Melbourne International Games Week (MIGW) 2023 has hit the record books with the biggest ever attendance, blockbuster new events and a roll call of stellar Victorian games and studios taking out top awards.
Victoria’s digital games community went on show like never before during the 9-day program of events, ranging from industry conferences to massive public celebrations.
Games lovers came in droves to Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre to celebrate the 10th anniversary of games expo PAX Aus and get up close to the latest games. Across three action-packed days, more than 80,000 people attended - the highest number in the event’s history.
Fed Square and ACMI were jam-packed for the first ever Big Games Night Out, with over 6,000 games fans enjoying an epic night of free activities for all ages, games tournaments, music, performances and more.
Another debut for 2023 was Play Now Melbourne, Australia’s first international games market which gave local games makers the chance to pitch their games to global games and entertainment giants and investors.
The Games Connect Asia Pacific (GCAP) conference was a massive success with around 1,400 attendees. Bringing together local developers and international leaders, GCAP is one of the many MIGW events that provide career-changing opportunities to the local industry.
Victorian games and their makers also shone bright at this year’s Australian Game Developer Awards, with Summerfall Studios winning across multiple categories for recent release Stray Gods including Game of the Year and Playside being named Studio of the year.
In addition to bringing the games community together, this year’s MIGW kicked off Creative October – a massive month of creative festivals and events taking place across the state backed by the Victorian Government.
MIGW is presented by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria. MIGW 2024 will celebrate the event’s 10th anniversary and will take place in October next year with dates to be announced.