The annual Melbourne International Games Week (MIGW) is set to go ahead entirely online this year but will still celebrate the power of digital connection, creativity and the strength of Melbourne’s local game-makers.
MIGW is an initiative of Creative Victoria in partnership with Film Victoria, Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) and Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (IGEA).
In a statement, Creative Victoria said the week was set to run from 3 to 11 October and would embrace the digital world more than ever before.
“The fully virtual program offers game enthusiasts, game developers, industry and educators, a showcase of new products and innovations, games experiences, industry insights and business connections,” it said.
“It will highlight what makes this creative industry unique and its resilience in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“While the regular 80,000 plus participants from around the world won’t be able to descend on Melbourne, this global audience will join the home crowd digitally from the comfort of their own homes.”
Creative Victoria said the jam-packed nine-day program featured international guests, panel discussions, conferences, dynamic events and activities for gamers, industry, educators and families.
“Globally and locally, digital games have not only survived but thrived over the past year,” it said.
“COVID-19 has seen a surge in demand for digital games as people seek new sources of entertainment and connection while in lockdown.”
It said digital games had experienced an increase in popularity during the pandemic, with more than 1.2 million Australians turning to games for entertainment and social connection.
Further information on the Games Week can be accessed at this PS News link.
