Spark Takes Gaming in New Zealand to the Next Level

Created in association with Colenso BBDO, Spur, Let’s Play Live and BUCK, and amplified by PHD Media and Bastion Shine, the festival will bring over 8,000 gamers together at Spark Arena for a day of world-class gaming experiences, esports tournaments, talks, talent, music and much more.

“Gaming is one of the fastest growing industries in the world, yet it’s been largely overlooked in New Zealand.” says Matt Bain, Spark marketing and data director. “At Spark we want to leverage the power of technology to unleash an Aotearoa that is full of possibilities. This makes gaming a natural area of focus for us – we are investing in the networks and technology that make gaming possible, and it’s one of the fastest growing forms of entertainment not only in New Zealand but globally.

This festival is about creating a platform for the New Zealand gaming industry to come together and showcase some of the incredible game developers, animators, and visionaries that are building award-winning experiences.”

The first lineup announcement for Spark Game Arena Live includes global heavy hitters such as Fall Guys and Fortnite, as well as talks from the likes of New Zealand Game Developers Association and Digital Natives Academy. The festival will also play host to the finals of Spark’s ‘Rise Cup’ esports tournament featuring Fortnite, where gamers will compete for a prize pool worth over $140k. Keep an eye out as the lineup is set to grow with more to be announced between now and September.

Says Lucy Cole, managing partner at Colenso BBDO, “79% of New Zealanders identify as gamers, yet they don’t feel catered for here. Spark Game Arena Live does what Spark does best by bringing the best of the world to New Zealand. Gaming is a passion, it’s a career opportunity, and it’s validation of the power of the Spark network. It has been over two years in the making, and a phenomenal amount of work, but we’re hugely proud to have been able to partner with Spark and so many passionate others in this. Bring on September.”

The festival was announced via a first-of-its-kind CGI billboard in partnership with Mediaworks and Assembly, with OOH, VOD and paid social to support.

Tickets to Spark Game Arena Live are on sale now exclusively for Spark customers via Ticketmaster, with general release on Wednesday 3 rd July. Get your tickets from