If you are a game developer looking to connect with a big publisher, Play Now Melbourne 2025 is the event for you. Presented by VicScreen with assistance from Screen Australia, Play Now Melbourne is the pre-eminent trade gateway to Australian games since 2023. Publishers, investors, platform holders, and developers come together to pitch games and break into the international market.
Leading publishers such as Akupara Games, Devolver Digital, Massive Monster, and UltraPlayers have signed on to attend. Others, such as Alt Ventures, Silver Lining Interactive, TheOneGames, Outersloth, and Wholesome Games Presents, will attend for the first time. More publishers will be announced closer to the event.
We’ve covered what it’s like to attend Play Now Melbourne last year. It was a great opportunity for developers and publishers to meet locally, something they normally wouldn’t get the chance to do. Over 165 meetings took place between 55 developer teams and 19 publishers, investors, and platform holders. VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher also talked about the event’s previous successes:
“Play Now Melbourne is going from strength to strength. In 2024, over $42 million worth of projects were presented by 55 developer teams, up from $24 million the previous year. The market’s international standing is demonstrated by the calibre of publishers, investors and platform holders already set to attend and connect with independent Australian game developers this year.”
With a great lineup of publishers and growing successes, now is a good opportunity to participate if you are interested. Expressions of interest are now available and are open until July 24th. There is no fee for participation, and you can check out the Play Now website to get more information.
About the Author
Victor Tan
He/Him
Victor spends his time trying to help players out of tricky situations and give them the guidance they need to succeed. Outside of the video game world, you can find him training at the gym or doing simple improv activities.
