Kiwi Game Starter is the business start-up competition for New Zealand-based game development teams first launched in 2014.
Its purpose is to support the commercial success of high-growth, internationally-minded game development startups.
The competition has grown every year. Initially supporting a single winner with prize money and informal mentoring, the competition went on to introduce a runner up prize from 2015; and in 2020 the first and runner up prize money both increased.
In its seven years of operation it has received over 100 entries and distributed $190,000.
The Kiwi Game Starter competition is on a break for 2025 while we take some time to redefine and improve the programme, to bring it back bigger and better in the future.
We’re looking at ways to make the resources for applicants clearer, refine our processes around finalist selection, judging, and the announcement of winners, and offer greater sponsorship opportunities. Our goal is to create a competition that is easier to navigate and offers even stronger support for emerging game developers.
So while Kiwi Game Starter is on hold for 2025, keep your ear to the ground for its return, where it will no doubt be better and more impactful than ever!
Hi there,
I’m a past recipient of the Kiwi Game Starter (runner up KGS 2022) and I just wanted to drop by and say thanks.
I am going to release my video game out of Early Access into Full Release next week and wanted to…..
