Tasmania rarely gets a chance to shine in discussions about locally-made Australian games, but that’s all set to change with the launch of the Level Up Tasmania Video Games Showcase in September 2024. The debut show, announced by Madeleine Ogilvie, Minister for the Arts in Tasmania back in July, will be a beacon for the Tasmanian games industry, with local developers given a spotlight over the three-day event.
It’ll be a chance to see works from emerging developers and established ones, as part of a renewed push by the Tasmanian Government to elevate the profile of video games, and highlight how local developers are contributing to the arts.
“Level Up is presented by Screen Tasmania and will showcase the incredible video game developers we have right here in our state,” Ogilvie said. “The three-day event aims to raise the profile of Tasmanian-made video games, and their developers in the community, and on the national stage.”
The event has been established as part of the Tasmanian Government’s 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, which included a significant AUD $500,000 investment into the state’s game development sector. Some of this is being used to host Level Up, with other parts of the fund going directly towards financial support for local game development studios.
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For those wishing to see the impact of this funding on Tasmania’s games industry, the inaugural Level Up Tasmania Video Games Showcase will take place at PW1 in Hobart, Australia between 27-28 September 2024.
During the event, attendees will be able to play around 30 games, including some unreleased titles, chat to developer about their games, tune into a professional esports competition, and enter for a chance to win prizes in live giveaways. The AFL Grand Final will also be screened on Saturday afternoon, so folks who attend won’t miss out on the big game.
For those looking to enter the games industry, there will be a range of folks from the University of Tasmania, Bitlink, and Tasmanian Game Makers around to give advice and support.
Industry professionals will also have a chance to connect post-show, with a special Level Up Tasmania: Industry Day taking place on 29 September 2024. This will feature free, curated talks and panels “to provide Tasmanian developers and aspiring game makers with insights into the industry.”
After the success of state-based initiatives like South Australia’s SAGE and the Queensland Games Festival, there’s high hopes for Tasmania’s own local showcase. You can learn more about Level Up on the Tasmanian Government website.
