Tasmania may be known for its rugged landscapes and pristine wilderness, but a new kind of growth is taking root—one driven by pixels, code, and creative minds.
At the heart of this digital renaissance is the University of Tasmania's School of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) , which has just helped launch the state's biggest gaming event yet: Level UP Tasmania Video Game Showcase.
Held over three packed days at Hobart's iconic Princess Wharf 1, the showcase brought together game developers, researchers, and students, all aiming to level up Tasmania's fledgling gaming industry.
It marked the first time the Tasmanian Government has backed the industry on this scale, and the stakes have never been higher.
"Tasmania has always had a creative streak, but we're now starting to see it translate into the digital and gaming space," said Lecturer in ICT, Dr Lindsay Wells, who's played a pivotal role in driving the showcase.
"The University's ICT Games program has been nurturing talent for years, and with the government's support, we're now able to take it further than we ever imagined."
Dr Wells and his team aren't just talking about small-scale projects either. The event featured games developed by current students, alumni, and professional studios that have emerged from the University's growing talent pool.
For Tasmania, it's a bold step into a world dominated by international studios and billion-dollar titles. But that's precisely where the opportunity lies.
"Tasmania's size is its strength," explained University of Tasmania Associate Professor, Dr Kristy de Salas.
"We're a tight-knit community, and we've fostered close collaborations between academia, industry, and government. We're building something that's both sustainable and deeply creative."
Level UP featured more than just game demos; it also showcased the full ecosystem driving Tasmania's gaming ambitions.
Attendees were able to get a glimpse of research exploring the educational and social potential of games, alongside cutting-edge tech that's poised to disrupt the industry.
The University's partnerships with Screen Tasmania and the Department of State Growth have also opened up new possibilities for the island's future as a tech hub.
By creating pathways from the classroom to the console, the University is actively positioning Tasmania to play a leading role in the next generation of game development.
While Tasmania's entry into the gaming industry is still relatively new, the momentum is unmistakable. "We're just getting started," Dr Wells says.
"There's an incredible amount of talent here, and we're building an industry that's going to put Tasmania on the map in ways we've only dreamed of."
For now, Tasmania's game scene may still be in its infancy, but events like Level UP prove that the island is punching above its weight—and with the University of Tasmania leading the charge, it's clear that the future is brighter than ever.
