Next to $4 billion dollars was spent on video games and consoles last year, according to a new report.
The latest data from the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (IGEA) shows that Aussies are gaming more than ever before.
Mobile games proved most popular, exceeding $1.5 billion online in sales across the country.
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Consumers understandably went video game crazy during the COVID-19 lockdowns. While some of the data in the latest IGEA report reflects that, our wallets are on track to work just as hard, if not harder, in 2022.
"We'd love a crystal ball," IGEA CEO Ron Curry said.
"Newzoo (games market analysts) is saying the industry will have a (compound annual growth rate) of 8.7 per cent to 2024, so if Australia follows global trends, our sales will trend upwards as well.
"Playing games provided a continued source of connection and entertainment for Australians throughout another year of the pandemic."
75 per cent of Australians play games. Whether it's on a gaming console, a PC or mobile phone.
"All of the data confirms that games are one of the world's most powerful entertainment mediums, and this looks set to continue," Curry said.
Most money spent on video games in Australia is heading overseas.
Curry said Aussie game studios, which are expected to benefit from a digital games tax offset of 30 per cent, needed support to grow the economy on Aussie soil.
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"Additionally, Screen Australia is also offering grants to small studios," he said.
"Most state governments have stepped up and offered rebates and grants to help create a thriving game development ecosystem."
Curry said one of the biggest challenges gaming studios faced was finding experienced developers.
"Mid-senior talent … is in demand globally, not only in our sector but also across tech broadly," he said.
"We need an agile and fit for purpose migration scheme to supplement local talent to encourage more revenue and employment locally."
