NZGA (New Zealand Game Developers Association) presents the “Made In NZ” Steam event for the 3rd year running! This event highlights over 100 games from New Zealand, from indie to AAA, from horror to cozy simulations, there is something for everyone!
GamesNight can’t spotlight every single one here (although never say never!) but we’ve broken them up into categories just to give you an idea of what to expect in this year’s event. Don’t forget to wishlist upcoming games!
Upcoming
Blackheart
Based on the world of the Azriel Blackheart books, Blackheart combines action RPG and top-down shooter elements to tell a tragic tale centred around the royal Blackheart family and the internal conflicts that are consuming them from the inside out. Demo available now!
Shyftrs
Shyftrs is a 2D stylized action adventure metroidvania game that will take you on a journey to uncover the mysteries of your lineage and the world beyond. Your weapon of choice are Cane Sword, Pistol or use your new found prowess. Step up and embrace the adventure.
Headlice
Headlice is a reverse horror game where you play as an escaped biological abomination fleeing an inept corporation. Embrace your parasitic nature and become the monster you were meant to be. Demo available now!
Teeto
Join Teeto, a tiny blob, and his obnoxious bunny sidekick, Nory, in this absolutely adorable adventure platformer! Use Teeto’s absorbing ability to become different elements, harnessing their powers to fight shadow monsters and tackle challenges for a cast of crazy characters. Demo available now!
Recent PAX AUS Attendees
PAX AUS just concluded, and we think this deserves its own section. CODE provided NZ studios with the opportunity and support to showcase at this event. Support like this is instrumental in driving the game development industry forward in Aotearoa.
Rose and Locket
Rose, a former outlaw, travels through the spirit realm of the Underwest. Take up the once-forgotten skills of the gunslinger in this Action-Platformer adventure, and journey along the breathtaking landscapes on a quest to rescue your daughter’s spirit.
Demo available now and check out our developer interview here!
Burger Bois
Burger Bois is a food truck simulator game about flavor, not labor. Operate the world’s first designer burger truck, turning your customers’ most vague requests into culinary masterpieces (or disasterpieces). There’s no recipe and no one right answer: just follow your tongue to flavor heaven. We also interviewed the developers!
Shape Sender Deluxe
Solve physics puzzles with magnets, springs, portals, fans, and more while your new best friend Sendy helps you along the way! But maybe keep an eye on him, he’s been acting a little … strange, lately.
Doomtide
Doomtide is a turn-based RPG with city-builder elements set in a flooded world of monsters and ancient horrors. Construct an island town, recruit unique heroes, and venture forth across the seas in search of wealth, knowledge, and power. Check out our developer interview here!
New in 2024
New Zealand has seen massive video game success in 2024, from writing your own bizarre dungeon adventure to survival crafting in an underground research facility. Take a look at what Aotearoa has produced this year!
Cryptmaster
SAY ANYTHING in this bizarre dungeon adventure where words control everything. Fill in the blanks with text or voice to uncover lost abilities, embark on strange quests, and solve mindbending riddles. Can you conquer the crypt and uncover the mystery at the heart of CRYPTMASTER? Demo available now!
Abiotic Factor
Abiotic Factor is a survival crafting experience for 1-6 players set in the depths of an underground research facility. Caught between paranormal containment failure, a military crusade, and chaos from a dozen realms, the world’s greatest minds must survive against the universe’s biggest threats.
Up to Par
Up to Par is a roguelite minigolf game. Stay under par, or you’re out! Play solo or with up to 16 players through procedural levels, spend your spare shots to unlock abilities, and push your golf game to the limit across unique environments.
Flintlock: The Siege Of Dawn
From games studio A44, makers of Ashen, comes an explosive Souls-lite, where Gods and guns collide in a battle for the future of humanity. It’s time for the Coalition army to fight back. Embrace vengeance, gunpowder and magic as you embark on an epic journey to defeat the Gods, close the door and retake the world.
Global Success
These studios below have become a household name, not just in New Zealand but worldwide. Whether that be excellent game design or a commitment to a passionate community, these games are an example showing that New Zealand can stand with the world’s best.
Dredge
DREDGE is a single-player fishing adventure with a sinister undercurrent. Sell your catch, upgrade your boat, and dredge the depths for long-buried secrets. Explore a mysterious archipelago and discover why some things are best left forgotten.
Path of Exile 1 & 2
Path of Exile enticed ARPG players from all over the globe with it’s hardcore take on the genre. The heavily anticipated sequel hits early access next month!
Path of Exile 2 is a next generation free-to-play Action RPG from Grinding Gear Games, featuring co-op for up to six players. Set years after the original Path of Exile, you will return to the dark world of Wraeclast and seek to end the corruption that is spreading.
Mini Motorways & Mini Metro
Dinosaur Polo Club is behind two of the biggest strategy simulation games on the market, Mini Motorways and Mini Metro. Featuring on countless “Best Mobile Game” lists and continuing to captivate audiences with their relatable simplicity.
Mini Motorways is a strategy simulation game about designing the road map for a growing city. Build a traffic network, one road at a time, to create a bustling metropolis. Redesign your roads and place your motorways to get everyone where they need to go. How long can you keep the city moving?
Icarus
ICARUS is a PvE survival game for up to eight players. Explore a savage wilderness in the aftermath of terraforming gone wrong. Survive the Open World, complete timed Missions or build your Outpost. Explore, build, craft and hunt while seeking your fortune and prospecting for exotic matter.
