The Territory’s first digital games and esports development centre, The Array, will create a platform to develop skills which are essential to growing the Territory.
The project, from a business consortium led by Territory businesses Larrikin Interactive and Paspaley, was selected as the winning design from 17 local, national and international entrants to the Territory Government’s innovation challenge.
Located in Darwin’s iconic Victoria Hotel, The Array will become the Territory’s centre of digital entertainment, education and innovation commercialisation. Revenue from the digital entertainment industry is over $215 billion annually in 2021 and forecast to reach over $323 billion in the next 3 years. The Asia Pacific region generated about half of the global revenue. Developing a Darwin based digital games and esport development centre establishes a launch pad for Territorians into this growing industry.
“I am proud and excited to be supporter of the new not-for-profit venture, The Array. The mission to better connect Darwin’s young people to the broader world of ICT is of vital importance and comes at a crucial time of opportunity." - Nick Hanigan, Director of Paspaley
Their 3 key pillars for The Array are Learn, Make and Play:
- Learn: deliver the Territory’s first 24/7/365 tech school of excellence.
- Make: establish a base for the Territory’s brightest digital creatives.
- Play: create an esport broadcast centre based in Darwin attracting international talent and streaming competitive matches directly into South East Asia.
Due to our proximity to South East Asia, the Territory is well placed for future investment in the digital games and esport industry leading to jobs and economic growth.
The design and fit-out of the Vic Hotel will commence in the coming weeks, with the centre scheduled to open in early 2024.