About Sydney Game Fest
Australia's Premier Gaming Event Since 2018
Australia's Premier Gaming Event Since 2018
Sydney Game Fest began in 2018 as a grassroots gathering of passionate local game developers seeking to showcase their work directly to players. Founded by siblings Melissa and James Chen, former game developers who recognized the need for a dedicated platform to celebrate Australia's growing gaming industry, the inaugural event took place in a repurposed warehouse with just 28 indie developers and approximately 1,200 attendees.
What started as a modest community event quickly gained momentum as word spread about the quality of games on display and the unique collaborative atmosphere. By 2020, attendance had tripled, prompting a move to the current Darling Harbour location to accommodate growing interest from developers, players, and industry professionals across the Asia-Pacific region.
The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily shifted the festival to a virtual format in 2021, which unexpectedly broadened our reach to international audiences. When we returned to in-person events in 2022, we maintained the digital components that had proven successful, creating today's hybrid model that combines the energy of physical exhibitions with the accessibility of online participation.
Today, Sydney Game Fest stands as Australia's premier gaming event, having evolved from its indie origins into a comprehensive celebration of all aspects of gaming culture while maintaining its core commitment to showcasing independent creativity alongside mainstream innovation.
Connecting, Celebrating, and Advancing the Gaming Ecosystem
We believe that gaming's greatest strength is its ability to build connections between people. Our events are designed to foster meaningful interaction between creators and players, veterans and newcomers, across all demographics. We actively work to make our spaces welcoming to people of all backgrounds, abilities, and experience levels.
We seek out and celebrate new ideas, experimental gameplay, emerging technologies, and fresh voices that push the boundaries of interactive entertainment. We believe the future of gaming is being written by those willing to take creative risks, and we provide a platform where innovation is recognized and rewarded.
We are committed to strengthening Australia's position in the global gaming industry by creating opportunities for local talent, facilitating industry connections, and providing resources for professional development. We actively work with educational institutions, government agencies, and industry partners to build sustainable career pathways.
We strive to make gaming accessible to everyone by highlighting inclusive design practices, providing accessibility options at our events, and ensuring diverse representation in our programming. We believe that gaming should be a space where everyone can participate fully and see themselves represented authentically.
We promote balanced, positive gaming experiences and recognize our responsibility to address challenges within gaming culture. Through educational initiatives, community standards, and thoughtful curation, we work to foster an environment that celebrates the best aspects of gaming while acknowledging and addressing potential concerns.
The passionate people behind Sydney Game Fest
Festival Director & Co-Founder
A former lead designer at Wombat Studios with over 15 years in game development. Melissa's vision for creating a showcase platform for Australian developers led to the founding of Sydney Game Fest. Her industry connections and strategic leadership have been instrumental in the event's growth.
Operations Director & Co-Founder
Former producer at Electronic Arts with extensive experience in event management. James handles the logistical challenges of running a major event while maintaining its community-focused atmosphere. His background in esports has shaped the tournament structure of the festival.
Developer Relations Manager
An indie game developer herself, Zara joined in 2020 to strengthen the festival's connections with the development community. She leads the curation process for the indie showcase and has established mentorship programs connecting emerging talent with established studios.
Technical Director
With a background in both software engineering and event production, Tom oversees the technical infrastructure of the festival. He pioneered our hybrid physical/digital approach during COVID and continues to expand our technological capabilities each year.
Milestones that mark our journey
From 1,200 attendees in 2018 to over 25,000 in 2025, our festival has experienced exponential growth while maintaining its community spirit. We've expanded from a single-hall event to occupying the entire Sydney Convention Centre.
Sydney Game Fest generates over $14 million in economic activity for the city annually. Our event has created 35 full-time and over 200 seasonal jobs in the gaming and events sector in New South Wales.
Over 40 games that premiered at our indie showcase have secured publishing deals. Several have gone on to win international awards, including three Australian Game Developer Awards and one BAFTA Games Award.
Named "Best Gaming Event in Asia-Pacific" for three consecutive years by the International Events Association. Recognized by the Australian government as a key contributor to the growth of the national digital creative economy.
Feedback from our community
"Showcasing our game at Sydney Game Fest completely changed our trajectory. We received invaluable feedback from players, connected with a publisher who later signed us, and met team members who are now integral to our studio. It's the perfect balance of industry networking and genuine player interaction."
"I've covered gaming events worldwide, and Sydney Game Fest stands out for its authenticity and attention to detail. The tournament production is world-class while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for casual players. It's become my favorite event to cover, and the growth of the Australian esports scene is directly tied to the platform SGF provides."
"Sydney Game Fest has been instrumental in putting Australia on the map as a serious player in the global gaming industry. The event not only showcases our local talent but attracts international attention and investment. The economic impact on our creative sector has been substantial, and we're proud to support an event that so perfectly aligns with our vision for digital creative innovation."
Moments captured from previous events
September 15-18, 2026
Whether you're a developer looking to showcase your game, a player eager to experience the latest innovations, or an industry professional seeking connections, Sydney Game Fest has something for you. Join our community and be part of Australia's premier gaming celebration.
