exciting UPDATE as planning underway
The New Zealand game dev community is buzzing with anticipation as plans for this year's NZ Game Developers Conference (NZGDC) are well underway. As one of the most anticipated events in the creative industries calendar, NZGDC promises to be a vibrant gathering of developers, designers, publishers, enthusiasts and gamers.
A Community-Centric Event
The NZGDC has long been a cornerstone for fostering innovation, collaboration, and knowledge sharing among Aotearoa’s talented game creators. This year centres around the people at the heart of our games - from keynote speakers to panels, workshops, and networking sessions - the event aims to showcase our community’s diverse talent.
The Kiwi Games Zone
A standout feature - this year’s Kiwi Games Zone continues to spotlight indie developers and emerging game creators, providing a platform where their innovative projects can truly shine.
The Kiwi Games Zone will serve as a lively showcase area, allowing visitors to play and experience a wide variety of locally developed games from experimental indie titles to more polished releases. It’s an opportunity for developers to engage directly with players, gather feedback, and build connections within the industry.
Supporting Indie Devs and Fostering Creativity
The Kiwi Games Zone embodies the spirit of community and creativity that defines New Zealand’s game dev scene. By providing a dedicated space for indie developers, the zone aims to elevate smaller studios and individual creators, giving them visibility alongside larger studios.
Submissions are OPEN to showcase your game and are actively encouraged from devs with projects at all stages! Whether you’re working on your first game or are a seasoned creator with a portfolio of titles, this is your chance to showcase your work to a broader audience, including industry professionals, media, and game enthusiasts.
A Launchpad for Wellington Games Week
The Kiwi Games Zone also kicks off Wellington’s very own Games Week, a vibrant celebration of all things games. Throughout the festival, a variety of satellite events will take place across the city, dedicated to different genres, platforms, and game communities. Whether you're into tabletop games, VR experiences, tournaments, or casual games, Wellington Games Week has something for everyone. The Kiwi Games Zone acts as the festival’s anchor, bringing together diverse game creators and fans to celebrate and explore the full spectrum of game culture.
Looking Ahead
As planning progresses, the NZGDC team is dedicated to making this event a celebration of New Zealand’s vibrant game dev scene - and the people who make it possible. The Kiwi Games Zone will be a highlight, fostering grassroots innovation and inspiring the next generation of kiwi game creators.
Stay tuned for more updates on which kiwi creators will be showcasing their games, submission deadlines, and more.
Get Ready to Play, Connect, and Create!