About Games Showcase submissions for SXSW Sydney 2023 

The Games Festival Showcase is open for all unreleased titles, and titles released by independent studios no earlier than 1 January 2021. If you’re unsure whether your title meets these criteria, please contact our programming team at gamesfest@sxswsydney.com

Your primary contact should be someone that is authorised to respond on behalf of the developer, and also someone that frequently checks their email. All notifications from SXSW Sydney will be sent to the Primary Contact’s email address, and it’s important they are responded to in a timely fashion. 

You’ll receive a confirmation email from the SXSW Sydney team within 48 hours of submitting an application. If you do not receive a confirmation email within that time, please contact gamesfest@sxswsydney.com as soon as possible to ensure your showcase application has been received.

The SXSW 2023 Games Festival programming team reads, plays, and evaluates submissions according to the following criteria: originality, technicality, graphical, narrative game design, and gameplay. Every single submission is reviewed and assessed by multiple parties. Following the assessment, successful applicants will receive an invitation to showcase at SXSW Sydney. 

Unfortunately, as we anticipate a large number of submissions, it will not be possible to accommodate every application. 

A submission is a request to showcase your title at the SXSW Sydney 2023 Games Festival. A Games Badge is a pass that allows you to attend SXSW Sydney events. 

You don’t need to purchase a Badge to make a submission for the Games Festival. Regardless of whether your submission is successful, all Games Festival applicants will have the opportunity to purchase a Badge at the lowest rate. 

Please note: If you buy a Badge at a higher rate, or you decided not to attend if you’re unsuccessful in your Games Festival submission, refunds are not available.

Each developer will receive two SXSW Sydney 2023 Games Badges if their application to showcase is successful. 

Successful developer teams will also have the option to purchase additional SXSW Sydney 2023 Games Badges at the lowest rate. 

Each successful applicant will be provided with a station that is powered and equipped with a PC, monitor, mouse, and keyboard. Any additional equipment such as consoles, controllers, or headsets must be supplied by the applicant. Please note that additional equipment that uses power sources must meet the AS/NZS 3760 Test and Tag standard. 

If you have any questions regarding technical support please contact gamesfest@sxswsydney.com. 

We strongly recommend securing your accommodation as soon as you receive your invitation for the Showcase. This will ensure you can select from the widest variety of available hotels. 

SXSW Sydney 2023 Games Festival submissions will open on May 4, 2023. For more information and to apply, visit the Games Festival Submission Page. 

Of course! There are many opportunities for game developers and games creatives beyond the Showcase. The SXSW Sydney Conference will feature mentor sessions, panel discussions, interviews, meet-and-greets, and countless other opportunities to network and take the next step in your career. 

If you are not successful in your submission to showcase at the SXSW Sydney 2023 Games Festival, you can purchase a Badge at the lowest rate and experience everything SXSW Sydney has to offer.