So happy we get this energy at Play By Play 🥹

🙌 We’re extremely thankful to the New Zealand Game Developers Association for supporting us as a 2026 Pavs event partner! ✨️ NZGDA is a not-for-profit organisation created to support, nurture, and grow our local games industry both inside and outside Aotearoa! 🇳🇿 #NZGamesFest #NZGameDev #NZGF2026

💁 Come along for Sunday Game Day this weekend at the Michael Fowler Centre. There’s heaps of free events to get stuck in at the Michael Fowler Centre! #NZGamesFestival #NZGF2026 #NZGameDev

PB & Jam starts today, marking the start of our 10th Games Fest! 🍰🎉 We encourage anyone to join our free 48 hr game jam! 🫵 We want to see ✨️your✨️unique skills & ideas in a game dev environment! ‼️ Registrations close May 2, 10AM 👉 Participants must be 18+

1️⃣ more sleep until PB & Jam kicks off our 10th games festival! 🎉 Our free, 48 hour Game Jam welcomes all to sign up! 🍞✨️ 🫵 We want to see your unique skills and ideas in a game dev environment! Participants (18+) have 48 hours to work in teams to create a game based on a surprise theme!

(1/2) Wondering what you could do at NZ games fest? 🤔 💁 Come along on May 9 to Sunday Game Day and visit the free events at the Michael Fowler Centre! 👉 Paid workshops for: narrative writing, toy design, & Tabletop RPGs also available #NZGamesFestival #NZGF2026 #NZGameDev

Level up your game knowledge at some of the events at the NZ Games Festival next week! ✨️

Get ready to get stuck in games next week! 👀 There’s a bunch of cool, free events for students or families during the festival! 💁 On Thursday May 7th, come and learn about the game dev pathway! 🇳🇿 On Sunday May 10th, try out local games at Cream of the Crop and Platformer!

📢 Our free 48 hour game jam is ✨️next week!✨️ 👉 PB & Jam welcomes anyone, regardless of experience to join! – share your passion for game dev! 😊 Participants must be 18+ 📍Old Museum Building, Massey 🗓 May 1-3 ✨ Keen to jam? Register via link in our bio! #NZGamesFestival #NZGF2026 #NZGameDev

A big thank you to the folks over at Game Kings for providing us copies of Tākaro! 😊💕 Tākaro is a unique take on memory games where you can expand your Te Reo Māori vocabulary and pronunciation as you play! 🃏🇳🇿 💁 Recommended for ages 4+ ! #NZGamesFestival #NZGF2026 #NZGameDev #2026PlayByPlay

💁 Check out our All Ages & Adults Level Up Workshops! 🎊✨️ 📅 Sunday, May 10th 📍Renouf Foyer, Michael Fowler Centre ★ ➡️ Get ‘Em Where it Hurts (aka Emotional Oomph in Storytelling” – $10 Fee Hosted by Sarah Daymond (from PikPok) 10AM–11:30AM

💁 Check out our Kids/Students Level Up Workshops! ✨️ 📅 Sunday, May 10th 📍Renouf Foyer, Michael Fowler Centre Game Design Using Godot — ✅️ FREE workshop (Beginner & Advanced Streams) 10AM–4PM 👉 Beginner and advanced streams have separate sign ups! Link in the post below 👇

Join us in Wellington for the 10th NZ Games Festival from May 1-13! 🎉✨️ There’s free and paid events, from family-friendly exhibitions to conferences and talks! 🎮🍰 💁 Check out our website for more info! #NZGamesFestival #NZGF2026 #NZGameDev

🙌 Time for a throwback! We're taking a trip down memory lane by previous outstanding Games Award Winners! 🏆2016 Outstanding Overall “Poly Bridge” by Dry Cactus 🏆2017 Outstanding Overall “Grow” by Suntale Games 🏆2018 Outstanding Overall There were too many outstanding games this year!

