Despite the closure of Gameloft writes Andrew Todd for Gameplanet

New Zealand's video game industry saw growth of 13% in the year ending March 31st, 2016, according to an independent survey of New Zealand Game Developers Association studios.

The industry earned NZ$88.9 million over that twelve-month period, 92% of which came from software and service exports.

"The successful New Zealand studios have consistently grown their audiences and attracted fans around the world," said NZGDA chair Stephen Knightly.

"They’ve become sustainable independent publishers and proven that they are not one-hit wonders but are smart digital exporters."

60 new jobs were created in the video game sector, nearly offsetting the decrease of 93 fulltime jobs caused by the closure of Gameloft New Zealand in January.

Most New Zealand studios - 68% - are independent self-publishers, with the majority of studios also locally-owned.

The survey, conducted by Tim Thorpe Consulting, identified funding issues, skills shortages, difficulties finding partners and developing business relationships, and hiring diverse employees as key challenges facing New Zealand studios.