Q&A: Māori gaming delegation visit "technological superpower", China
We chat with the owner of interactive media for entertainment and education company 4Phase Aotearoa, Morgana Watson, about travelling to China with a Foundation-led delegation of Māori game developers and digital story tellers. Focused on game development and digital storytelling, the itinerary included visits to leading Chinese tech companies and attendance at game development and digital entertainment expo – China Joy. The visit also provided a chance for the participants to share kaupapa Māori values and culture and demonstrate how it shines through their approach to business and work - especially in the creative industries.
The Asia New Zealand Foundation Māori Creative (Digital) Business Delegation and the New Zealand Consulate-General in Shanghai
Can you describe your company?
4Phase Aotearoa is a Māori creative studio dedicated to cultural revitalisation and authentic representation through interactive media.
Our flagship project Ariki: The Kaitiaki Saga is a single player action adventure, sci-fi fantasy set in a Māori futurism. We are also involved in a range of other creative ventures including webcomics and wānanga.
As we continue to grow, we are actively seeking partnerships collaborations and investment opportunities to further our mission.
Why did you want to take part in the China delegation?
I wanted to be part of this trip because I know how much of a gaming and technological superpower China is as well as being able to connect with other Māori creatives and similar and different industries.
The delegation with Tian Qing, the director of Shanghai Baoshan International Folk Arts Museum
What were some of the activities the delegation got up to in China?
We went to three of the four tier 1 cities in China: Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Shanghai.
In those cities we were able to have in-person meetings with some of the largest companies and organisations in China, which was an extremely privileged and exciting opportunity, and one that we could not have set up by ourselves. Shout out to Asia New Zealand Foundation!
Was there anything you saw or did that really surprised you about the gaming industry in China?
The sheer numbers were initially overwhelming. When speaking to executives about their sales and their success stories it was very inspiring.
But a very real and surprising (or not so surprising) discovery was the difference in how we view intellectual property. These Chinese companies had no interest in stealing our IP because they have their own. As a Māori game developer creating Māori interactive media, I am hyper-aware of cultural misappropriation and theft of our identity, so this was really encouraging and made me want to pursue professional relationships in the gaming industry with China.
The delegation attending gaming-industry-led workshops at the New Zealand Consulate
From what you saw, how would you describe China's gaming industry?
China has perfected their ability to provide to niche audiences. They create products and games that cater to specific demographics in a way that we are perhaps far more casual here in Aotearoa.
The level of skill and professionalism is incredibly high in China and competition is fierce. I really like that the bar is set high.
Can you describe China Joy?
Attending China Joy was quite the challenge as we were in the middle of a typhoon. Thankfully, the rain held off, but the winds were extreme. Summer in China is no joke and as a person who grew up under a Mountain (Taranaki) and next to the sea, I found the heat really challenging.
China Joy is massive, so we didn't have much time to explore. I did, however, connect up with a lot of businesses at the expo.
What was it like travelling to China with a specifically Māori delegation adhering to Kaupapa Māori values?
Travelling with a specifically Māori delegation is really the only way I would want to travel internationally when representing our industries and our country.
This is because I felt incredibly safe, culturally. I felt that I could express myself as I truly am without any negative outcomes or misunderstandings.
Delegate and Māori creative artist Dr Johnson Witehira posing with his framed digital prints, featuring prominent New Zealanders.
There was a high level of respect between the two cultures, and we understood each other inherently in ways that can't always be interpreted or articulated.
The cultural appreciation that we received was phenomenal and really highlighted how the rest of the world sees Māori in comparison to the reality we face on our own land, in our own home.
What was the highlight of the trip for you?
The highlight of the trip was connecting with real people telling real stories and experiencing love and respect for our culture and people.
The delegation visiting miHoYo, one of the most prominent Chinese video game development and publishing companies
Looking back, how has the experience impacted you?
I absolutely feel inspired and have 100 percent benefited from this trip to China, because I see the potential for huge success.
I can definitely see our company working with Chinese developers and businesses and really look forward to releasing our title in China.
The Foundation's Business Programme supports New Zealand companies to better understand Asia so they can make the most of opportunities in the region. We are also focussed on growing the next generation of Asia-savvy business leaders.
Our business team leads delegations of New Zealand business leaders to countries in Asia on sector specific visits to learn about the local business environment and make industry connections.
