Dates: Saturday 4 – Sunday 12 October 2025
Location: ACMI, Federation Square & Satellite Venues Across Melbourne
Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible
This October, Melbourne is set to be swarmed by the Melbourne International Games Week (MIGW) 2025, the largest festival involving gaming, creativity and digital culture in Australia. MIGW is both entertaining and a unique experience whether you are a long-time gambler, an inquisitive beginner, a family outing, or an industry employee.
Why MIGW 2025 Is Unmissable
MIGW is not just another gaming festival, but a complete Melbourne cultural experience. This is what is so special about this year:
Dedicated Australian Microgames: ACMI is launching four new microgames, which are available at MIGW 2025 only. These are characterized by peculiar mechanics, gorgeous graphics as well as a distinct storyline.
Big and Little Games Night Out: The Federation Square is turned into an end-of-the-night arcade cabinets, cosplay, live music and indie demos playground, just the way a Melbourne nightlife should be.
Developer & Industry Events: GCAP (Games Connect Asia Pacific), High Score, and hands-up workshops are events that provide insider talks, networking and career advancement.
Local Hack: Get to the microgames and workshops early to beat the line – weekday mornings are the least busy.
Must-See Exhibitions & Experiences
1. Game Worlds at ACMI
The centerpiece of MIGW 2025 is the Game Worlds exhibition, featuring 30+ iconic titles from retro classics to modern hits.
Microgame Highlights:
- ACMI EGG – A quirky puzzle adventure with surreal visuals. Tip: Solve the first puzzle sideways for a hidden bonus!
- What’s Your Angle – An experimental physics-based indie game. Pro Tip: Rotate the camera to unlock secret paths.
- Salix8 Sunset – A narrative-driven microgame exploring environmental storytelling. Perfect for creative photography.
- Hint Line ’93 – Retro-inspired exploration with clever puzzles. Play early for a quieter experience.
Insider Tip: Some microgames are time-limited, so check the schedule online to plan your visit.
2. Big & Little Games Night Out
- Late-night fun at Fed Square with live music, arcade competitions, cosplay, and indie demos.
- Melbourne Photo Hack: Fed Square is a prime spot for cosplay shots — the city lights create the perfect backdrop.
Crowd Tip: Wednesday and Thursday evenings are generally less busy than Friday, ideal for first-timers.
3. Developer Talks & Workshops
For aspiring developers and industry pros:
- GCAP 2025: Panels on indie development, storytelling, and career guidance.
- High Score: Workshops on game audio, sound design, and interactive experiences.
- Hands-on Sessions: Learn 3D character design, rapid prototyping, and microgame creation.
Quote from a local developer, Mia Tran:
“MIGW is where Melbourne’s gaming community really shines. You get inspiration, connections, and a sneak peek at the next big thing in indie games.”
Pro Tip: Workshops fill fast — book early to secure your spot.
4. Family-Friendly Experiences
- Interactive zones at ACMI cater to kids and teens with fun, educational activities.
- Microgames and demos offer creative experiences for families to enjoy together.
- Local Hack: Pair your visit with a riverside lunch at Southbank or a coffee at a laneway café for a full day out.
5. Esports & Competitions
- King of Kart Tournament: Compete or watch Melbourne’s top Mario Kart players.
- Community Esports: Fun competitions with prizes for spectators and participants.
Pro Tip: Arrive early — spots for popular competitions are limited.
Insider Tips for Experiencing MIGW Like a Local
Plan Your Days Wisely
Some will be ticketed or restricted and some free. Customize your own schedule using the official MIGW program.
Travel & Transport
- ACMI is located just outside Federation Square beside Flinders Street Station.
- Locals and visitors find it convenient by tram, train and as well as bus.
- Melbourne Hack: Ride the City Circle Tram in case you desire a spectacular ride and not to be wrapped up by the congested stations.
Explore Melbourne In the meantime.
- Break: Degraves Street/ Centre Place in Melbourne best flat whites.
- Scenic Walk: Yarra River or Southbank to view the sunset following late night events.
- Instagram Walls: Visit graffiti laneways to get Instagram worthy shots.
Accessibility
- ACMI is completely wheelchair friendly with staff members who are friendly to all ages and abilities.
Maximize Your Experience
- Begin with Game Worlds to be able to get hands-on with exhibits.
- Take advantage of socializing, networking, and discovering the Melbourne nightlife using late-night events.
- Check microgame schedules – there are schedules of microgames, which cannot be played at any time.
Suggested Itineraries
For Gamers & Enthusiasts
- Morning: Game Worlds exhibition
- Afternoon: Workshops or developer talks
- Evening: Big Games Night Out (cosplay & arcade fun)
For Families
- Morning: Microgames & interactive zones
- Afternoon: Indie demos and kid-friendly workshops
- Evening: Little Games Night Out (family-friendly)
For Industry & Developers
- All day: GCAP sessions, High Score panels, networking
- Evening: Meetups, wrap parties, and exclusive lounges
MIGW 2025 is not just an event, it is a Melbourne experience. Essentially starting with solitary microgames, through cosplay-friendly family shows, late-night cosplay play, industry workshops, there is something one can find.
You will be able to visit Melbourne with this insider guide, plan your visit as a local and enjoy your time in Melbourne attending the festival. Gamers, family, or industry workers, MIGW 2025 is the final gaming festival in Melbourne in October.