Melbourne’s love affair with gaming is set to reach new heights as ACMI prepares to launch Game Worlds – a massive interactive exhibition that plunges visitors into 30 iconic videogame universes, with 20 fully playable experiences. Opening 18 September 2025, this deep dive into gaming culture promises to be a must-see for casual players and hardcore fans alike.
From the pixelated pioneers of the 1970s to today’s sprawling online realms, Game Worlds showcases rare concept art, unreleased designs, and hands-on demos. Highlights include World of Warcraft, The Sims, and the nostalgic Neopets, alongside hotly anticipated Australian releases. Visitors can even attempt to beat a world-record speedrun or rediscover retro classics in ways they can’t at home.
It’s the latest in ACMI’s acclaimed gaming exhibitions, following Game Masters (2012) and last year’s Honk! Untitled Goose Exhibition, which celebrated Melbourne’s own smash-hit indie game.
Co-curators Bethan Johnson and Jini Maxwell describe the exhibition as “a tribute to creativity, community and ambition”, exploring how game worlds shape players just as much as players shape them.
Beyond the exhibition, ACMI is calling on local talent for its Microgames Commission, offering up to $10,000 for browser-based game creations. Special events, talks, and limited-edition merch will round out the experience.
Tickets go on presale 3 July – Melburnians should ready their controllers. Game on!
