Melbourne International Games Week puts Australian Games on the world stage MELBOURNE, 22 September 2016​—​Minister for Creative Industries, Martin Foley today announced the new Melbourne International Games Week 2016 schedule during a program launch event at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image. This year will see 6 new events added to the games week calendar, including new Virtual Reality and family focused events. Running from 29 October to 7 November,​ ​Melbourne International Games Week​ is Asia Pacific’s largest digital games celebration featuring conferences, events and activities for the games industry, game enthusiasts and the general public. Responding to the continued growth of the Australian digital games industry and celebrating Victoria’s leadership in the games sector, the expanded 2016 program includes whole days dedicated to students, educators and families. The week will kick off with ​Where in Melbourne is Carmen and Diego
​
, a live interactive experience which brings the video game experience to life on the streets of Melbourne. Specially commissioned by Melbourne International Games Week, ​Where in Melbourne is Carmen and Diego?
​
is a satirical scavenger hunt and a lighthearted poke at Melbourne’s foibles and quirks. Other highlights include: ● Game Changer: ACMI VR Festival​—​A new one day event exploring the possibilities of Virtual Reality; gathering industry researchers and practitioners from the world of art, games, technology and business to demonstrate and explore the innovation possibilities of using gaming methodologies and VR technology to enact social change. ● The Game Connect Asia Pacific Conference​—​An event for developers, publishers and investors to discuss innovations in the global game sector. ● GCAP: Loading​—​an event specifically for students and graduate game developers. Victoria leads the way in games education with approximately 1,000 students graduating from game­related tertiary courses annually. GCAP: Loading provides practical, experience­based knowledge post graduation. The week will culminate with PAX Australia, an international games festival attracting thousands of games enthusiasts to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre between 4 ­ 6 November. As part of the celebrations at today’s event, a mural by game artist and Freeplay 2015 Visual Art award­winner Marigold Bartlett and Apparition Media which depicts characters and icons from Melbourne’s recent international games successes was debuted to guests. The mural includes some future titles and will tour the major events during Melbourne International Games Week. Digital interactive games is the fastest growing sector within global entertainment, and Melbourne is home to 47% of Australia’s digital games industry, ranging from leading global companies to independent developers. The expanded Melbourne International Games Week program for 2016 builds on this leadership and works to strengthen connections within the industry, locally and internationally. The Melbourne International Games Week 2016 program is made up of a compliment of 12 events. To see the full program, visit​ ​www.gamesweek.melbourne​. Melbourne International Games Week is an initiative of Creative Victoria. Quotes attributable to Minister for Creative Industries, Martin Foley “Melbourne International Games Week celebrates our games strengths, brings the international games community to our city and provides opportunities for people of all ages to experience the latest in games.” Quotes attributable to CEO of the GDAA, Tony Reed “In little over 6 years, local game developers have grown the Victorian game development industry by over 520%. Our audience grows daily, with Australia establishing a reputation for thoughtful, creative and award­winning games. We are proud to support Melbourne International Games Week 2016 as a celebration of our success, our community, and our bright future. About Melbourne International Games Week.” Melbourne International Games Week (MIGW) 2016 is Asia Pacific’s largest digital games platform for entertainment, serious games and gamification and links a range of business, education and entertainment games events. For more information, please visit​ ​http://gamesweek.melbourne/​. About Creative Victoria Creative Victoria is the state government body dedicated to championing, growing and supporting Victoria's creative industries. The games sector forms part of Victoria’s $23 billion creative economy, which also includes design, music, film and television, and the performing and visual arts. For more information on Creative Victoria and its programs, please visit​ ​http://creative.vic.gov.au/​. For all Melbourne International Games Week media enquiries contact: Marla Fitzsimmons ​+61 402 971 722​ | ​[email protected]