Introducing the last our Play By Play Speakers! 🎉✨️ 👉 Anna Barham “Yes I Can (Learn)" 👉 Mike Barwise “24 Years. What Actually Matters” 🙌 Join us at the Play By Play Conference from May 8-9! Ticket link in comments! 🔗 #NZGamesFestival #NZGF2026 #NZGameDev #2026PlayByPlay

Introducing more Play By Play speakers! 👉 Serena Lal “This Isn’t Just a Game” 👉 Moana Moran “The Good With/In Games Aotearoa Research Collection” Join us at the Play By Play Conference from May 8-9! Ticket link in comments & bio! 🔗 #NZGamesFestival #NZGF2026 #NZGameDev #2026PlayByPlay

🎊 Get yourself something to commemorate our 10th year of NZ Games Fest! 🍰 T-Shirts and bags are available! 👕🛍 NZGF posters will also be available at the venue. ⏳️ Available for orders until April 24! 👉 All orders must be placed through our website & collected at the Play By Play conference.

Heads up! There's 2 more weeks to register for our free game jam! ✨️ 👉 No game dev experience is needed to register– we want to see your diverse skillsets and unique ideas! Meet new people & share your passion for game development! 😊 ✨ Keen to jam? Register via the link in bio! 🔗

Introducing more Play By Play speakers! 👉 Josmar (Jay) Roman Miti “Now that Minecraft is Puerto Rican…” 👉 Laura Anderson “Craft with Care: Tips from a cosy games writer” 👉 Jeff Andrews “You Should Build A Game Engine (for fun)” Tickets available via link in bio. 🔗 #NZGamesFestival #NZGF2026

Introducing more Play By Play speakers! 👉 Jenn Sandercock “Worst Practices in Game Development: Pitfalls to Avoid” 👉 Laurent T “When I Play Games Now, They Are Less Fun” 👉 Jimmy Baird “I Just Have This Feeling No One Knows What a Game Is" Tickets available via link in bio. 🔗

Introducing more Play By Play speakers! 👉 Sam Marsh “A Recruiter’s View of the ANZ Games Industry” 👉 Piper Van Rinsvelt “Anything and Everything and Design” 👉 Robert Francis “How did they ship with that?!” Tickets available link in bio🔗 #NZGamesFestival #NZGF2026 #NZGameDev #2026PlayByPlay

Introducing more Play By Play speakers! 💕 👉Anna Lezhikova “Side Quests in Security: Keeping Your Game (and You) Safe” 👉Jevon Wright “Why I didn't use generative AI in my game, and you shouldn't either” 👉Zelle Marcovicci “Pay to Lose! (The Death of the Microtransaction)” Ticket link in bio! 🔗

🤗 Introducing more of our Play By Play conference speakers! 👉 Tana Tanoi “Encouraging Creativity in Shape Sender Deluxe” 👉 Nina Estrella “Designing multiplayer games with in-game community and culture in mind” 👉 Stef Peacock "UI ✨Vibes✨ and how to find them" Conference ticket link in bio! 🔗

Introducing some of of our wonderful speakers at the Play By Play conference! 👉 Henry Feltham "Making Games that Obsess People" 👉Lucy Weekley "What 14 NPC Romances Taught Me About Game Design" 👉 Robert Yang "The Gay Hockey Show is a Game (Dev) Changer" Play By Play ticket link in bio! 🔗

Band your party together and seize the glory at this year’s game-themed pub quiz! 🧝‍♂️🧙‍♀️🧚‍♀️ Enjoy a night of fun, bad jokes, & sustenance! Prizes & honour will be at stake! 🍗🍻 📍 Meow 📆 May 7, 6:30-9PM 👉 Teams need 3-6 people. Register through the link in bio 🔗 #NZGamesFestival #NZGF2026 #NZGameDev

🫣 There’s less than 3 weeks til PB & Jam, the free game jam! ⏱️ Participants (18+) have 48 hrs to form teams & create a short game! 👉 Game dev experience not required – we want to see your unique skills & ideas! 😊 Keen? Register through the link in bio! 🔗 #NZGamesFestival #NZGF2026 #NZGameDev

