iGEA focusing on legislative and regulatory issues

The Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (iGEA) says it is working hard to ensure legislative and regulatory framework is conducive to healthy growth in the Australia and New Zealand markets.

Speaking to MCV Pacific, iGEA CEO Ron Curry said that was the major challenge faced by the industry now that it is firmly in the mainstream.

Video gaming is now ubiquitous and no longer a ‘niche’ entertainment activity," said Curry. "Our members have also changed significantly, no longer delivering just ‘games’. We are now viewed as a legitimate entertainment source and a distinct and global business, which is supported by our revenues in both territories that exceed that of DVDs, music or films.”

The Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (iGEA) formed in 2002 (then called the Interactive Entertainment Association of Australia or IEAA) as a body responsible for advancing the interactive entertainment industry in Australia and New Zealand. Now its focus is on taking the market to its next level.

We need to continue to educate policy makers on the changing landscape and ensure that there is a commercial and legislative framework that supports and encourages that change, Said Curry.

"The notion that the digital environment can be regulated and controlled within traditional borders will always prove to be a challenge, but it provides us with the perfect opportunity to lead change and exploit local talent in much wider areas, such as education and health.”

As a member of the board when the iGEA first formed, Ron Curry has had a long career in the Australian games industry, including time as the managing director of Hasbro Interactive and commercial director of Infogrames.