The Victorian Government is backing the state’s growing digital games industry to take locally made games to the world, through a major new marketplace event – Play Now Melbourne.
Minister for Creative Industries Steve Dimopoulos MP has announced Play Now Melbourne which is set to connect local developers and studios with international games heavy weights.
“Play Now Melbourne is set to catapult the careers of local games makers by connecting them with global industry partners – helping to create local jobs,” said Minister for Creative Industries Steve Dimopoulos.
“Victoria is a games industry leader and that’s a reputation we’re committed to growing through initiatives like Play Now Melbourne, an exciting addition to our already jam-packed Melbourne International Games Week.”
Australian game developers are invited to apply to be part of the event where they can pitch their games to international publishers, platform holders and decision makers with the aim of securing career-changing deals and selling their games on the global market.
Play Now Melbourne is being delivered by VicScreen and will be part of an action-packed Melbourne International Games Week (MIGW) this October, with games industry leaders from around the world converging in Melbourne.
Leading global publishers and platform holders such as Kepler Interactive and Meta are already confirmed to attend the market with more announcements to come.
In recent years, Victorian made games such as Cult of the Lamb and Kinder World have taken the global games industry by storm, and Play Now Melbourne will help our next slate of games level up.
Play Now Melbourne adds a local post to the calendar of international games industry trade events, including GamesCom in Cologne, Germany and the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, USA, and will support Australian developers to build international relationships without leaving home.
“By fostering connections between developers and key stakeholders in funding, publishing, and storefronts, this groundbreaking initiative empowers developers to establish and sustain robust games enterprises, significantly enhancing their prospects for success,” said Massive Monster Creative Director Julian Wilton.
Created by the Victorian Government and curated by Creative Victoria, Melbourne International Games Week runs from 30 September – 8 October 2023. Play Now Melbourne, taking place on 5 October, adds to the range of industry conferences, awards, showcases, and public events.
Expressions of interest are now open for Australian developers who are seeking a career. For more information, visit: www.vicscreen.vic.gov.au for details.
Image: Cult of the Lamb (still) – courtesy of Massive Monster