Melbourne International Games Week’s Big Games Night Out free all-ages party is getting even bigger this Thursday 9 October.
Big Games Night Out invites gamers, game-lovers, game-makers and everyone in between to Melbourne International Games Week’s premiere party in celebration of all things gaming culture – now suitable for all ages!
Unfolding from 3:30pm with Little Games Night Out, a free kids-themed party until the adults take over from 6pm on Thursday 9 October, Big Games Night Out is a completely free, accessible, all-ages party filled with interactive play, live performances, arcade games, an immersive exhibit and heaps more.
The beating heart of Naarm will be transformed into the centrepiece of the festival’s massive party as BGNO takes over Fed Square and surrounding areas. A welcoming space for like-minded folk to gather, engage, connect and celebrate Melbourne’s flourishing games industry, Big Games Night Out is a must-attend for anyone passionate about games.
Big Games Night Out and Little Games Night Out
- Thursday 9 October, from 4pm until late
- Little Games Night Out will run from 3:30-6pm on the Main Stage
- Fed Square
- FREE!
- More info here
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
Little Games Night Out
For little ones and families wanting to get in on the action, BGNO is introducing Little Games Night Out for the first time. A space for big action for little gamers, this welcoming space will provide families a way to join in on the fun by dressing up and dancing along, as well as participating in an assortment of kid-friendly games.
Joey Lightbulb’s Family Rave will be leading the charge with an intoxicating set of playful tunes to get the kids – both big and little – singing and dancing. Dr Hubble’s Bubbles will also be joining the party with his bubble show of entertainment and science. Game on.
A labyrinth of real-life easter eggs
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Party-goers will find a vast array of spaces playing host to Big Games Night Out events across Fed Square’s main stage, the Atrium, the Edge and ACMI. Just like with all the best games, attendees are invited to adventure across the venue to discover a new activation around every corner.
In a welcomed return, the undeniable highlight of Big Games Night Out’s massive free-to-play games zones is back. The multiple games zones see Fed Square’s Atrium turned into a wonderland of all types of games for all kinds of gamers. From 80s arcade games to esports and indie adventures – plus a bucketload of tabletop and role-play forays – you can level up with over 100 free-to-play games.
Once you’ve gamed up a storm, make your way to the centre of the party and unlock a world of fun at MIGW’s Electric Arcadia. This vintage amusement plaza sees expert of nostalgia Callum Preston join forces with interactive artist Louie Roots to create a concoction of vintage video games colliding with futuristic accents, inviting gamers to respawn a lost world of gaming culture. Better yet, Electric Arcadia is completely free.
As Naarm’s very own interactive playground of screens, games and stories, ACMI will also be providing non-stop opportunities to power up your play. To help you keep the festivities going all night, the museum will open its doors to party-goers for special late-night access to the brand-new exhibition Game Worlds.
Lights, camera, game on
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Big Games Night Out isn’t only a stage for beloved games and professional performers – the real stars of the show are the gamers themselves. Attendees will have the chance to participate in the Cosplay Parade and Lip Sync Battle to show off their individual styles and character performances. No matter your skill level or artistry, cosplayers of all abilities are encouraged to join in on the action, whether on stage or parading your costume around the party grounds.
The festivities continue with a powered-up program of live performances and roving action, additionally including an assortment of interactive play opportunities. DJs and live music acts will also be taking to Fed Square’s main stage, while keen dancers can flex their muscles in a series of Just Dance-Offs.
Elsewhere across Fed Square, party-goers can discover precinct-wide action that also includes LARPers, performers and interactive fun, culminating in a massive gaming party.
The combo moves don’t stop there
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Big Games Night Out will simultaneously continue the play with a range of alternative game-playing experiences. Fed Square’s the Edge will see a massive takeover that includes a local board game market celebrating Aussie game creators, designers and publishers. Melbourne Meeples’ spectacular selection of board games will also be joining the party, providing gamers another chance to secure some loot to take home.
Party-goers will subsequently get the chance to witness one of Naarm’s very own game maker’s games come to life with the brand-new Octocube. The game will feature a giant playable arena that has blown the local game up to larger than life-size.
Fans of both Dungeons and Dragons and Stranger Things are in for a treat with Indiginerd. A pop culture platform that promotes the creativity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Indiginerd will be channeling their 80’s spirit with a one-shot campaign that opens up a portal to a retro realm. Cosplayers and gamers are encouraged to dress to impress for this adventure.
For more information about MIGW’s Big Games Night Out, head here.
This article was made in partnership with Melbourne International Games Week.
