Groundbreaking partnership backs Victoria’s games industry

Image by Massive Monster/Devolver Digital

As Victoria’s digital games sector continues to create internationally acclaimed games, the Victorian Government, through VicScreen is partnering with one of our most successful homegrown games studios to level up the state’s digital games industry and support the next generation, through a new investment fund and co-working space and industry hub.

Backed by a $2 million investment by the Victorian Government and delivered in partnership with VicScreen, MASS, a new games coworking space is set to open in Collingwood next year. MASS will be run by world-renowned Victorian studio Massive Monster – the award-winning independent games studio behind the global smash hit game Cult of the Lamb.

The new co-working space will enable Victorian game developers to build their businesses, offering access to facilities, industry resources, networking, and professional development opportunities. It will offer a playtesting area, audio room, VR and streaming facilities, a games library and events space. 

As well as providing affordable working space for digital games businesses, MASS will be a focal point and incubator for the games industry statewide, with opportunities for students and up-and-coming developers and other games specialists to meet with, work alongside and learn from industry professionals. 

Victoria is Australia’s digital games industry’s leading player, home to the largest workforce and number of game studios. 

For 30 years, the Victorian Government, through VicScreen, has championed digital games, empowering developers to push boundaries and create some of Australia’s most iconic titles, including Massive Monster’s smash hit Cult of the Lamb and House House’s Untitled Goose Game, through the Victorian Production Fund.

These investments fuel growth and power new projects, businesses, and talent. Emerging creators are thriving thanks to the support of initiatives like GameChanger Academy, Australia’s first tertiary training provider dedicated to animation, visual effects, and games. Meanwhile, local developers and investors connect and do business at Play Now Melbourne, the nation’s leading games market.

MASS is the latest way the Victorian Government is backing the local industry for global success, developing local skills and capability in what is the fastest growing global entertainment sector, worth almost $300 billion. 

Matching the Victorian Government’s $2 million investment in the establishment of MASS, through VicScreen, Massive Monster has established a new investment fund to assist Victorian-based developers to grow their games from prototype to launch. 

To find out more about MASS or register your interest, visit www.mass.co/

Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks said, “Victoria is home to Australia’s largest digital games workforce and number of game studios. This new coworking space will take us even further, enabling talented and aspiring developers to use their skills and creativity to create the next homegrown global game sensation.”

VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher said, “Millions of people around the world play games made in Victoria. The MASS co-working space will provide game creators with resources, networks, and collaboration opportunities to turn bold ideas into global hits. VicScreen is proud to back initiatives like MASS that keep Victoria at the forefront of the fastest growing entertainment sector on the planet.” 

Massive Monster Creative Director Julian Wilton said, "MASS is our push to set a new standard for game-development coworking, built from Melbourne’s reputation as one of the world’s best places to make games. We want it to be a real home for developers - a place where studios can grow, collaborate, and turn bold ideas into standout IP.”

Learn more about VicScreen’s Digital Games programs here.