Dean Hall says government policy is preventing him from from developing a AAA title here in New Zealand.

The problem appears to be that by law, the overseas graduates Hall wants to employ must be paid more than locals, presumably so using local talent is the preferred option.

“FACT: I want to make a 20mil budget AAA video game in NZ. FACT: spent six months with immigration still not able to convince them,” the DayZ creator tweeted.

“They want us to pay overseas grads more than NZ grads. I'm refusing. Same pay same job. Don't care what their website says.”

Hall said the pay disparity is “nearly double”, and that immigration is “questioning our financial viability quite a lot”.

“The @nzgda [NZ Game Developers Association] has been amazing help though. But I'm at my wits end now,” he said.

“Really not sure what to do now. Hence the last bastion of hope in our modern world, ranting on Twitter!”

It has been six months of dealing with lawyers, accountants, politicians, analysts, and advocates, but all he has to show for it is a “big bill”, Hall continued.

“Honestly the last six months of me asking making me question my sanity. But I will not budge tho, principle.

“I really think NZ could have an AMAZING video game industry. But NZ and govt need to get real about it. It's not just like IT.

“NZ talent is good talent! But without international flavor, it's all for naught.”

Green Party MP Gareth Hughes has offered to help Hall if he can.