Our Story
The Canberra Video Game Exhibition was born from a simple idea: to create a space where gamers of all ages and backgrounds could come together to celebrate the art, technology, and culture of video games. Founded in 2018, what started as a small community gathering has grown into one of Australia's most anticipated gaming events.
Our exhibition showcases the evolution of gaming from the golden age of arcade machines to today's cutting-edge virtual reality experiences. We believe that video games are more than just entertainment—they're an art form, a cultural phenomenon, and a powerful medium for storytelling and connection.
Our Mission
We are dedicated to fostering appreciation for video game culture while building a vibrant community of players, developers, and enthusiasts. Our mission is threefold:
Preserve Gaming History: We maintain one of the largest collections of vintage gaming hardware and software in the Southern Hemisphere, ensuring that future generations can experience the games that shaped the industry.
Showcase Innovation: By partnering with leading game developers and publishers, we bring visitors exclusive previews of upcoming titles and emerging technologies that are shaping the future of interactive entertainment.
Build Community: Through tournaments, workshops, and networking events, we create opportunities for gamers to connect, compete, and collaborate. Whether you're a casual player or aspiring developer, you'll find your place in our community.
What We Offer
Our 5,000 square meter exhibition space features multiple zones designed to appeal to every type of gamer. The Retro Gaming Zone houses over 50 classic arcade cabinets and vintage consoles, allowing visitors to experience gaming as it was in the 1980s and 1990s. For those interested in modern gaming, our Next-Gen Showcase features the latest AAA titles on high-end gaming PCs and current-generation consoles.
The Virtual Reality Experience Center offers over 20 VR stations where visitors can immerse themselves in alternate realities, from exploring fantastical worlds to solving puzzles in three-dimensional space. Our Esports Arena hosts daily tournaments with prize pools and professional commentary, giving competitive gamers a chance to showcase their skills.
Beyond gaming, we offer educational programming designed to inspire the next generation of game developers. Our Developer Workshop Series features talks from industry veterans covering topics from game design fundamentals to advanced programming techniques. We also host regular panel discussions exploring the cultural impact of video games and their role in modern society.
Our Impact
Since our founding, the Canberra Video Game Exhibition has welcomed over 150,000 visitors and has become a cornerstone of the local gaming community. We've partnered with schools and educational institutions to provide students with hands-on learning experiences in game design and development. Our annual scholarship program has supported emerging game developers in pursuing their dreams.
We're proud to be a platform for independent game developers, with our Indie Showcase giving small studios the opportunity to present their creations to thousands of potential players and industry professionals. Many games featured in our exhibition have gone on to achieve commercial success and critical acclaim.
Looking Forward
As gaming technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, we remain committed to staying at the forefront of interactive entertainment. We're constantly expanding our collection, forging new partnerships, and developing innovative experiences for our visitors. Our upcoming expansions include a permanent game development lab and a dedicated space for exploring the intersection of gaming and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and cloud computing.
Whether you're a lifelong gamer or curious newcomer, we invite you to join us in celebrating the past, present, and future of video games. Come experience the magic, challenge your skills, and become part of our growing community.