MEDIA RELEASE
April 8, 2008	Embargoed 11.30 am (AEST)	28/2008

Australia's digital game developers generated $136.9 million in income during 2006-07, according to estimates released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

The 45 game developers reported an operating profit before tax of $8.5 million and an operating profit margin of 6.2%.

The major source of income was the provision of game development services ($116.9 million), with most of that income (93% or $108m) coming from overseas businesses.

Games developed for console formats (e.g. PS2, PS3, Xbox, Wii) accounted for nearly three-quarters (71.1% or $83.2 million) of game development services income. Games developed for PC and Mac formats accounted for 14.6% ($17.1 million).

Two states - Queensland and Victoria - accounted for the majority of game development income (40.4% and 33.2% respectively) and employment (48.6% and 33%).

Employment:

• There were 1,431 people employed in game development services in Australia at the end of June 2007.
• The majority (90% or 1,227 people) were male.
• Artists and animators (491 people or 34%) and programmers (417 people or 29%) represented nearly two-thirds (64%) of total employment.
• There were 87 non-residents working in the industry at the end of June 2007.

Further details are in Digital Game Development Services, Australia, 2006-07 (cat. no. 8515.0).