Q&A: Game Developers' Association of Australia president

The Game Developers' Association of Australia (GDAA) yesterday called on Australia's federal government to introduce to the games sector a rebate scheme similar to what the local film industry is about to receive. GameSpot AU caught up with Tom Crago, president of the GDAA, to chat about the GDAA's stance, dealing with the federal government, and how he thinks the Australian games industry can be improved.

GameSpot AU: How long has the GDAA been petitioning the federal government?

Tom Crago: We've been trying to get in front of government for the past five years, without much success. This year we've ramped up our effort, in part in response to the most recent federal budget, where once again the game industry was ignored at the expense of the film industry.

GS AU: In what ways have you been petitioning the government?

TC: Most recently we've made trips to Canberra to meet directly with the likes of Communication Minister Helen Coonan and Shadow Minister Stephen Conroy. We also met with the Greens, who in fact were our most willing audience. In addition, we've made a number of written submissions, both direct to government and to a variety of committees and departments. It's been a lot of work, and to date we have had no success.

GS AU: What sort of rebate are you asking for?

TC: The last federal budget saw the announcement of a terrific new program for Australia's film, television, and post-production industries. It essentially allows for a 40 percent rebate to be provided to Australian film producers for Australian-produced feature films. We'd like to see this initiative extended to the video game industry. We'd like to see it applied to games in exactly the same way it is applied to films. It seems strange that it should be extended to TV and post-production, and not to video games. It's a sign of a government behind the times in terms of how Australians are spending their leisure hours and dollars.

GS AU: Who would be regulating the rebate?

TC: We would very likely fall under the same legislation as the film industry, and may ultimately be regulated by the same statutory body.

GS AU: What sort of boost do you expect the rebate to give the Australian games industry?

TC: Almost inconceivably huge. The industry would triple in size; we would see new investment flow in to Australian-developed titles and, ultimately, many more top-quality, original, Australian-developed games. We might finally realise our ambition of becoming a global hub for video game development.

GS AU: If the rebate is offered, how long do you think it would take to see its effects?

TC: Right away we'd see significant investment in Australian-developed games. That would result in rapid growth and expansion of Australian developers. And then, at the end of the production cycle, you'd see more great Aussie games on the shelves.

GS AU: In the fact sheet the GDAA released, you mention that there is a skill shortage in Australia. What do you think the best way to overcome this would be?

TC: We'd like to see more high-school kids think about video games as a career. There are many first-rate courses here in Australia that set graduates up for a career in the industry. The more top-quality graduates the better.

GS AU: In yesterday's press release, the GDAA compared the Australian industry to the Canadian games sector, stating that the Canadian government's support has helped boost their local industry significantly. Why did you decide to highlight Canada as an example?

TC: Canadian governments, both federally and provincially, have done a terrific job of nurturing and supporting their local video game industry. They saw its potential, and they're now reaping the rewards. So too are Canadian gamers. It's a great blueprint, and goes to show what's possible with just a modicum of government support. We could reach those same highs in Australia. I hope Australian gamers see the potential here and get behind the GDAA in our calls for a level playing field. Each year, tens of millions of dollars of public money are spent supporting our film industry, while next to nothing is spent on games. In the year 2007, and given the current state of the media landscape, that seems pretty strange to me.

GS AU: Tom Crago, thanks for your time.