The Powerhouse Museum’s ALT: GAMES 2026, which took place in Sydney from 18 to 19 April, achieved exactly what it set out to do. Designed as a smaller, intimate showcase for local Australian game developers and international talent, it championed the power of game-making, and the unique voices currently developing new titles across Australia.
ALT: GAMES debuted in 2025 when its nearest analogue was the now-departed SXSW Sydney and its Games Festival. Like that event, ALT: GAMES aims to present an open-to-the-public showcase for in-development games, as well as a chance to connect with local developers.
To see its impact this year, you only had to observe the bright faces of kids and the excited chatter from older players. Games bring people together. They’re a source of joy and connection.
ALT: GAMES 2026 – quick links
A well-curated slate of games
Entering Sydney’s Parramatta Town Hall, attendees were greeted by a range of playable demos for upcoming (and some released) Australian-made games. Bathed in a cool green light, the space was cosy and intimate – and also packed with moving bodies.
ALT: GAMES was very well-attended, to the point where game demo stations had queues or mobs of folks around, waiting to get hands-on with an array of experiences.
The games on show weren’t big names. The attraction here wasn’t playing the ‘latest and greatest’. It was all about seeing what Australian game developers are making across the country.
Studio Folly’s Dogpile was a popular feature, with many drawn by its bright colours, perfectly designed to catch the eye, and moreish gameplay. Chunky Quail’s Slumbering Woods was another highlight, with its bright adventure gameplay, and adorable protagonist.
Narrative games with less of a visual focus also drew plenty of attention, especially interactive visual novel game Dawn Chorus by Cecile Richard – an adventure set in a future version of Melbourne.
Other highlights included the puzzle game Shape Sender Deluxe, the quirky monster-making fighter game Noibs, puzzle game Good Hands, adventure title Enfant and the landlord horror game Janet DeMornay Is A Slumlord (and a witch).
Away from the main show floor, the outer and upper halls of Parramatta Town Hall were also packed with gaming fans. Here, the ALT: EX section of the event showcased more experimental video games, with many text-based and more artful experiences for those keen for something fresh and flavourful.
Upstairs, Australian-made tabletop games engaged audiences in new imaginative, immersive gameplay-focused adventures. Nobody’s head turned for new people walking into the room, players were so engrossed by their individual sessions.
An intimate community event
While perhaps smaller in scope than the offerings of SXSW Sydney, ALT: GAMES was decidedly more approachable. The event was open to everyone, and provided the opportunity to explore freely across the weekend, taking time to play games or chat to folks.
There were plenty of kids around trying new games, too – which was nice to see. They are the generation who will be most familiar with games, having grown up with them. To see them experiencing new titles, beyond the bigger, more pervasive names – think your average Roblox, Minecraft or Fortnite experience – is heartening.
Kids should get the chance to experience diverse, creative and interesting games from around the world, and particularly Australia. ALT: GAMES presented that chance, as a lovely introduction of what’s to come.
Curated talks presented unique learning opportunities
Alongside the hands-on game showcase, ALT: GAMES also offered an array of insightful talks from local and international game developers. In keeping with the show’s ‘small but mighty’ spirit, these talks were very well-curated, with a diverse selection of speakers.
Shuhei Yoshida, former PlayStation executive, returned to Australia after past appearances at PAX Aus to discuss his experiences in the games industry, and the power of indie games.
Alanah Pearce, a US-based Australian video game writer, producer and actor, was another headliner, with her talk causing a ripple effect on social media. She discussed the path of her career in games extensively, sharing lessons about resilience and the importance of doing, rather than holding yourself back based on expectations.
Solo developer Billy Basso was also on board, sharing more about the creation of the award-winning Animal Well, as well as the founding of his studio, Shared Memory Games.
Many Australian developers were also recruited to discuss their creative practice, sharing lessons about the art and creation of their games, the importance of challenging yourself, and the satisfaction of bringing games into the world.
The importance of ALT: Games
It’s no secret that the global games industry is currently going through hardship, for a variety of factors. Global economic downturn has reduced investment in studios, and player wallets are tighter. It’s why ALT: GAMES felt so important.
The recent Sydney event created a space for developers to more easily connect with their audiences, to gain a visibility that’s difficult to come by. It was a chance for them to share more about their practice, to inspire future generations of game makers, or otherwise encourage their fellow developers.
Of course, it was also a chance for players to expand their horizons, and to see what brilliant experiences are currently being developed in Australia.
In times of hardship, games are essential: as a creative outlet, as a form of escapist entertainment, and as a way to give life the excitement and flavour that sometimes feels lacking. ALT: GAMES underscored this value.
It also revealed another truth: game makers will always make games. There are commercial realities underpinning the modern games industry. Games cost a lot of money, time and experience to make. But even with these pressures, video game makers will continue to create – whether to serve their own desires, or to continue entertaining and engaging audiences.
Humans have always made games, and engaged with play. We will continue to do so well into the future. ALT: GAMES was a rich exploration of that determination.
