Sidhe Interactive

A New Zealand video game developer known for sports and racing titles, including the Rugby League series and GripShift.

Sports

Driving

Racing

Action



Website

Founded

1997

HQ

Wellington, New Zealand

Known for

Racing / Puzzle / Sports

28

Games

2003–2013

Years

11

Platforms

$10.59

Ø CIB

+18.6%

24M change

About

Sidhe Interactive is a Wellington-based developer that established a strong reputation for sports games, particularly through the Rugby League and Rugby League 2 titles. They also developed the racing game GripShift in 2005 and Melbourne Cup Challenge in 2006. Their work on these titles helped define Southern Hemisphere sports gaming during the 2000s.

Co-founded in 1997, the studio secured its industry footprint by securing key licensing partnerships for Southern Hemisphere sporting codes. The release of Rugby (2002) and NRL: Rugby League (2003) initiated a highly successful run within the Rugby League franchise. These simulation titles, alongside Rugby League (2003), Rugby League 2 (2005), Rugby League 2 [World Cup Edition] (2005), and the 2006 release of Rugby League 2, offered unprecedented depth for fans of the sport. This specialized expertise eventually evolved into the acclaimed Jonah Lomu Rugby Challenge franchise.

Beyond contact sports, the developer diversified its portfolio into racing and equestrian simulation. They utilized proprietary engine technology to deliver GripShift (2005) across multiple platforms, a title that combined puzzle-platforming with high-speed driving. This technical versatility enabled the studio to later adapt major intellectual properties, including the Speed Racer franchise. Additionally, the studio captured niche sporting markets with Melbourne Cup Challenge (2006), which simulated horse racing and stable management. Through these targeted releases, the developer became a crucial hub for interactive entertainment in the region before transitioning to the PikPok brand.