The Array opens as Darwin’s first co-located digital games and esport centre

The Northern Territory has seen its first co-located digital games and esport development centre open in Darwin’s Victoria Hotel, The Array.

Led by Dylan Bennet of Larrikin Interactive and Nick Hanigan of Paspaley Pearls Properties, the Array officially opened to the public today following its launch last night that saw an international esports event, the Philippines v Australia Invitational Tekken 8 Team Battle.

Bennett shared "The Array is not only a newly restored historical landmark in the Vic Hotel; it's a hub where dreams are turned into reality, creative ideas meet digital innovation, and the community comes together to build a brighter, more technologically empowered future.

"The seed funding from the Northern Territory Government through the Territory Innovation Challenges Program (TICP) was the catalyst we need to transform our vision into a reality and a vote of confidence in our mission to empower the tech talent through education in our region.

"The Array is more than just a tech education school; it's a powerhouse for innovation and economic growth in the Territory where we are enabling digital and tech creatives in our community to skill up, innovate, and compete on a global stage.”

The Array will become the Territory’s centre of digital entertainment, education and innovation commercialisation. Last year, the NT Government announced The Array as the winner of its first Territory Innovation Challenge to deliver a digital games and esport centre.

The Territory Innovation Challenges Program aims to position the Territory for future investment, leading to jobs and economic growth and accelerating the development of a more innovation driven economy. 

NT Minister for Business and Jobs Joel Bowden notes “It is estimated that globally, video games and esport revenue totalled US$215.6 billion in 2021 with the Asia Pacific region generating about half of the global revenue in 2021.

“The Territory’s proximity to the South East Asian market means we are well placed for future investment in the digital games and esport industry which will lead to jobs and economic growth.”