We recently reported that Australia’s federal Government had pledged A$20 million to the Australian games industry, to be rolled out over the next three years. it comes as the South Australian Government passed legislation for M+18 age rated game certification. Federal Arts Minister Simon Crean has discussed the merit of the funding and his newfound understanding of why gaming is an important cultural asset. Get his thoughts below.

GamespotAU reports that Federal Arts Minister Simon Crean believes the cash injection will help Australia “reclaim their competitive advantage” in the global gaming industry.

Screen Australia will be responsible for vetting candidates for funding, and to decide how the money is shared throughout the sector. It’s been a long time coming Crean admitted, and the politician also agreed that his own perception of gaming’s artistic and cultural merit had shifted in recent years.

“I used to think games were just things where you blow people up. I didn’t realise the great diversity of content that is involved. The game industry is vibrant and constantly changing, and the fact that it’s already worth so much both here in Australia and overseas really surprised me. Australia can, and should, secure a bigger slice of the action.”

Well said that man. What’s your view on the initiative? Should this sort of investment happen more regularly across the globe? Let us know below.