Today, the Queensland Government is proud to announce that Tantalus Media — one of Australia’s most internationally renowned games developers — has established a brand-new studio in Queensland, thanks to Screen Queensland’s Digital Games Incentive.
The new Brisbane-based AAA digital games studio, Tantalus North, confirmed its establishment as a direct result of the Screen Queensland incentive, which is the most competitive in Australia and provides a 15 per cent rebate for eligible games that spend a minimum of $250,000 in the state.
Tantalus Media — part of global giant Keywords Studios group — is the second major games company to launch a studio in Queensland as a result of the Digital Games Incentive.
Assistant Minister to the Premier Bart Mellish said this is a major coup for the state.
“Attracting international games companies to establish studios in Queensland shows that our incentive is boosting momentum for the local industry and is creating exciting opportunities for expert talent across the state,” Mr Mellish said.
“Over the next 24 months, it is projected that Tantalus North will create more than 30 jobs and inject approximately $8 million into the state’s economy.
“This demonstrates the digital games industry is a valuable investment for Queensland.”
Tantalus North’s project is one of three unannounced titles from Queensland-based studios, as part of the $1.2 million funding approved through the latest round of Screen Queensland’s Digital Games Incentive.
Screen Queensland CEO Kylie Munnich said that with more than $2.5 million in games funding announced this year, including $1 million in August, it is clear the Queensland Government is serious about long-term transformation for the state’s games sector.
“Queensland is on course to becoming a globally-renowned hub for digital games, with exciting new projects coming from interstate and international companies, as well as emerging local games developers stealing the spotlight with newly-created games,” Munnich said.
“At Screen Queensland, we are committed to expanding the industry, championing our local practitioners, and attracting high-profile companies to establish studios in the state, and Tantalus North is a prime example of how the Digital Games Incentive is working to achieve this.
“We look forward to seeing more games created in Queensland, for players to enjoy across the globe.”
Head of Studio Kendra Fairbairn McCarthy said the establishment of Tantalus North is a significant milestone in the recovery and growth of the local sector.
“This is an incredible and rare opportunity to place our state’s most talented developers on some of the world’s biggest AAA games, being developed right here in Queensland,” McCarthy said.
“Thanks to the support of Screen Queensland, Trade and Investment Queensland and The Precinct, Tantalus North has the chance to empower the current generation of developers, as well as prepare the next, and secure Queensland’s status as a premium entertainment destination for years to come.”
CEO of Keywords Australia Tom Crago said the company is thrilled that Tantalus North is up and running in Brisbane.
“Queensland is a genuine hub for games development, and home to a rich pool of talented programmers, artists and more. We can’t wait to ship our first Tantalus North title, and we’re already proud of our team and grateful for the support received from the Queensland Government,” Crago said.
Screen Queensland is proud to support the digital games industry through travel grants for markets and conferences, and paid placements and training opportunities for developers. The next round of Games Grants for local developers to take their projects from prototype to full launch will open later this year.
Games supported by Screen Queensland include BAFTA Award-winning Unpacking by Witch Beam, Australian Game Developer Awards (AGDA) nominated It’s Literally Just Mowing by Protostar Games, Planetation by 2Bit Studios, Phantom Abyss by Team WIBY and Damsel by Screwtape Studios.
– ENDS –
Media contact
Amanda Lawson, Head of Marketing and Communications
07 3248 0500
media@screenqld.com.au
