Tabletop Games Showcase

Tabletop games are a testament to the power of creativity and community, bringing people together through shared stories, strategic challenges, and imaginative worlds. From intricate board games to captivating card games, these creations reflect the diversity and brilliance of the global tabletop community.

Each year, the SXSW Sydney Games Festival features innovative new games from outstanding independent developers worldwide. Selected tabletop games will be showcased through live, in-person events and highlighted across social media platforms.

Attendance for the Tabletop Games Showcase is required and all submitting applicants must be able to attend SXSW Sydney in person to exhibit their project. Successful applicants will be notified shortly after the submission platform closes on 30 June 2025.

All selected games will be provided two (2) Pro Passes, studios attending in person may request up to four (4) Pro Passes. Additionally, SXSW Sydney will provide booth build and furniture at no cost to the participants.

The Tabletop Games Showcase is one element of a range of networking events, professional development seminars, workshops, mixers, themed events and parties that takes place during the SXSW Sydney Games Festival. Pro Pass holders are welcome to attend any range of events that take place across the program including the accompanying Music, Screen and Technology & Innovation Festival and Conference.

If you represent a publisher or games collective and would like to organise a Presenter Showcase. Please contact the Games Team at gamesfest@sxswsydney.comThe Games Festival will be held during SXSW Sydney on 13-19 October 2025.

Deadlines for SXSW Sydney Games Festival Showcase

Dates

Item

1 February - 30 June 2025

Submission Showcase Open

1 June 2025

Rolling acceptances begin

1 July 2025

Onboarding of Official Showcase begins

26 July 2025

Official Showcase Lineup Announced

31 July 2025

Final day for officially selected games to submit demos for inclusion in the Games Awards Longlist

31 August 2025

Final day for officially selected games to provide builds for showcase

September 2025

Final SXSW Sydney schedule announced

1-5 September 2025

SXSW Sydney Games Team presented Showcase webinar for Official Selection

13-19 October 2025

SXSW Sydney takes place

2025 FAQ

How are titles chosen for the Games Showcase?

The SXSW 2025 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.

Can I apply for the showcase and the expo?

All developers can apply for both the Games Showcase and the Tech & Innovation Expo. If you are accepted into both you will be given the option to choose which option you prefer. It is important to note that the Games Showcase has no additional costs to present at SXSW Sydney Games Festival, however there is an exhibition cost for the Expo.

Do I need to attend if I am selected?

Attendance for the Tabletop Showcase is mandatory. Due to the nature of the Tabletop Showcase, it is critical that a team member is present to set up, bump out, troubleshoot and present the submission to the public. If your team cannot travel to SXSW Sydney, we encourage you to ask your networks in Sydney to attend in your place or hire staff for the duration of the Showcase.

What if I do not have a demo ready before applications closes on 30 June 2025?

We accept games that do not have completed demos before the submission close dates. Please submit as much information as you can about your game including pitch decks, prototypes, gameplay footage or other materials so the team can make an informed choice about your game. If selected, you must have a demo available before 31 August 2025 for inclusion in the Tabletop Games Showcase.

How can I apply for the Game Awards?

All titles accepted into the Tabletop Games Showcase are eligible for the Game Awards.

When will I find out if my game is selected?

Successful applicants will be notified on a rolling basis from 1 June 2025.

If selected, will myself or my team receive any compensation from SXSW Sydney?

Each selected title will receive two (2) SXSW Sydney 2025 Pro Passes. If your team attends the event in person, you may request up to four (4) Pro Passes per submission. Successful developer teams will also have the option to purchase additional SXSW Sydney 2025 Industry Passes at the lowest rate. Selected applications will be provided booth build, signage, television and furniture at no cost.

If I am not selected, should I still come to SXSW Sydney?

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 2025 Games Festival, you can purchase a Pass at the lowest rate and experience everything SXSW Sydney has to offer.

Can I apply if I showcased at SXSW Sydney 2023/4 Games Festival?

Yes! SXSW Sydney is accepting applications for games either released after 1 January 2024, or are currently unreleased. Projects that have previously been showcased at SXSW Sydney are still eligible for consideration provided they meet other requirements.

Can Students apply?

Absolutely! Students can apply with their games for the Tabletop Showcase. The Student Games Showcase will also take place during SXSW Sydney and is available to eligible universities. The Student Games Showcase runs independently from the Official Showcase and is organised directly with universities. If you wish for your university or college to be involved in the Student Showcase please contact gamesfest@sxswsydney.com

Tabletop Games Showcase