Melbourne International Games Week (MIGW) is a prominent gaming calendar event celebrated as Asia Pacific’s largest digital games festival.

Scheduled for October 5-13, 2024, it brings together game developers, enthusiasts, and industry leaders for a week filled with conferences, exhibitions, and community events highlighting Australia’s vibrant gaming culture.

Overview of Melbourne International Games Week

MIGW is a platform for fostering connections within the gaming community, bridging local talent with international leaders. The 2024 edition marks a significant milestone, celebrating ten years of MIGW and showcasing the evolution of the gaming industry in Victoria, which the Victorian Government's strategic investments have supported.

The week will feature a variety of events, including:

  • Thought-provoking panels on industry trends and innovations.
  • Entertainment such as live music and comedy.
  • Tournaments and competitive gaming events.
  • Networking opportunities for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
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Key Highlights for 2024

Games for Change Asia-Pacific Festival

Scheduled for October 4, 2024, at ACMI, the Games for Change Asia-Pacific Festival (G4CAPAC) focuses on leveraging the medium of games for social good. The festival aims to unite a community passionate about using gaming for positive impact, showcasing how games can address critical issues in education, health, and social change.

Being one of the first few studios to help start the G4CAPAC in the region, we feel incredibly connected to the event. This event also embodies our company's vision, so we try to be as involved as possible. This year, our Creative Director Nico King will be helping host a portion of the event focused on games and their role in fostering transformation in social change.

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GCAP (Games Connect Asia Pacific)

One of the flagship events, GCAP, will focus on industry insights and networking, providing a platform for local studios to connect with international figures. This event is essential for professionals looking to expand their horizons and learn from industry leaders. GCAP will take place from 7 to 9 October. 

This year, a few of our very own Chaos Theory Games members will be giving talks:

  • How to Ship 100 Games in 10 Years - Production Pipelines That Work by James Lockrey, Managing Director
  • From Talk to Action: A Wellbeing Guide for Studios of Any Size by Ailin Gist, Unity Developer and Megha Vasudevan, Marketing Coordinator
  • The Oceans of Crab God: An Artistic Deep Dive by Jennyfer Ong, Creative Lead

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Australian Game Developer Awards (AGDA)

The AGDA’s will also take centre stage during MIGW, recognising and celebrating the achievements of Australian game developers. This prestigious award ceremony highlights the creativity and innovation within the local gaming industry, offering developers a chance to gain recognition for their hard work. Closing out GCAP, the AGDA’s are live on the eve of 9 October.

We’re so proud to say that not one but two of the games we’ve been working on have been nominated for an award!

  • Crab God was nominated under the Excellence in Music and Impact categories.
  • A project we’ve been working on with E-Line Media has been nominated for the Excellence in Impact category.

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PAX Australia

PAX Australia is one of the largest gaming festivals in the Asia-Pacific region, drawing thousands of attendees each year. This year, PAX Aus will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, which promises to deliver a vibrant mix of gaming experiences.

This year, we are joining our friends from Noble Steed Games again for their Survivor Game Jam on 13 October. It is a one-hour race with audience participation to see who can create the best game when many obstacles are (almost literally) thrown at you. Both our Managing Director James and our Creative Director Nico will be participating, returning as the champions from last year!

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Special Exhibitions and Events

ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image) will host a range of exhibitions, including:

  • Honk! Untitled Goose Exhibition explores the making of the beloved game and its impact on gaming culture.
  • Feminine Play, celebrating femininity in games and challenging traditional gender norms.
  • An interactive commission titled Rotted Luck critiques dark pattern game design methods.

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Community Engagement and Family-Friendly Events

MIGW 2024 will also include Big Games Night Out, transforming Federation Square into a vibrant hub of games, music, and cosplay, making it a family-friendly event for all ages.

Moreover, the festival will feature a series of events co-programmed with the Melbourne Fringe Festival, including interactive theatre and comedy shows that engage audiences in unique ways. 

Also, Freeplay: Parallels is an exceptional showcase highlighting the intersection of games and diverse narratives. This one-night-only event will feature innovative games that challenge traditional storytelling and gameplay mechanics.

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Where to start at MIGW 24’?!

There’s so much to do and see around Melbourne for Games Week that it could seem overwhelming. The best way to do it is to plan your itinerary before landing there. Also, some events require you to book in advance, and some tickets (I see you, PAX) are already almost sold out. Here are some nifty links to events and their specifics you can use as a starting point:

MIGW is always a happening time, so if you’re ever lost or confused, the people of X/Twitter and even the locals would be more than happy to help you get around. This event promises to be a landmark celebration of the gaming industry, with a diverse lineup of events catering to professionals, enthusiasts, and families. We can’t wait to see you all there! 💙

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