Global Gaming Powerhouses Assemble in Melbourne to Uncover Australia’s Upcoming Major Success
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Quick Overview
- Play Now Melbourne 2025 is planned for October 9 at W Melbourne.
- Supported by VicScreen and Screen Australia, the event connects local creators with global publishers.
- Highlighted participants include Akupara Games, Devolver Digital, and Massive Monster.
- New entries for 2025 feature Alt Ventures and Silver Lining Interactive.
- $42 million worth of projects were displayed in 2024.
- There’s no cost for Australian developers to join; expressions of interest are due by July 24, 2025.
Play Now Melbourne 2025: A Leading Gaming Event
VicScreen has announced an exciting roster of international games publishers for the third annual Play Now Melbourne, Australia’s premier global games market. This gathering is quickly becoming the essential venue for local developers to connect with prominent industry figures.
Star-Studded Lineup and Fresh Faces
Among the notable participants are Akupara Games, Devolver Digital, Massive Monster, and UltraPlayers. These confirmations present a golden opportunity for Australian game developers to showcase their projects to influential leaders. Newcomers for 2025, such as Alt Ventures, Silver Lining Interactive, TheOneGames, Outersloth, and Wholesome Games Presents will also be making their debut, highlighting the event’s growing prestige on a global scale.
Linking Local Talent with Global Opportunities
Organized by VicScreen with backing from Screen Australia, Play Now Melbourne serves as a vital link between homegrown talent and international publishers, investors, and platform holders. It provides a distinctive setting for Australian developers to pitch and market their games to a worldwide audience.
Major Growth and Achievement
Since its launch in 2023, Play Now Melbourne has experienced extraordinary growth. In 2024, more than $42 million worth of projects were showcased, a noteworthy rise from $24 million the year before. The event’s international reputation is demonstrated by the quality of publishers, investors, and platform holders expected to engage with independent Australian game developers this year.
Looking Ahead and Participation
Play Now Melbourne 2025 is set for Thursday, October 9, at the W Melbourne, as part of the wider Melbourne International Games Week (MIGW). Expressions of interest are now open for Australian game developers aiming for funding, publishing agreements, or market support for their projects. Importantly, attendance is free, but developers should move quickly as the expression of interest deadline is Thursday, July 24, 2025.
For further details, visit https://vicscreen.vic.gov.au/playnow/
Overview
Play Now Melbourne 2025 is set to be a pivotal event, maintaining its tradition of linking Australian game developers with major players in the global gaming industry. With significant increases in both participation and project value, the event highlights the creativity and potential of Australia’s gaming sector.
Q: What is Play Now Melbourne?
A: Play Now Melbourne is an international games market event that connects Australian game developers with global publishers and investors.
Q: Who are some prominent attendees for 2025?
A: Prominent attendees include Akupara Games, Devolver Digital, and newcomers such as Alt Ventures and Silver Lining Interactive.
Q: When and where will the event take place?
A: The event is scheduled for October 9, 2025, at the W Melbourne, as part of the Melbourne International Games Week.
Q: How can developers take part in the event?
A: Developers can take part by submitting an expression of interest by July 24, 2025, at no cost.
