Melbourne is about to swap coffee for controllers as Melbourne International Games Week (MIGW) returns for its tenth year. From Thursday, October 3–Sunday, October 13, Melbourne will play host to the largest celebration of digital gaming in the Asia Pacific, where pixels, play and passion converge into one stunning week-long offering of events. This isn't just for the hardcore gamers — MIGW is for everyone. The returning PAX Aus convention is one of the program highlights, offering Melburnians an opportunity to see the latest in hardware and game releases before they hit the mainstream. At PAX you can hear from industry insiders via a smorgasbord of panels and generally have a great time with people who are passionate about an industry that is now bigger than Hollywood and the music industry combined. For the more hardcore, Games Connect Asia Pacific (GCAP), running from October 7–October 9, is a behind-the-scenes look into the gaming industry where developers and industry insiders converge. Music and audio enthusiasts will love the High Score conference, which offers a unique nexus where gaming meets sound. Meanwhile, Freeplay: Parallels will spotlight some of the most experimental and culturally significant work being made right now. And for those with a competitive streak, the Mario King of Kart Tournament is back on the big screen in Melbourne's Fed Square. Along with old favourites, there are a slew of new additions gracing the program. ACMI's Games for Change, slated for October 4, is gearing up to offer a heap of experiences that explore the transformative power of games — how they can make the world a better place in education, health and social sectors. This is a space that's not just about 'gaming' in the traditional sense — it's leading the way in development and driving change in education, health and social sectors. On October 10, Fed Square is the place to be. The Big Games Night Out promises a sensory overload with an array of activities including free gaming competitions (with prizes), and a Cosplay Runway. If you're into games, or just into a good time, mark MIGW 2024 in your cal. It's gonna be a big one. Images: Matto Lucas.
