Play Now Melbourne, Australia’s pre-eminent global games market returns for a third year

Play Now Melbourne 2024, photo by Sarah Chavdaroska

Australia’s leading games market Play Now Melbourne will return for a third consecutive year in October 2025, backed by the Victorian Government through VicScreen.

Play Now Melbourne connects Australian digital games developers with the world’s best international publishers, investors and platform holders, turbo charging business development opportunities for local games developers and studios.

First held in 2023, Play Now Melbourne has gone from strength to strength. Last year saw over 165 meetings take place, with 55 developer teams, and 19 publishers, investors and platform holders participate. This year’s Play Now Melbourne will occur on Thursday 9 October 2025.

Expressions of interest for Play Now Melbourne are now open to games developers from across Australia who have projects in active development looking to secure funding, publishing services, or marketplace support. There is no fee to take part in Play Now Melbourne. 

The Expression of Interest period closes Thursday 17 July 2025. For more information visit vicscreen.vic.gov.au/playnow/

Minister for Creative Industries, Colin Brooks said, “Victoria is Australia’s digital games capital, and our vibrant, creative games sector is thriving. Backed by the Allan Labor Government, Play Now Melbourne supports local game developers to make connections and secure the partnerships they need to advance their projects and businesses.” 

VicScreen CEO, Caroline Pitcher said, “In just two years, Play Now Melbourne has attracted attention and acclaim from the world’s leading investors, publishers, and platform holders. Their enthusiasm for our indie games’ talent is palpable. I’m thrilled to see the 2025 market solidify its position as the number one destination in Australia for fostering international creative and commercial connections for our innovative game developers.

For more information visit vicscreen.vic.gov.au/playnow/