Game development sector rebate design announced

The Government has finalised the design of the Game Development Sector Rebate scheme, following a constructive period of consultation with the sector. The design takes on board many of the sector’s suggestions to clarify parts of the design and adjust some criteria to better fit the sector’s operational practices. The details can be found on NZ On Air’s website at www.nzonair.govt.nz/funding/game-development-sector-rebate-scheme/

To enable NZ On Air to stress-test and fine-tune its administrative processes for the rebate, the scheme includes a pilot application phase for year one. This will allow eligible businesses with anticipated eligible expenditures of $5 million or more for the period 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024, to submit a partial claim for expenditure already incurred in the six months to 30 September 2023.

Game development businesses will be able to register with NZ On Air for the rebate scheme from 1 October. More information about the application process, including the pilot application phase, is available on its website.

A summary of submissions on the rebate’s design can be found at https://www.mbie.govt.nz/business-and-employment/economic-development/industry-policy/industry-transformation-plans/digital-technologies/