Freeplay’s annual Parallels showcase returns on 10 October 2024, with new games, new speakers, and fresh new year vibes. As in past years, Parallels aims to show off the best of Australian and New Zealand game development, with speakers diving deep into their game dev practices, and the excitement around their next projects.
2024 actually marks the ten year anniversary of Parallels, so the show is set to be bigger than usual. It’ll take place at Melbourne Town Hall for maximum vibes, and there will be a greater number of speakers present (ten total), as well as a debuting exhibition of playable games for attendees.
The following speakers have been announced for the show:
- Jane Kennington (Western Australia) of Funny Fintan Softworks (Incolatus)
- Olivia Haines and Andrew Brophy (Victoria) of Dinko (Electric Fairyland)
- Tdog eXtreme (Victoria) showing Clownbaby
- Lisa Blakie (Aotearoa New Zealand) of Atawhai Interactive (Toroa: Skycall)
- Josiah Lulham and David Harris (Victoria) showing A Dance of Ribbons
- Duncan Corrigan (Victoria) showing Moving On
- Van Sowerwine and Isobel Knowles (Victoria) showing The World Came Flooding In
- Liezl Ronquillo (New South Wales) showing Ailuri
- Kurt Tikoft (New South Wales) showing Your Holy & Virtuous Heretic
- Xavier Bell (Victoria) showing Rodeo Clown
Read: Melbourne International Games Week 2024: What you need to know
A range of compelling, unique games will also be available to play during the event, including:
- Notice by Jake Berry
- wizard fuckers by Hugh Craig
- Split Signal by Thomas Bowker and Peter Bentley
- Key Fairy by Tex Barnes and Mars Bleach
- River Scene Zine by Max Myers and Tim Snowdon
- Screen Savour by Georgia Symons and Duncan Corrigan
- WHISKEY.ST2007S by Bora Erdogan
- My Arms are Longer Now by Toot Games
- Cyber Paradise by DDmeow
- Fleeting Friends by Siobhan Dent
For those within the games industry, or looking to learn more about the game development process, Parallels is typically a fascinating, insightful look at cool projects in the works across Victoria and beyond.
In past years, the event has played host to a range of iconic games, including Frog Detective, Conscript, Gubbins, The Dungeon Experience, Mystiques, and Knuckle Sandwich. Those selected for Parallels tend to be quirkier, innovative projects with bold ideas that spark inspiration and creativity. It’s a show that’s an absolute delight to attend and tends to be very candid, with deep looks into the game development process.
“From occult LARP to Queensland beaches to girlypop gunplay, Parallels once again celebrates the eclectic and electrifying work of game makers from across Australia and Oceania,” Freeplay said of Parallels 2024.
“This year’s amazing creators showcase the range of personal, political, weird, and wonderful work being done across our medium, and are sure to delight both our regular audience, curious newcomers, and anyone else with an interest in games or the creative process.”
Those keen to learn more can discover it on the Freeplay website. General tickets for Parallels 2024 are now on sale via Humanitix.
