Australian Gaming Events in 2023
With over 17 million Aussies averaging 83 minutes a day playing video games and nearly $4 billion spent by Australian gamers in 2021, it’s safe to say that your average Australian loves gaming.
In 2022, Australia saw the return of Dreamhack Melbourne where over 21,000 fans flooded the gates to watch a variety of competitive esports, cosplay competitions, panel events, creator catchups, live music and much more. Following this post-COVID boom a lineup of premier gaming competitions, exhibitions, and events have been announced across Australia.
Without further ado let’s get into Australia’s most exciting gaming events of 2023.
PAX Aus
Late 2023, Dates TBA
Melbourne
Known for hosting 2 enormous conventions every year in the USA, PAX Aus brings the best of gaming and gaming culture straight to Australia’s doorstep. Featuring panel events, an expo hall filled with publishers and independent studios, game demos, live music, esports tournaments, and cosplay competitions, PAX Aus has something in store for every kind of gamer.
In 2022, PAX Aus held the JBL QUANTUM Grand Slam, one of Australia’s premier rocket league tournaments. To keep an eye out for what's on in 2023 be sure to check out the PAX Aus homepage.
DreamHack Melbourne 2023
April 28 – 30, 2023
Melbourne
After a pandemic ridden 2020 and 2021, DreamHack made an explosive return to the land down under with an incredible weekend long gaming event in September 2022. From professional esports events which included the CS:GO ESL Challenger, the League of Legends Circuit Oceania, and the HCS ANZ Finals, the next Melbourne DreamHack in 2023 is poised for success.
On top of high-quality gaming competitions, DreamHack is also world-renowned for its BYOC LAN parties alongside creator meet and greets, cosplay competitions, live music and more. Check out the DreamHack Melbourne 2023 website for further information.
The Game Expo
March 11 – 12, 2023
Melbourne
2023 brings a brand-new gaming exhibition to the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. Proudly homegrown, this event has a strong focus on nurturing an Australian community around gaming. From tournaments for all skill levels, cosplay championships, card & board gaming, to booths showcasing the latest in technology and gaming brands, this event has something for everyone.
Check out The Game Expo website for all the latest news and event updates.
Supanova Comic Con & Gaming
Dates Throughout 2023
Gold Coast, Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane
Image Credit: Ewan Ly
Established in 2000, Supanova has been creating pop culture events since the start of the millennium. With inspiration drawn from comics, gaming, anime, sci-fi, fantasy and nostalgia this event has created a welcoming community for avid fans around Australia.
Supanova conventions feature celebrities, fan favourite exhibitions, meet and greets, gaming, and a variety of other pop culture activities. For all the latest in comic and gaming conventions around Australia, visit the Supanova website.
Melbourne International Games Week (MIGW)
Late 2023, Dates TBA
Melbourne
Claiming to be the biggest games event in the Asia Pacific region, MIGW hosts events and exhibitions for the games industry, the wider public, and educating younger generations about the future of gaming. In 2022 MIGW was held across 1-9 October and is expected to be on once again towards the end of 2023.
If you are interested in industry networking events, seeing the latest technology on display, or getting an opportunity to play around with new Australian and international games keep a close eye on the latest event updates at the MIGW website.
Pixel Expo
Late 2023, Dates TBA
Perth
With a sold-out debut in 2022, Pixel Expo is preparing for an even bigger year in 2023. What makes this convention stand out from the crowd is that Pixel Expo focuses on animation and gaming. Featuring free play and community tournaments, themed hospitality venues, indie spotlights, local artists, cosplay competitions, panels, workshops, and more, Pixel Expo has it all.
If you’re interested in seeing what Pixel Expo: Level 2 has to offer head over to the Pixel Expo website.
Feature Image Credit: ESL | Sarah Cooper