the countdown to sxsw sydney begins now
Days
Hours
Minutes
Learn from industry leaders as they share their experiences in the games sector. Gain invaluable insights by attending mentor programs, workshops, presentations, and roundtables led by veterans from around the world. Whether you're looking to enhance your skills in pitching, marketing, fund management, networking, studio management, or negotiation, SXSW Sydney offers a wealth of opportunities to develop professionally.
This year we continue with our focus on mentoring and career development, putting this at the heart of SXSW Sydney’s industry programs. Participate in focused sessions led by trailblazers in the games industry, learning how they’ve navigated challenges and evolved in this ever-changing field. From exclusive mentoring sessions to tailored workshops for game development students, SXSW Sydney provides the support, guidance, and insight needed to succeed. Whether you're a student or a seasoned professional, elevate your career and make lasting connections at SXSW Sydney.
Learn from industry luminaries as they share their deep expertise in the gaming world. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting, gain invaluable insights through diverse mentor programs, hands-on workshops, in-depth presentations, and interactive roundtables. These sessions are crafted to refine your skills in pitching, marketing, fund management, networking, studio management, and more. Engage with top minds in the industry and elevate your career at SXSW Sydney.
.png)
Join us for an enlightening panel on character creation in video games, focusing on how games can empower underrepresented groups. Our diverse experts will explore the shift from traditional narratives to inclusive storytelling, examining the challenges and triumphs of representation. Discover how thoughtful design and narrative choices can enhance empathy and create richer, more authentic gaming experiences for all players.
Chances are, you have relationships with virtual characters, though you might not see them that way. Teddy Dief, Co-Designer of *Hyper Light Drifter* and Game Director of *We Are OFK*, will explore the evolution of virtual identity from the 1960s to today, covering television, music, games, and VTubers. Discover how the virtual band OFK was created, including the design pillars, techniques, and social priorities involved, and learn about the opportunities and challenges in designing virtual characters and parasocial relationships.
Explore the captivating world of Tamriel with Rich Lambert, the Game Director behind the acclaimed MMORPG Elder Scrolls Online (ESO). Discover the intricate storytelling, dynamic world-building, and innovative gameplay that have mesmerised millions of players. Get exclusive insights into the development process and learn how ZeniMax Online Studios brings this expansive universe to life.
Mentoring and career development are at the heart of SXSW Sydney’s industry programs. Dive into focused sessions led by trailblazers in the games industry and learn from their journeys through obstacles and challenges. Participate in exclusive, small-scale workshops to refine your skills as a developer or studio, and engage with experts to uncover strategies for successful game management and development.
Frustrated by Australia’s outdated games classification system? You’re not alone. Join industry experts and fellow developers to explore the complexities of this challenging framework, uncover its historical context, and learn practical strategies to navigate its limitations. Gain valuable insights to streamline your development process and make your projects more efficient.
Learn from top indie publishers about the latest trends and shifts in the games industry. Engage in focused discussions on the challenges and opportunities in today’s evolving publishing landscape. Join leaders from Kwalee, Raw Fury, Santa Ragione, CRITICAL REFLEX, and Astra Logical as they delve into scouting, selection strategies, and their distinct publishing methods.
Despite record profits and a transmedia boom, the games industry faces growing risks due to consolidation and oversized projects. Join Xalavier Nelson Jr., head of Strange Scaffold, as he reveals strategies for building a resilient game studio amidst these challenges. Discover how holistic production methods and a focus on long-term sustainability can empower you to thrive in this evolving landscape.
Starting your career in the creative industries? The SXSW Sydney Early Career program is tailored to offer the support, guidance, and insights essential for your success. Dive into a range of tailored workshops, networking opportunities, and mentoring sessions designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in this dynamic field. Gain valuable perspectives from industry experts, build meaningful connections, and set yourself up for a successful career at SXSW Sydney.
We're finally taking games seriously thanks to the amount of money generated by the computer games industry. But as opinions towards games have shifted and we've been conditioned to expect gamification, what companies and creatives title a game has become strained. As games as art and industry matures, furthering a lexicon amongst game design adherrents is important to ensure games continue to develop as important social currency; and don't fall into a catch all net for mixed media looking to cash in on the new game wave.
Presented by Daniel Lyozov, Head of Business Development & Scouting at CRITICAL REFLEX, publishers of Buckshot Roulette and Rose and Locket. This session explores how global cultures and trends shape indie games, highlighting creative innovations and industry challenges. Discover regional influences on the future of gaming and gain a deeper understanding of indie game development.
What do 1,000,000 tweets and 2,000,000 player reviews reveal about game marketing and design? Join Emre Deniz from GYLD in a hands-on workshop to explore DIY analytics techniques tailored for game developers. Learn tools and strategies to better understand your audience, balance creative vision with product design, and build more sustainable games.
The SXSW Sydney Student Mentoring & Development program is crafted to empower game development students with career insights and essential skills. Dive into a series of workshops, roundtables, and discussions tailored to guide you through various game industry disciplines. Gain valuable perspectives on career pathways and hone your skills with expert advice from seasoned professionals. Elevate your career prospects by connecting with industry leaders, hearing from game design experts, and participating in dynamic networking opportunities. Whether you're just starting out or advancing your studies, this program is designed to support your growth. Ensure you have a Games Badge or Games Wristband to fully engage with this enriching experience.
This program is designed for students at all stages of their studies. They will require a Games Badge or Games Wristband to attend.
At SXSW Sydney, the Business for Creative Industries program is tailored for the dedicated teams working with industry talent and creatives. This comprehensive programme delves into agency, communications, and business management within the creative sector, offering unique strategies for success.
Engage with industry veterans through a series of workshops, talks, and roundtables designed to elevate your skills and enhance your role as a key supporter of the artists you champion. Discover cutting-edge insights on managing creative talent and driving industry innovation, while forging valuable connections with like-minded professionals. Whether you’re looking to refine your business acumen or gain fresh perspectives, this program provides the tools and knowledge needed to excel in the dynamic world of creative industries.
At SXSW Sydney Games Festival, our networking events, special gatherings, and vibrant parties offer something for everyone. Connect with industry professionals, forge new partnerships, and share ideas in a dynamic setting. Whether you’re looking to unwind, engage in stimulating conversations, or energise your day with exciting activities, our events provide the perfect backdrop for building relationships and celebrating the creative spirit of the gaming community.
Celebrate the standout achievements in game development at the SXSW Sydney Games and Screen Awards. Join us at Fortress Sydney to honour the best of the 2024 games and screen programs. This is the perfect finale to a week of innovation and excellence.
The Midnighters program dives into dark, eerie, and provocative themes, catering to those who crave the unconventional. Featuring a curated mix of outsider perspectives and boundary-pushing narratives, this showcase is a bold exploration of the unexpected. Join us for a Thursday night celebration of the strange and the intriguing at the Midnighters Screen Showcase.
Dust off your hat, shine your spurs, and embrace those chaps—it’s time for the Cowboy Games Showcase. Saddle up for an evening filled with western-themed games and immersive experiences. Leave behind the clichés and dive into a night of bold, genre-defying entertainment.
.webp)
