Metia Interactive Information

Metia Interactive is an Auckland based game development company with a focus on interactive storytelling and designing games with meaningful learning objectives. With a portfolio of original and third party developed projects, Metia Interactive delivers games across multiple platforms from commercial titles through to educational and health based game initiatives. We use game technology and multimedia tools to bring ideas to life. Metia Interactive was established in 2003 by Maru Nihoniho. Metia Interactive was behind the development of SPARX a self-help e-therapy tool that teaches young people the key skills needed to help combat depression and anxiety. It is available for free online through the Prime Minister’s Youth Mental Health Project. Metia Interactive is an award winning studio with our games receiving the United Nations World Summit Award for the Cube game in 2009, the United Nations World Summit Award for SPARX in 2011 and another international award for SPARX the UNESCO Netexplo award in 2013. Managing Director Maru Nihoniho was awarded a New Zealand Order of Merit for her work in gaming and mental health in 2016. Maru was recently awarded the Innovator of the Year in 2017 MCV Pacific Women in Games Awards from Xbox. Maru was appointed by MP Te Ururoa Flavell to the board of directors of the Maori Television Service 1 August 2017. Maru is currently studying for her Masters Degree in Technological Futures through Tech Futures Lab, working on a project called Takaro, an interactive platform to teach young people to strengthen spatial awareness skills and strategies that will build confidence in STEM.