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SXSW Sydney Games Festival is excited to reveal the first surprises planned for its 2025 program.
Ralph Panebianco aka Skill Up
Ralph Panebianco is one of Australia’s largest online content creators. Finding his home on Youtube as Skill Up, Ralph has pioneered game review and industry news content. From long form video reviews to ‘This Week in Videogames’, Skill Up challenges, informs and enlightens his audience with breaking news, critical analysis and thoughtful commentary. Ralph Panebianco joins SXSW Sydney as a speaker and mentor for games industry professionals looking to connect with influencers and media.
Ralph will be joined by a host of incredible gaming mentors and speakers, including;
New home, who dis?
In 2025 the SXSW Sydney Games Showcase finds its new home at ICC Sydney. Focused on curating the boldest, best new indie titles from around the world, it will put demos for over 120 games in the hands of SXSW Sydney attendees of all stripes. Placed right alongside the SXSW Sydney Innovation Expo and Conference, the Games Showcase and Industry Program will run Wednesday 15 October to Saturday 18 October.
In case you missed the earlier announcement, you can see the first six games selected for the showcase, including the homegrown MIXTAPE and CRESCENT COUNTY from the UK-based Electric Saint here.
In addition to the hands-on Games Showcase, SXSW Sydney also hosts a track designed for professional and business development for the games industry. With just a taste of the full lineup of mentors and speakers announced above, attendees will have the chance to directly learn from and network with industry veterans. Games industry attendees will be able to take part in professional development workshops, talks and 1:1 mentoring sessions designed to empower and inspire, and connect with experts in tech, music and screen.
Games Investment Forum levels up
The Games Investment Forum takes new shape this year, with a VIP access Games Showcase session designed for games seeking investors and publishing deals. With an invite list dedicated to games media, scouts, investors and publishers this forum acts as an interactive games market with demos, pitches and prototypes as well as face-to-face meetings.
Games industry professionals looking to connect with mentors or to participate in the Games Investment forum attend 1:1 sessions should complete an Expression of Interest here and plan to purchase a Pro Pass (Games).
Luke Lancaster, Head of Games & Screen said “It’s fantastic to see games find a true home at the ICC for SXSW Sydney 2025. The energy and innovation of this space match the spirit of the industry perfectly. We’re also thrilled to offer a standout mentorship program this year, with a brilliant lineup of mentors focused on business development—giving emerging creators the tools they need to thrive.”
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