🎉 Thank you very much to NZ On Air (Irirangi te Motu) for joining us as a New Zealand Games Festival sponsor! It’s an honour to be recognised and receive support for sharing both our stories and voices in game development with the rest of Aotearoa! 🎮 🇳🇿 #NZGamesFestival #NZGF2026 #NZGameDev

⏳️The extended early bird tickets will close soon! After April 10th, tickets will return to regular price! Student discounts and other options are also available! 🧑‍🎓🎮 👉 Grab yours before they fly away! Visit the link in our bio to get yours now! 🔗 #NZGamesFestival #NZGF2026 #NZGameDev

This is ✨️your chance✨️ to showcase your games to the public! 👀 👉 Table applications for the Level Up Platformer exhibition are extended til April 20! We welcome digital, card, tabletop, and experimental games! 🎮 📍 Michael Fowler Centre 🗓 May 10, 10AM-4PM To apply, please check the link in bio! 🔗

Thank you to everyone who’ve shown interest in the Level Up Reimagine ‘Em All exhition! Selected artists have been contacted with submissions details 📩 👉 Physical hand-ins will be on May 7, 10AM~ at Fishcube Gallery. For more info, visit website link bio 🔗 #NZGamesFestival #NZGF2026 #NZGameDev

It’s 1 month before PB & Jam! 🍞 ⏱️ From May 1~3 participants (18+) form teams to create games in 48 hours! 👉 No experience needed to join! Make new friends & share your passion for game dev! 🤝🎮 ✨ Ready to jam? Register for free via link in bio! 🔗 #NZGamesFestival #NZGF2026 #NZGameDev

🥳 April fools! The early bird tickets don't end today! They end— (When did you say…?) — end on April 10th. ✨️ (Wait, why 10?) For our 10th year! 🤗 👉 Earlybird tickets have been extended until April 10! Visit the link in bio to get your earlybird ticket 🔗 #NZGamesFestival #NZGF2026 #NZGameDev

🎉 Treat & Greet is making a delicious return this year! 🧁🍬 🎀 Get to know other Play By Play attendees or catch up over some tasty treats at this fun, safe, and non-alcoholic event! 🤝 📍Fishcube Gallery, May 8, 6:30-9PM For more info, visit the link in bio 🔗 #NZGamesFestival #NZGF2026 #NZGameDev

We’re super stoked to announce this year’s JOYPAD event! Sponsored by Dinosaur Polo Club! 🦕💕 It's a casual social evening for our queer and LGBTQIA+ gaming community! 🏳️‍🌈 🏳️‍⚧️ 🎮 Enjoy a games night over some snacks and drinks! 📍Southern Cross Garden Bar #NZGamesFestival #NZGF2026 #NZGameDev

🥝🍓 The Pavs community awards nominations close in 5 days! Nominate someone you feel should be recognised for the following awards— maybe even your bestie! 🏆 Unsung Hero 🏆 Industry Pillar 🍰 Be there on awards day by securing a ticket! 🎫 Links in bio 🔗 #NZGamesFestival #NZGF2026 #NZGameDev

🍰 A massive thank you to everyone for the record amount of submissions for The Pavs! Finalists will be contacted on April 2nd! 🧑‍💻 The Pavs: 🍓 Michael Fowler Centre 🥝 May 9, 7pm Purchase a ticket with the link in bio & support your local games industry! 🔗 #NZGamesFestival #NZGF2026 #NZGameDev

⏱️ There’s 1 week left before the NZGF 2026 Earlybird Tickets take flight! 🪽 👉 These tickets cover all the paid events! Further discounts are available for students! 💁👨‍🎓 Visit the link in our bio to purchase yours now! 🔗 #NZGamesFestival #NZGF2026 #NZGameDev

🍰 We need your help finding nominees for The Pavs community awards! 👉 Unsung Hero 👉 Industry Pillar If there is somebody you would like to put forward — including yourself— please nominate them! ⏳️Nominations close April 1st! Link for nominations in bio! 🔗 #NZGamesFestival #NZGF2026 #NZGameDev

