Adelaide games development hub ‘to create 500 jobs’
A new digital games development hub in Adelaide’s CBD is expected to create up to 500 jobs in the fast-growing industry, aided by a $2 million grant from the State Government.
Game Plus co-founder Amit Oberoi with Mighty Kingdom director Phil Mayes, Premier Jay Weatherill and Employment Minister Kyam Maher at this morning's announcement. Photo: @JayWeatherill / Twitter
Almost half a million dollars from the fund will be used to fit-out a collaborative workspace for game developers on Pirie Street – Game Plus – which is expected to support the employment of about 500 people over the next three years.
Mighty Kingdom, a game development company based in Adelaide, is to be the principal tenant in the new games development space.
Director Phil Mayes told reporters this morning the new workspace would facilitate an ambitious expansion for his company and significant opportunities for gaming development startups in SA.
“We’re going to see Adelaide becoming the destination of choice for companies looking to expand or establish themselves in the game development industry,” he said.
“We’re very excited … to play our role in getting this across the line.
“This announcement today is a real game-changer.”
Of the Government funds, $1.3 million will be used to produce and market games made in Adelaide, while a further $200,000 will go towards industry-specific skills and education programs.
Mayes said his company had “a pretty aggressive growth strategy in mind” and that South Australian provided “every advantage that we need here to reach these global markets and really succeed”.
He added that Mighty Kingdom, which currently employs 35 staff, would be looking for new workers with a broad range of skills.
“We take a very broad view what someone can provide to this industry,” he said.
“We’ve had people successfully transition from the hospitality industry or other, sort of, adjacent industries like visual effects or defence.
“I don’t have a degree so I don’t impose that as a requirement.”
Mighty Kingdom mainly develops games for mobile applications.
Employment Minister Kyam Maher said the Game Plus hub was an example of the Government and business working together to create jobs in South Australia.
He said it would enable startup companies to work in the same location, providing opportunities for collaboration.
“Companies like Game Plus and Mighty Kingdom have huge projects on the go with major companies including LEGO,” said Maher.
“You will also see new and emerging startup companies … all being able to use the same location.”
Game Plus provides working hubs for game developers, digital entrepreneurs and related specialist technology startups.
The Pirie Street hub will be 25 per cent larger than Canberra Game Plus, and will consist of three offices and 29 “hot desks”.
The games development industry is expected to be worth $90 billion by 2020.
