A groundbreaking exhibition titled “Game Worlds” is set to open at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) in Melbourne this September. This interactive showcase will feature over 30 seminal video games, spanning from the 1970s to the present day, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the intricate relationship between developers, players, and technology.
“Game Worlds” delves into the creative processes behind video game development, featuring original design materials, concept art, and rare artifacts. With more than 44 interactive stations, attendees can immerse themselves in the gaming experience, gaining insight into how video games are designed, built, and experienced.
Iconic Titles and New Releases
The exhibition will spotlight major titles such as “Final Fantasy XIV Online” by Square Enix, “Minecraft” by Mojang Studios, “The Elder Scrolls Online” by ZeniMax Online Studios/Bethesda Softworks, and “SimCity” and “The Sims” by Electronic Arts. Other notable games include “Stardew Valley” by ConcernedApe, “World Of Warcraft” by Blizzard Entertainment, and “Neopets” by World Of Neopia. Additionally, the exhibition will feature the highly anticipated Australian release, “Hollow Knight: Silksong” by Team Cherry.
Visitors will have the chance to explore how local studios bring these games to life. The exhibition will also offer late-night access, developer talks, and inclusive industry events, with themed fan events to be announced shortly.
Exclusive Microgames and Merchandise
Adding to the excitement, “Game Worlds” will debut four newly commissioned microgames from both established and emerging Australian developers. These include “ACMI EGG” by Apartment 809, where players care for a communal creature, and “Salix8 Sunset”, a game about restoring color to the world. In “What’s Your Angle”, players explore different perspectives, while “Hint Line ’93” transports them back to the era of video game hint lines.
Collectors will be thrilled to find exclusive merchandise at the ACMI Shop, including limited-edition collectibles for “Neopets”, “The Sims”, and “Hollow Knight: Silksong”. A series of ACMI-produced books exploring the worlds of “The Sims” and “Hollow Knight” will also be available.
Insights from the Curators
According to ACMI Director and CEO Seb Chan,
“Game Worlds is not just an exhibition for video game fans and their families, but for those who are curious about why we say they are the ‘defining art form of this century’. This exhibition celebrates the people, the players, the craft and technologies that make on-screen world-building possible. We are very excited to premiere a new ACMI-made exhibition for our visitors to experience, play, and enjoy here in Melbourne first, before it heads out overseas on a long international tour.”
Co-Curators Bethan Johnson and Jini Maxwell add,
“By charting over 50 years of technical innovation and personal creativity, Game Worlds offers a new perspective on video games, revealing the abstract, even absurd, foundation of technical innovation that underpins the world’s most popular entertainment medium, and celebrating the communities that form within them. Our exhibition honors the real-life experiences that are made possible by and through video games, highlighting the players and developers – and stories that bring video game worlds to life.”
Looking Ahead
The announcement of “Game Worlds” comes at a time when the video game industry continues to expand its cultural and economic influence globally. As video games are increasingly recognized as a significant cultural medium, exhibitions like this play a crucial role in broadening public understanding and appreciation of the art form.
With its interactive and educational approach, “Game Worlds” is poised to attract a diverse audience, from avid gamers to those curious about the evolution of digital entertainment. As the exhibition prepares for its international tour, it promises to leave a lasting impact on how video games are perceived and celebrated worldwide.
