Zealand’s rich and fascinating history spanning over several decades indicates the interest and participation of players in different forms of gaming including PC, console, and gambling games. The gaming culture in NZ has contributed to this country being regarded as a hub for game development and innovation with a widespread impact across the board.
Gaming as a Social Activity
Apart from providing world-class entertainment, the various forms of available gaming have reshaped social interaction. By encouraging community and connection among players, the gaming industry has developed into a vibrant social activity nationwide, whether digitally or at live events players are finding a unique medium to interact, share tips, and collaborate with each other.
This has been witnessed through an improvement in teamwork, communication, and maintaining solid friendships, for example, many Kiwis have built friendships through multiplayer games and being part of eSports teams or gaming clubs. The availability of communities such as the New Zealand Esports Federation and gaming conventions have accentuated these positive outcomes that empower gamers. In addition, the social aspect of gaming has also resulted in the formation of charitable initiatives that derive proceeds from gaming events.
Gambling in Gaming
The role of gambling in the economic development of New Zealand is profound as the industry has been reported to contribute over $150 million to the country’s GDP annually, moreover, the gambling industry also creates value through job creation which also stimulates economic growth. What makes the gambling industry interesting are the potential future regulatory adjustments that could promote the development of local online casinos. While this has not occurred yet, the future may be bright for iGaming in New Zealand.
Through the exploration of innovative technologies such as crypto gambling, the industry could grow and attract a higher stream of users from different countries but as it stands, the current gambling climate in New Zealand has a significant impact on the economy and also provides the best in class entertainment for players.
Gaming as a Creative Outlet
Open-world games that allow players to create and interact with each other encourage self-expression by allowing players to create worlds where they feel free, therefore the gameplay of such games helps players to find their voice through this creative medium. On the other hand, game developers from New Zealand have also been able to put their creativity to good use by building games with innovative gameplay in the available development studios and independently.
Titles such as the Path of Exile and Mini Metro reflect the creative expression of game developers in New Zealand. Gameloft’s expansion by building a game development studio in Auckland also represents the thriving gaming scene fueled by the creativity of New Zealanders and emerging developers have received great support from resources resources such as the New Zealand Game Developers Association.
Conclusion
Whether players are gaming from their mobile devices in the comforts of their homes or participating in eSports events, they are part of a larger ecosystem that encourages a sense of community and belonging. Moreover, gaming in New Zealand provides the perfect platform to creatively express oneself through gameplay or developing games. The fast-paced tempo of gaming in this country is likely to widen the reach of this industry, ultimately touching more lives than it does currently.