Melbourne’s week long festival celebrating the best of Australia’s own games development is returning. Melbourne International Games week will take place from the 22nd to 29th of October and for those arriving or already in town for Melbourne’s other big gaming convention PAX Aus, running from the 27th to the 29th of October, there’s definitely plenty of time to check all of these these stunning gaming exhibitions.
Melbourne International Games Week will see more than 60,000 people from Australia and across the globe coming together in the week-long festival to celebrate and showcase Australia’s flourishing digital games industry. Martin Foley, Victorian Minister for Creative Industries said, “Melbourne International Games Week is a chance to immerse yourself in the world of games, learn about how games are changing the world and see how Victoria – the creative state – is leading the way.”
And we are, Victoria is home to half of Australia’s games industry with over 130 game development studios, such as Loveshack, Mighty Games, Lampshade Games and so many more of the country’s best creative talent. If you’re keen to find out more about some of Melbourne’s amazing Indie studios head on over to The Arcade Melbourne to check out the ones listed above and many more.
Whilst Melbourne International Games Week is filled with outstanding content already, there are two exciting new initiatives this year including Parallels: The Freeplay Showcase, a public event where local designers and artists will demonstrate their games live on stage and discuss their work.
In addition, Global Top Round joins MIGW – a prestigious accelerator program for the world’s most promising games developers that helps turn good games ideas into thriving businesses. Up to 30 studios from around the world will participate in the program, including at least one Victorian studio. At its conclusion, up to 10 studios will receive USD $50,000 in seed funding to launch their games on the global markets as part of Global Top Round.
MIGW kicks off with a day of free family activities at ACMI’s MIGW Family Sunday: Mario and his Friends event. Attendees can take the opportunity to get their game on playing Wayfinder Live – A mobile scavenger hunt through Melbourne’s laneways and restaurants, which is extremely fun. For a full run down of the Melbourne International Games Week Schedule and Events you can head on over to their site here.
About the Author
Rachel Humphreys
Rachel (Trance) is a long time gamer full time nerd without a plan... When she's not playing on some manner of console or handheld device she can be found enjoying popculture life to its fullest.
