A NSW Government website

Virtual reality (VR), Augmented reality (AR) and Digital games

NSW is Australia’s leading screen production state for feature films and TV dramas, and home to a fast-growing digital games development sector. This is supported by virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies that present digital information, objects and media in the real world.

Digital Games

With a quarter of Australia’s total game development studios based in NSW, and 24% of Australia’s full time game developers, the NSW digital games ecosystem is growing off the back of highly skilled programmers, artists, creative hubs and government support.

This ecosystem also includes the largest STEM talent pool in Australia, and more educational providers now offering gaming-focused degrees, diplomas, and certificates, reinforcing the talent pipeline.

The NSW Government through Create NSW has supported the digital games industry with the 10% NSW Digital Games Rebate, which can be paired with the Australian Government’s new 30% Digital Games Tax Offset (DGTO).

Screen and digital technologies

NSW's long and continued investment in the film industry has enabled strong digital capability in PDV and computer-generated imaging (CGI). Sydney is home to world-leading digital creative studios such as Animal Logic and Industrial Light and Magic, opened with support from the NSW Government.

Sydney is also home to the southern hemisphere’s largest end-to-end production facility, Disney Studios Australia. This will be complemented by Pacific Bay Resort Studios & Village, on the Mid North Coast, Australia’s first fully integrated feature-film production and post-production complex. Merging advanced virtual studios and sound stages with accommodation and lifestyle facilities, the complex is strategically positioned between Sydney and Byron Bay.

Lucrative rebates are on offer for post-production, digital ad visual effects production (PDV). Diverse NSW locations, experienced crews, world-class facilities and enviable lifestyle are also major attractions for Australian and international producers and directors.

Grants, Rebates and Incentives

Investment NSW offers bespoke services to businesses looking to build a presence within NSW.

The team at Investment NSW provides tailored advice on grants, rebates , programs and other incentives your business may be eligible for.

Find out more information on the Australian Government Digital Games Tax OffsetExternal Link 
To find out more information on the NSW Digital Games RebateExternal Link 
Visit grants, rebates , programs to find out about incentives your business may be eligible for, contact us .

Key facts

Australia's game development studios generate $284.4 million in annual revenue

Australia's culture and creative industries contributed $122.3 billion to the economy in 2022

84% of Australia's game development income is generated from offshore markets and investment

NSW accounts for 70% of Australia's creative industry exports

42% of creative industry jobs are based in NSW

Almost half of Australia's post-production industry is in NSW

Supporting your move to New South Wales

Investment NSW can connect you with a range of services and incentives available to businesses looking to grow.

Visa and Skilled Migration support

Our Business & Skilled Migration Program is highly supportive of NSW’s growing tech industries and precincts. The program attracts new and emerging digital technology capabilities and skills, provides visa and migration advice to businesses, and nominates high potential migration candidates to live and work in NSW.

These initiatives have spurred the growth of digital technology businesses across the state and are available to all organisations considering investment opportunities in NSW.

Asia-Pacific growth advice

Once you have established here, a wide range of services and programs are available to use NSW as a springboard into Asia. We can help you identify opportunities to expand in the region.

Familiarisation visits

We offer curated introductions and virtual visit programs to help you identify local partners, distributors, industry stakeholders and service providers.

Connections and introductions

We can introduce you to stakeholders who can support your growth objectives. This may include connecting you to:

  • corporate partners
  • business chambers
  • industry associations
  • technology precincts
  • research institutes
  • government agencies.
Site identification and development

Whether you need a high-tech lab, an advanced manufacturing facility connected to a university or a greenfield site in regional NSW, we can assist.

We can work with you to establish a presence in a precinct or collaboration area suited to your needs.

In collaboration with the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, we provide services to help you find the right accommodation:

  • determining the type of accommodation to best meet your businesses requirements
  • advice and support regarding opportunities available on Government land (both long and short term)
  • support navigating the planning process.
Market insights

We can provide tailored information and data, including local market insights, on our priority sectors.

Contact us

Contact Investment NSW  today to find out more about investment opportunities in New South Wales. 

Last updated: 1 June 2022

Contact us

Contact Investment NSW  today to find out more about investment opportunities in New South Wales.