Dunedin game developers awarded $380k in CODE funding
- laurenksaker
- Jun 19
- 3 min read
The New Zealand Centre of Digital Excellence (NZ CODE) announced four successful grant recipients as part of its tenth round of game development funding in Ōtepoti - Dunedin in May.
A total of $380,000 has been allocated to four teams - $80,000 to two studios within the KickStart grant funding category for the creation of innovative, commercially viable game prototypes, and a further $300,000 was allocated to two studios in the StartUp funding category to support production work for titles already in development.
The funding from NZ CODE underscores the remarkable talent and creativity within Dunedin's game development community.
"Since 2020, CODE's Dunedin programme has gone from strength to strength and we really are seeing the benefit of the ongoing strategy now" says Vee Pendergrast, CODE's Industry Development Manager.
"Teams are being built and staying locally, generating employment in Dunedin and all of the Intellectual Property is held within the city."
These projects not only showcase the creative talent of local developers in crafting games for entertainment, but also highlight the significance of innovative educational 'serious' games for social outcomes.
In Dunedin Round 10, CODE received 22 expressions of interest and 13 full applications were delivered. These were assessed by an external, independent assessment panel drawn from global industry experts. Four Dunedin studios were recommended for funding:
KickStart Category
KickStart grants are available for developers to work on prototypes and vertical slices prior to full production.
Studio: Longjaw
Project: Parasite City
Grant: $40,000
Parasite City is a charmingly vulgar and satirical FPS that takes the meaty bits of retro shooters and combines them with the high-octane chaos of an arena shooter. Parasite City hosts an exclusive spectacle where participants must survive against parasites designed by deranged billionaires.
Studio: Mune Studio
Project: Mech Support
Grant: $40,000
Mech Support is a multitasking tower defense game with a comical setting and stylised 3D art, featuring singleplayer and 2 to 4 player local and online multiplayer gameplay. Players take on the role of Mechaneers (Mech Engineers) that are tasked with defending military outposts on a barren planet.
StartUp Category
Two returning Dunedin teams have made significant strides, receiving substantial support in the StartUp category, intended to assist games in production with funding.
Pictured: Apothecurse game art by Lesser Key Studios
Studio: Lesser Key Studios
Project: Apothecurse
Grant: $150,000
Apothecurse is a 2D hand-drawn adventure game inspired by eldritch fiction. Playing as Leon, players will gather ingredients, brew potent potions, face formidable enemies, solve intricate puzzles, and delve deep into the mysteries of a world full of danger and wonder.
Pictured: Spellcaster game art by Spellcaster Education Limited
Studio: Spellcaster Education Limited
Project: Spellcaster
Grant: $150,000
Spellcaster is a literacy platform designed for players ages 9 to 14 who
require additional support with foundational spelling and reading skills.
The Spellcaster platform combines evidence-based spelling instruction
with age-appropriate gameplay to engage reluctant readers and spellers
and support those with learning disorders such as dyslexia.
About CODE
CODE is the New Zealand Centre of Digital Excellence – a Dunedin-based hub designed to progress the sustainable growth of New Zealand’s video game development industry. CODE’s regional programme in Dunedin is funded by Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit – and its national expansion by Hīkina Whakatutuki, Ministry of Innovation, Business and Employment (MBIE).
Further details about CODE funding can be found here.
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