- Published:
- Friday 23 October 2015
Game developers, studios, publishers, industry legends, technologists and gamers from around the world are converging on Melbourne for Australia’s biggest and most comprehensive showcase of games and game culture - Melbourne International Games Week 2015.
Premier Daniel Andrews today visited Swinburne University’s Advanced Manufacturing and Design Centre to officially launch the week and support one of Victoria’s fastest growing, innovative and world leading industries.
Victoria is home to more than 100 game developers, animation houses and games industry service providers, representing close to half of Australia’s games industry. Locally made games, such as Shooty Skies and Need For Speed: No Limits, are currently topping the international charts.
Melbourne International Games Week kicks off with the 48-hour Microsoft Hackathon, and the week includes the technology conference Unite Australia and Australia’s biggest game developers conference, Game Connect Asia Pacific.
The week also features the Australian Game Developer Awards and an Education in Games summit, where Victorian teachers will explore how games can enhance teaching and learning across the curriculum.
The culmination of the festivities is PAX AUS, a major international expo and festival now in its 20th year. This expo showcases the latest games from across the globe and will be attended by over 50,000 people.
Globally, the digital games industry is a rapidly growing and now surpasses film box office, music and DVD sales.
The Andrews Labor Government is supporting the industry to grow, create new games and jobs. The Government has invested more than $170,000 to support events across this week.
Melbourne International Games Week runs until 1 November 2015. For a full list of events visit www.gamesweek.melbourne
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“Our growing digital games industry is producing world leading products and creating jobs. We’re supporting it to have a big future.”
“This industry shows why Victoria will lead the nation. It takes a range of people, from programmers, engineers, sound technicians, designers and artists. We’ve got the skills, and our developers are producing great games.”
Quotes attributable to the Victorian Minister for Small Business, Innovation & Trade Philip Dalidakis
“Melbourne International Games Week will showcase Victoria’s innovation at its finest and celebrate the best creative minds that are boosting this fast-growing sector.”
“The Labor Government is proud to support the many startups and small businesses that have turned their bright ideas into commercial realities, creating better products and more jobs for Victorians.”