As of 2011, video gaming in New Zealand has recently seen a drop in the purchase of video games, although it is still a vibrant and growing industry.
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History
New Zealand was an early adopter of the video game phenomenon, despite its remoteness. Many Atari 2600 titles were assembled under licence by Monaco Distributors in Auckland. New Zealand even developed its own Pong-style game console, the Sportronic, in the late 1970s, as a result of import licensing laws.
Laser Hawk was developed for the Atari 8-bit in 1986 by Andrew Bradfield and Harvey Kong Tin.
Super Skidmarks, released for the Commodore Amiga in 1995, was developed by Auckland-based Acid Software.
Major companies and global recognition
Although a minor player in the global video gaming industry, New Zealand has had success with homegrown game developers such as Sidhe Interactive and are often represented by the New Zealand Game Developers Association.
The action RPG Path of Exile, developed by Grinding Gear Games, has achieved international popularity since its release in 2013.
Exhibitions
The Game Masters exhibition was held at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, from 15 December 2012 through to 28 April 2013.
Controversies
In 2003, Manhunt became the first video game officially banned in New Zealand.