If your a fan of Australia’s growing indie games community or a budding developer yourself, then chances are you’re already well aware of Freeplay, Australia’s longest-running and largest independent games festival. Freeplay is currently running in Melbourne and was first established back in 2004, embracing the grassroots makers and spotlighting those carving a path in games development. It acts as a response to and critique of the status quo and invites artists, designers, coders, writers, players, makers, critics, academics, and students to help celebrate the artistry of independent games and playful culture beyond the mainstream.
Since it’s humble beginnings in 2004, Freeplay has played host to thousands of attendees and hundreds of guest speakers from within the wider gaming community, from Harvey Smith (Deus Ex) to Tesuya Mizaguchi (Rez) to Erin Robinson (Gravity Ghost).
This year will be no different with a massive line up of events and guest speakers for attendees to enjoy spread across Melbourne’s various iconic locations. As an added bonus this year guests to the festival will get to see games from developers from not only Australia but New Zealand as well, this is the first time our New Zealand dev allies have been involved in Freeplay and it’s an exciting moment for not only them but first time attendees to the festival.
For a full list of what’s on offer at this years Freeplay event you can head on over to the festival’s event page and check it out, or to purchase tickets simply head on over to the Freeplay website and follow the listed link. Freeplay is running now in Melbourne and will run from the 22nd of May till the 27th, and we definitely think it’s worth checking out.
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.
