Dunedin would remain the headquarters and hub of all Code’s activities.
"We will operate in a hub-and-spoke model and we are not leaving Dunedin."
Code was established in Dunedin in 2019 to expand video game development, and was funded by the government’s Kanoa — Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit.
Last year the government announced it would expand the remit of Code by investing $2.25 million a year until 2027 to support the industry nationally.
Mr Ponting said its evolution from a regional economic initiative to a national initiative would help companies in the region too.
The organisation started with $10 million to support the sector and had so far spent about $5 million.
"About 50-60% of our funds were given as grants to the companies."
The fresh $2.25 million in grants were for the companies based outside of Dunedin.
However, it would continue to provide grants to Dunedin companies from the $10 million fund until 2027.
The latest data from the New Zealand Game Developers Association (NZGDA) showed the total annual revenue for the gaming industry was $407 million, compared with $276 million a year ago.
The major portion of the revenue from the sector was contributed by the top 10 companies.
"Smaller companies were finding it difficult to get funds and they were risk averse.
"With Code going national, start-ups can have access to grants for their growth."
Code may hire content managers in the North Island that understand the needs of companies and markets.
"Providing grants to new start-ups across the country will also help to create more job opportunities in the segment."
The latest NZGDA data also showed that 101 new jobs were created last year in the sector nationwide, taking the total number of full-time employees to 1070.
Tax breaks for the gaming sector have been introduced in Australia, and Mr Ponting said there was concern that Australian companies could attract talent from New Zealand.
However, New Zealand had good-quality staff and new start-ups would bring more opportunities for them.
Code was hoping to launch five new games this year.
It was also working to address inequity in the industry, and was planning various programmes and education pathways to increase the participation of Maori, women, disabled people and the rainbow community in the industry.
