On the cutting edge of creative technology, digital games are very big business. From console giants to mobile chartbusters, entertainment to training and education, pure distraction to complex strategy, the games industry is multi-faceted and ubiquitous. Globally, the digital games industry generates US$60.7 billion a year, surpassing film box office, music and DVD sales - and it's growing exponentially.
Already thriving, rapidly evolving, the Victorian digital games sector obliterates boundaries between art and technology while tapping into a high-yield entertainment economy. With so much success, and so much potential for growth, digital games are an exciting new frontier for Victoria's creative industries.
Explore the recent successes and strengths of the Victorian games industry below.
Girls got Game
According to research, 48% of people who play video games are women. Yet 60% of all respondents – male and female – believe that 'most people who play video games are men.' It seems girls are dealing with a kind of cognitive dissonance. They're definitely playing games, but they don't see themselves in the picture.
How Crossy Road Conquered the World
Made in just 12 weeks, Crossy Road has been downloaded more than 120 million times and is set for a Disney makeover. Here's how Victorian game developers Hipster Whale have conquered the world.
Melbourne International Games Week
First held in 2015, the inaugural Melbourne International Games Week draws more than 60,000 games enthusiasts to the city, including thousands of international visitors.
Read more about the event that is positioned to dominate the Australian game industry landscape.
Game On Film Series
Produced over the last couple of years, our Game On film series explores the rich ecosystem of the Melbourne games industry.
We look at The Arcade, Melbourne's groundbreaking co-working hub, plus game studios Love Shack and EA Firemonkeys, and RMIT University's GeeLab.
Press Play - Girls And Games
Katie Gall and Lauren Clinnick are advocates for the Victorian digital games industry. Press Play is their investigation into girls and games – advice for women from women on how to make a splash in a male-dominated sphere.