The gaming industry has been booming in recent years, with new games being released almost every day. However, not many people know that some of the best game developers come from Australia. These developers may not be as well-known as their counterparts in the US or Europe, but they are definitely worth checking out. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Australian game development scene and highlight some of the best developers in the country.
Australia has a thriving game development scene, with over 100 game development studios across the country. The industry generates over $2 billion in revenue annually and employs over 4,000 people. Despite the industry's success, Australian game developers are often overlooked in favor of their counterparts in the US and Europe. This is a shame because some of the most innovative and creative games come from Australia.
The Success of Australian Game Developers
Australian game developers have been making waves in the industry for years. One of the most successful game developers in the country is Halfbrick Studios. This Brisbane-based studio is responsible for creating the popular game, Fruit Ninja, which has been downloaded over 1 billion times. Another successful game developer is Firemonkeys, which created the popular racing game, Real Racing 3. The game has been downloaded over 500 million times and has won multiple awards.
Halfbrick Studios: The Creator of Fruit Ninja
Halfbrick Studios was founded in 2001 by Shainiel Deo. The studio started out developing games for the mobile platform, and their first big hit was Fruit Ninja. The game was released in 2010 and quickly became one of the most popular games on the App Store. The game has since been downloaded over 1 billion times and has been ported to multiple platforms, including Xbox, PlayStation, and PC. Halfbrick Studios has also developed other successful games, such as Jetpack Joyride and Fish Out of Water.
Firemonkeys: The Creator of Real Racing 3
Firemonkeys is another successful game developer in Australia. The studio was formed in 2012 after the merger of Firemint and IronMonkey Studios. Firemonkeys is best known for creating the popular racing game, Real Racing 3. The game features over 200 cars and 40 tracks, and has been downloaded over 500 million times. The game has won multiple awards, including the Best Mobile Racing Game award at the International Mobile Gaming Awards.
The Importance of Diversity in Game Development
One of the things that set Australian game developers apart from their counterparts in the US and Europe is the diversity of their stories and characters. Australian game developers are known for creating games that feature diverse characters and tackle important social issues. This is important because it allows players from all backgrounds to see themselves represented in games.
Hollow Knight: An Indie Game with Heart
Hollow Knight is a popular indie game developed by Team Cherry, a studio based in Adelaide. The game is a 2D action-adventure game that features a bug-themed world. The game has been praised for its challenging gameplay and beautiful hand-drawn art style. The game also features a diverse cast of characters, including insects of all shapes and sizes. The game has won multiple awards, including the Best Indie Game award at the 2017 Golden Joystick Awards.
Unpacking: A Game About Moving and Relationships
Unpacking is a game developed by Witch Beam, a studio based in Brisbane. The game is a puzzle game that allows players to unpack boxes and decorate their new home. The game is unique because it tackles the subject of long-distance relationships and how they can affect the people involved. The game has been praised for its emotional storytelling and beautiful pixel art style.
The Future of Australian Game Developers
Australian game developers have a bright future ahead of them. The industry is growing, and more and more talented developers are emerging. The diversity of stories and characters in Australian games is something that should be celebrated and encouraged. As more people discover the talent and creativity of Australian game developers, we can expect to see even more innovative and groundbreaking games coming from the country.
Quantum Suicide: A Visual Novel with a Twist
Quantum Suicide is a visual novel developed by Cotton Candy Cyanide, a studio based in Sydney. The game features a unique premise where players take on the role of a crew member on a spaceship. The game features multiple storylines and endings, depending on the choices made by the player. The game has been praised for its engaging storytelling and beautiful anime-inspired art style.
Death's Door: A Game About a Crow
Death's Door is a game developed by Acid Nerve, a studio based in Melbourne. The game is a top-down action-adventure game where players take on the role of a crow who is tasked with reaping souls. The game features a unique art style and engaging gameplay, and has been praised for its storytelling and character development.
In conclusion, Australian game developers are some of the most talented and creative developers in the industry. Despite being overlooked in favor of their counterparts in the US and Europe, they have managed to create some of the most innovative and groundbreaking games in recent years. The diversity of stories and characters in Australian games is something that should be celebrated and encouraged, and we can expect to see even more amazing games coming from the country in the future.
| Developer | Location | Notable Game |
| Halfbrick Studios | Brisbane | Fruit Ninja |
| Firemonkeys | Melbourne | Real Racing 3 |
| Team Cherry | Adelaide | Hollow Knight |
| Witch Beam | Brisbane | Unpacking |
| Cotton Candy Cyanide | Sydney | Quantum Suicide |
| Acid Nerve | Melbourne | Death's Door |