Princes Wharf 1 will transform into a giant gaming arcade later this month, giving enthusiasts the chance to play games made right here in Tasmania.
The inaugural Level Up Tasmania Video Game Showcase will offer attendees Tasmanian-made video games to try for free, while gaining some insights into the talents of our video game makers.
Minister for the Arts, Madeleine Ogilvie, said the Tasmanian Government was thrilled to support the first local video game showcase.
"Our government is fully aware of just how talented our Tasmanian game industry is, but many Tasmanians don't know about it, so we thought we should show them," said Minister Ogilvie.
"Our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future is keeping our economy strong to create the jobs Tasmanians need to ensure that Tasmania remains the best state to live, work and raise a family.
"The Tasmanian Government is therefore pleased to fund Level Up Tasmania through a 2024 election commitment."
Over Friday 27 and Saturday 28 September, more than 30 games will be demonstrated in PW1, with their developers on hand to talk about the games and careers in games development.
On show will be established local developers Giant Margarita, Adam Walker Studio and Smash Attack Studios, as well as global gaming hits like Cult of the Lamb, A Night in the Woods and Stray Gods, signifying the significant contributions Tasmanian developers made to those games.
"We have games of all genres from all across the state, some of which will be making their public debut," Minister Ogilvie said.
From 6:00 pm Friday September 27, Level Up Tasmania After Dark will present a professional e-sports competition on a big outdoor screen on the PW1 forecourt.
On the Saturday afternoon, the AFL Grand Final will air on the same screen, following an activation on Saturday morning from media partner Hit 100.9 with giveaways and merchandise.
"This will be a genuinely family-friendly event that all members of the family can find fun in," Ms Ogilvie said.
"While video games are both fun and innovative, they're also a viable career option – one that many Tasmanians would find appealing."
An Industry Day on Sunday, 29 September will focus on industry development, increasing the skills and market knowledge of Tasmanian developers.
Level Up Tasmania attendees can register for free at www.screen.tas.gov.au
Industry members can also register for the Industry Day via the same link.
The event is made possible with support of Screen Australia, Hit 100.9, PW1, Theatre Royal, Apple Box Studios and UTAS.
