- Published:
- Thursday 18 July 2024
Backed by the Allan Labor Government, a free exhibition is coming to ACMI in September celebrating the world conquering video game Untitled Goose Game – which was made locally in Victoria.
Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks today announced Honk! Untitled Goose Exhibition – which will chart the creation of the global smash hit – will have its world premiere at ACMI on 17 September, in the lead up to the 10th Melbourne International Games Week.
Developed by Victorian games company House House with support from VicScreen, Untitled Goose Game launched in 2019 and quickly topped the international gaming charts.
Designed for all ages, the game puts players in the role of a naughty goose who wreaks havoc on a quiet village community. Hilarious and wholesome, the game went on to win the 2020 D.I.C.E. Game of the Year – the video game equivalent of the Academy Awards – as well as a BAFTA for Best Family and Social Game.
The free ACMI exhibition will take audiences through the game’s development, including its connections to the history of slapstick comedy. Visitors will see early sketches and concept art and have the opportunity to play early versions of the game – which are on public display for the first time ever.
ACMI has a strong history with Untitled Goose Game having hosted early playtesting and live events – one which was accompanied by a live score by Orchestra Victoria.
In 2022, ACMI announced it had jointly acquired the game with the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia and Powerhouse Museum to preserve it for generations to come.
Victoria is home to the largest digital games workforce in the country and the Labor Government continues to back the industry by investing in new talent and game development and supporting events such as Melbourne International Games Week – the biggest digital games celebration in the Asia-Pacific.
Honk! Untitled Goose Exhibition will run from 17 September 2024 to 16 February 2025. For information visit acmi.net.au
Quotes attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks
“Whether you’re an Untitled Goose Game fan or a newcomer to the world of video games, you’ll love exploring this free and family friendly exhibition, which is a unique celebration of a local game that went on to conquer the world.”
“Digital games are a big business for our state and we are proud to back our digital games industry as it continues to break new ground and bring incredible new games to audiences across the globe.”
Quotes attributable to ACMI Director and CEO Seb Chan
“As a museum of screen culture, videogames are at the heart of what we do. We’re honoured to give the goose the exhibition it deserves, revealing to audiences how it was made, and the wider cultural context it has come from. Hold onto your hats – let the fun and games begin!”