This month we continue our tour of the Central Coast indie developer scene with Josh Hallaran from @criticalgamesau.bsky.social - one of the state's most quietly successful independent developers! youtu.be/XrDeQ_5odrY

This month we travel to the vibrant Central Coast indie scene to talk to Mike Roberts, founder of TKFY. He talks about what inspired him to become a game developer, what makes The NSW Central Coast games scene so special and what independent artists need to thrive! youtu.be/cEkSXALo1Qk

Check out the State of Play NSW - Game Developer Report 2025 - the most comprehensive study ever conducted of NSW game developers. Check out our findings here www.stateofplaynsw.com.au/publications

Key Findings: From 61 respondees: Only 3 Full-time people work in NSW-based studios that do not need additional funds to complete their game(s). Most studios need significant funding and represent the bulk of FTE roles. #gamedev #advocacy #madeinnsw #employment #indiegames #nsw #ausgamedev

Over the next few weeks we will be sharing statistics from the 2025 NSW Game Developer Survey. The data is damning! Showing the MASSIVE challenges faced by indie game devs in NSW. Stay up to date with the data here. Copies of key findings will be on the website soon www.stateofplaynsw.com.au

Meet our Board: Tegan Jones is a multi-award-winning games & tech journalist, regular media commentator, and co-host of top Australian podcast, Weird Tech. She brings sharp insight to the games industry.

Meet our Board: Ben Armstrong (Wiradjuri) is a tech & creative industries leader. With 24+ years' experience, he champions Indigenous participation in STEAM and is a 2024 AGDAs Rising Star Award recipient.

Meet our Board: Josh Hallaran is the founder of Critical Games, creator of the 8-Bit Adventures RPG series, and a driving force behind Central Coast’s indie game community and youth charity showcases.

Shout out to the huge success of @frostygamesfest.com Thank you for featuring so many oustanding indie developers. You can view the showcase on their website, don't forget to wishlist! youtu.be/3ff3YxX7Cgw

This is the first in our Spotlight Series, shining a light on the incredible indie games made in NSW. Check out the video below, support NSW devs and most of all check out Which Way Up: Galaxy Games on Steam, Switch or Xbox. youtu.be/C_ks1Io7UZE #madeinnsw #indiegame #indiedev #advocacy

Meet our Board: Nico King is Co-Founder & Director at Chaos Theory Games, delivering award-winning games for global organisations. He’s passionate about using games for impact beyond entertainment. Chaos Theory Games is one of the most innovative studios in NSW, leading change and sustainability.

Meet our Board: Emre Deniz is CEO of GYLD Agency, representing 35+ game studios globally. A multi-award-winning developer & AI researcher, he’s secured over $50M AUD in funding for indie games worldwide.

Meet our Board: Luella Moore is Games Festival Manager at SXSW Sydney, championing indie game devs through showcases, networking events & investment summits. She brings a love of games, tech & platforming emerging talent.

Meet our Board: Stephanie Salter is the Executive Producer & COO at Hojo Studio, with 20+ years' experience commissioning games, apps & digital innovation for the ABC and leading creative business development.

It’s #nintendo #direct eve and what a day! Our director, Nick did a lil something with @stateofplaynsw.bsky.social then went to the first of many events at UTS hosted by UTS game dev society, Playmakers!

I'm thrilled to announce that I'm once again running the INDIE GAME SHOWCASE at Central Coast Comicon 2025! 🥳 Go hands-on with 19 New and Upcoming Video Games from local, Aussie, and International indie developers! www.cccomicon.com.au

Our Survey is live! Calling all NSW Game Devs! We’re collecting real data on the challenges, successes, and needs of our local industry to push for better funding, support, and opportunities. The more responses we get, the stronger our case for change! form.fillout.com/t/hGsv4tjsf8us

Big news for indie game devs in NSW! We’re launching State of Play NSW, a dedicated games advisory board advocating for the future of indie games in our state. To level the playing field, push for better funding and opportunities, and make NSW a powerhouse for indie game development. #indiedev

The State of Play NSW Indie Developer Survey is live! If you're a game developer in NSW, this is your chance to have your voice heard. The time has come to make the case for change. Let's do this! ✊ Survey: form.fillout.com/t/hGsv4tjsf8us Learn more on our website: www.stateofplaynsw.com.au