PikPok CEO Mario Wynands Traces Path to $1B Industry
PikPok has grown from a flat in Wellington to a global firm with hundreds of staff, driving a billion-dollar export sector.
Key points
- PikPok has expanded from a Wellington flat to a global company with staff in New Zealand and Colombia.
- CEO Mario Wynands states that New Zealand's gaming industry exports are worth one billion New Zealand dollars.
- The company began with founders working late nights after their day jobs, creating games played by hundreds of millions.
Wellington-based game developer PikPok has evolved from a late-night project in a shared apartment into one of New Zealand's most significant technology success stories. The company now employs hundreds of staff locally and has expanded operations to Colombia, creating games that are played by hundreds of millions of users worldwide.
Mario Wynands, the CEO and co-founder, recently discussed the company's trajectory with Newstalk ZB. He described the origin of the business as three friends working their day jobs from 9 am to 6 pm, then continuing to code and design until past 1 am. This dedication transformed a hobby into a major economic force, with Wynands noting that New Zealand's gaming industry exports are now valued at approximately one billion New Zealand dollars.
From shared flat to global scale
Wynands, who identifies as a shy individual who grew up in the Hutt Valley, emphasized that the company's growth was driven by sustained effort rather than overnight luck. The transition from a small team in a flat to an international entity required balancing rigorous work schedules with the creative demands of game development. This model allowed PikPok to establish a robust presence in the global market while maintaining its roots in Wellington.
The expansion to Colombia represents a strategic move to access new talent pools and markets. While the core development remains in New Zealand, the international footprint helps the company scale production and reach a broader audience. This balance between local identity and global reach is central to PikPok's current operational structure.
Shifting perceptions of the tech hub
Wynands observed a change in how New Zealand is perceived as a place for tech professionals. He stated that the country no longer carries the same 'magical allure' it once did for attracting talent. This shift reflects a broader maturation of the local industry, where the focus has moved from exotic novelty to stable, high-value economic contribution. The challenge now is to retain skilled workers in a competitive global labor market.
Economic impact of local gaming
The billion-dollar figure for industry exports underscores the sector's importance to the national economy. Games are no longer a niche hobby but a major export category comparable to traditional industries. This financial weight gives the sector greater leverage in policy discussions and investment decisions. For employees, this translates into a stable career path with significant earning potential within the country.
Despite the international success, Wynands remains committed to keeping the business headquartered in Wellington. He believes that the local ecosystem, despite changing perceptions, still offers a viable environment for high-end creative work. The decision to stay is a deliberate choice to support the local economy and maintain a distinct cultural identity within the product.
