The world of tabletop gaming has faced an unprecedented set of challenges in recent years, and Australian creators have had to navigate a particularly chaotic manufacturing landscape. From global pandemics to wars and trade disputes, the industry has been tested like never before.
In this article, we delve into the experiences of Australian tabletop game developers, exploring how they've adapted and survived amidst these turbulent times.
Navigating Global Turmoil
The past few years have been a rollercoaster for tabletop game creators worldwide. The Covid-19 pandemic caused massive disruptions to global manufacturing and shipping, creating bottlenecks and delays. This was followed by the outbreak of multiple wars, further disrupting trade routes and adding uncertainty to an already volatile situation.
To make matters worse, the arrival of import tariffs, particularly those imposed by the US, added an additional layer of complexity and cost to the manufacturing and shipping process.
The Impact of US Tariffs on Australian Creators
In 2025, US President Donald Trump announced a series of sweeping tariffs on imports from various countries, including Australia. This move, allegedly to raise more tax revenue for the US, had a significant impact on Australian tabletop game creators.
The ruling imposed a 10% tariff on all goods imported from Australia, and the origin country of the goods determined the tariff fee. This was particularly problematic for Australian creators, as most tabletop games are manufactured in China due to its advanced manufacturing capabilities and technology.
During the US-China reciprocal tariff war, China was heavily targeted, with the US suggesting tariffs of up to 145% on imported goods. While this was eventually negotiated down, the impact on Australian creators was significant.
Challenges and Adaptations
Australian tabletop game creators have had to adapt to a range of new challenges. The increased costs of manufacturing and shipping, coupled with the unexpected costs of additional tariffs, have eaten into company profits.
Phil Walker-Harding, founder of Joey Games, described the situation as "one challenge after another." The US tariffs, in particular, caused massive issues for many companies in the industry.
Quokka Games, another Australian tabletop game developer, reported greater costs and far more documentation required to develop games and import them to the US. Jonathon Cheung, co-founder of Quokka Games, explained the impact: "There's a lot of push and pull, and red tape. It's a hurdle we have to overcome."
The Storybrewers Roleplaying team, creators of the Jane Austen-themed TTRPG Good Society, faced similar challenges. Vee Hendro, co-founder of Storybrewers, explained that their initial budgeting for projects was thrown off by the tariffs, impacting the money available to make the games better.
Manufacturing and Production Costs
Beyond the impact of tariffs, Australian producers have also faced other added costs. The shipping spike and production bottleneck caused by the pandemic have continued to affect the industry.
Hayley Gordon, co-founder of Storybrewers Roleplaying, highlighted the challenges of navigating global conflicts and political in-fighting. New forms, documents, and regulatory changes have added to the complexity of the manufacturing process.
The Role of Community and Collaboration
Despite the many challenges, Australian game-makers have a few key advantages. One is their geographical proximity to manufacturing facilities in China, which has helped streamline collaboration and kept shipping routes relatively secure.
The Storybrewers Roleplaying team emphasized the importance of community in navigating these uncertain times. The network of indie game creators in Australia has been instrumental in sharing information, methods, and support to overcome the myriad of issues that have arisen.
Conclusion
The past few years have been a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the Australian tabletop gaming industry. While challenges remain, the community's willingness to collaborate and support each other has been a key strength.
In a world where global events can disrupt even the most well-planned projects, the need to create and connect through tabletop games remains a powerful motivator. As we move forward, the industry will continue to innovate and find new ways to overcome the hurdles of the modern era.