— Dawn of the Final Day — Less than 24 hours to apply to showcase your games at this free event! 😯 We accept a variety games from digital, board, tabletop, or experimental! 🎮 🎲 🃏 📍May 10, 10AM-5PM Michael Fowler Centre For more info, visit the link in bio 🔗 #NZGamesFestival #NZGF2026 #NZGameDev

🎉 Kick off the festival with PB & Jam, a free game jam from May 1-3! 🍞 In 48 hours, form teams to create game on a surprise theme ! All are welcome to join, but must be over than 18! ✨ Ready to jam? Register a ticket through the link in our bio! 🔗 #NZGamesFestival #NZGF2026 #NZGameDev

📢 There's only 3 days left to apply for the Level Up Platformer exhibition! This is a free, physical exhibition to the public showcasing Aotearoa-made games! 🇳🇿 Digital, board, tabletop, and experimental games are welcomed! For more info, visit the link bio 🔗 #NZGamesFestival #NZGF2026 #NZGameDev

🙌 We're ecstatic to announce our 2nd keynote speaker, Emma Procter! Emma is the Research Director at PikPok and currently a board member at NZGDA. 👩‍💻📊 ✨️ Don't miss out on Emma's talk! purchase tickets to Play By Play via the link in bio! 🔗 #NZGamesFestival #NZGF2026 #NZGameDev

📢 There's only 5 days left to submit applications for a table at the Platformer exhibition! A variety of games from digital games, board games, and experimental games are welcomed! 🇳🇿 📍Sunday May 10, 10AM - 5PM Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington Link in bio 🔗 #NZGamesFestival #NZGF2026 #NZGameDev

📢 The early bird catches the worm! Make sure to grab your early bird tickets before the end of the month! 🐣 🤫 Student discount & separate event tickets are also available! ✨️ 🔗 Visit the link in bio to purchase & view other ticket options. #NZGamesFestival #NZGF2026 #NZGameDev

🚨 Applications to showcase games at Level Up Platformer Exhibition close 20th March! It's a free event to showcase Aotearoa-made games! 🎮 🇳🇿 We accept games that are PC/Digital games, board games, VR, etc. 🎲 📌 May 10, 10AM-5PM, Michael Fowler Centre. Visit the link in bio for more info!🔗

We're thrilled to announce keynote speaker Lisa Blakie (Kāi Tahu, Waitaha)! She is the Co-Director and Narrative Director for Ōtepoti-based Atawhai Interactive! They debuted in 2025 with "Toroa: Skycall". Don't miss out! Get tickets via the link in bio! 🔗 #NZGamesFestival #NZGF2026 #NZGameDev

📢 Heads up! Make sure to grab your early bird tickets to the festival before they go! 🐣 🤫 Student discount tickets & separate event tickets are also available! ✨️ 🔗 Visit the link in bio to purchase & view other ticket options. #NZGamesFestival #NZGF2026 #NZGameDev

📣 Heads up! Event volunteer applications for the New Zealand Games Festival close this Sunday, March 8!⏳️ 👉 It's the perfect opportunity to get involved in the local games industry! 😊 Volunteers will receive a discounted or free ticket! 🎫✨️ Sign up through the link in bio! 🔗

🦕 Raaawr! A massive thank you to Dinosaur Polo Club for being an Anniversary Tier partner 🎉 & 2026 JOYPAD event sponsor! 🎮🏳️‍🌈 👉They're the kiwi studio behind the award-winning Mini Metro 🚉 & Mini Motorways! 🚗 🙌 We’re extremely grateful for their continued support! #NZGamesFest #NZGameDev #NZGF2026

🥳 Kick off the NZ Games Fest with PB & Jam, a free 18+ event from May 1-3! ⏱️Participants form teams to make games based on a surprise theme! Get to know others, play to your strengths, & bring your passion for games! 🤝🎮 ✨ Ready to jam? Link in our bio! 🔗 #NZGamesFestival #NZGF2026 #NZGameDev