Tasmanian gamers fans will flock to Princes Wharf 1 in April as the Level Up Tasmania Video Game Showcase returns for its second year.
The event will showcase 26 video game developers, all with Tasmanian connections, offering visitors the chance to play more than 40 locally-made games for free.
Arts and Heritage Minister Madeleine Ogilvie said the expo builds on the success of the inaugural event in 2024.
“The 2024 Level Up Tasmania Video Game Showcase had more than 1,500 people of all ages through the doors, and helped to raise the profile of our local developers,” Ogilvie said.
The event forms part of the Tasmanian Government’s $500,000 investment into the video game sector.
Attendees can expect a retro games corner, a video game-themed cosplay competition and talks from industry speakers throughout the weekend.
“This year’s showcase features games funded through Screen Tasmania’s Games Development program, such as Giant Margarita’s Golfle and Lindsay Mansfield’s Atlantic,” Ogilvie said.
A dedicated Industry Day on Sunday April 19 will feature panel discussions with Australian and international experts, including games industry veteran David Gaider from Melbourne-based Summerfall Studios.
Interactive Games & Entertainment Association CEO Ron Curry said the organisation was thrilled to support the event’s second instalment.
“Bringing the games community together with the broader community will create many opportunities for the industry to learn, share and collaborate both now and in the future,” he said.
Tas Game Makers president and Secret Lab co-founder Dr Paris Buttfield-Addison said Tasmania punches above its weight in game development.
“The event reminds me just how much creative energy exists on this island,” she said.
The showcase is on Friday, April 17 and Saturday, April 18, with Industry Day on Sunday April, 19. Attendance is free but registration is essential at screen.tas.gov.au/leveluptasmania.
