Australia’s gaming industry has been steadily gaining global recognition for its innovation, creativity, and quality production. With a supportive ecosystem for developers and a thriving gaming culture, the country has become home to some of the most promising game development companies in the world. From mobile games to immersive AR/VR experiences and console titles, Australian developers are making their mark across genres and platforms.
If you’re a business looking to develop a game or a gamer curious about the forces behind your favorite titles, here’s a curated list of the top 5 game development companies in Australia that are leading the way in 2025.
1. Halfbrick Studios (Brisbane, QLD)
Best known for: Fruit Ninja, Jetpack Joyride
Specialty: Mobile game development, casual and arcade-style games
Halfbrick Studios is a household name in mobile gaming. Founded in 2001, the studio exploded into mainstream fame with the release of Fruit Ninja, a game that reached millions of downloads globally. Their knack for creating simple yet highly engaging games has set a benchmark in mobile game development. With continued updates and a strong fan base, Halfbrick remains a pillar in Australia's gaming landscape.
2. Firemonkeys (Melbourne, VIC)
Best known for: Real Racing 3, The Sims FreePlay
Specialty: High-quality mobile and simulation games
A subsidiary of Electronic Arts (EA), Firemonkeys is a key player in the Australian game development scene. The studio was formed from the merger of IronMonkey and Firemint in 2012 and has developed several AAA-quality mobile games. Their expertise lies in crafting visually stunning and technically advanced mobile experiences, particularly in the racing and simulation genres.
3. BR Softech (Morwell, Vic)
Best known for: Fantasy sports apps, casino games, AR/VR games, board games
Specialty: Customized game development for mobile, web, and emerging tech
BR Softech is an award-winning game development company in Australia with a global presence. With a focus on cutting-edge technologies like AR/VR, blockchain, and artificial intelligence, the company offers comprehensive development services across genres—including fantasy sports, real-money games, e-learning games, and more. Their Sydney office caters to both startups and enterprises looking to launch high-quality gaming solutions.
4. Defiant Development (Brisbane, QLD)
Best known for: Hand of Fate
Specialty: Indie games with narrative-driven gameplay
Although Defiant Development ceased full-time development in 2019, its impact on the Australian gaming industry is still felt. The studio gained international praise for its Hand of Fate series, a genre-blending game that combines RPG, action, and deck-building mechanics. Even after halting operations, the studio continues to be cited as one of Australia’s most creative game development success stories.
5. Big Ant Studios (Melbourne, VIC)
Best known for: Cricket 24, AO Tennis, Rugby League Live
Specialty: Sports simulation games
Big Ant Studios is a standout name for sports fans, especially those into cricket and tennis. The studio specializes in developing realistic sports simulation games, often with official licensing from major leagues and tournaments. Their games are known for their depth, attention to detail, and faithful representation of real-world sports dynamics.
Final Thoughts
Australia’s game development industry offers an impressive blend of creativity, technical skill, and global ambition. Whether you’re into arcade-style mobile hits or rich narrative experiences, these top 5 companies represent the diversity and excellence of Australian game development.