Australian Green Party secures inquiry into the country's game industry

The Australian game industry was once known for its thriving triple-A studios; now, there's a great mobile industry and a lot of independent developers, but few behemoths. Many of its experienced developers have moved to other countries to pursue studio jobs.

The Australian Green Party has secured a senate inquiry into the state of the game industry -- and what can be done to revive its fortunes. The Australian government slashed funding for the game industry last year; "increased operating costs" were cited as a reason for the shuttering of 2K Australia earlier this year.

The inquiry, which will produce a report next April, is designed to answer the question: What should the government of Australia be doing to support its game industry?

Issues that the inquiry will look at include: Regulatory and tax frameworks that will encourage game industry employment in Australia; how to attract game companies to come to Australia; and how to maximize international sales of Australian-produced video games.

More details are available at the Greens' site.