# NZ First boosts video game subsidies

> NZ First pledges higher subsidies for game developers to retain talent.
- Title: NZ First boosts video game subsidies · RNZ | Shortify
- Summary: NZ First pledges higher subsidies for game developers to retain talent. NZ First proposes raising taxpayer subsidies for video game developers from 20% to…
- Keywords: nz first, video game developers, taxpayer subsidies, dunedin centre of digital excellence, code, gaming industry, politics, news, First, boosts, video, game
- Source: RNZ — https://rnz.co.nz/news/politics_election-2026/2040312/nz-first-proposes-big-increase-to-taxpayer-subsidies-for-video-game-developers
- Author: RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa
- Published: 2026-10-20T02:45:32+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nz first, video game developers, taxpayer subsidies, dunedin centre of digital excellence, code, gaming industry, politics, news
## NZ First proposes subsidy increase
NZ First wants to increase existing government rebate from 20 to 40 percent of development costs and triple maximum annual payout to $10 million per studio.
## Funding for Dunedin's CODE
The party promises ongoing funding for Dunedin's Centre of Digital Excellence, guaranteeing $5 million annually rising to $7 million by 2028.
## Comparison with Labour's plan
Labour would raise rebate to 25 percent capped at $4.5 million per studio, while NZ First lowers minimum development spending from $250,000 to $150,000.
## Key takeaway

NZ First proposes raising taxpayer subsidies for video game developers from 20% to 40% of costs and increasing annual payouts to $10 million per studio.