about the kiwi gamEs zone
Celebrating games made in Aotearoa
Kiwi Games Zone exists to put New Zealand-made games in front of the people they're ultimately made for: players.
New Zealand's game development community is full of talented designers, artists, programmers, writers, musicians and other creative people making original games and contributing to the global games industry.
But many people in the wider community don't get the opportunity to see or experience that work.
The Kiwi Games Zone changes that.
The event creates a welcoming, accessible space where members of the public can play games made by Kiwi developers, discover new creators and experience the breadth of game development happening across Aotearoa.
More than just playing games, at its heart, Kiwi Games Zone is about connection.
It's a chance for players to connect with local games, for developers to connect with audiences, and for people who might never have considered game development to see what is possible in the industry.
Whether you're already passionate about games or have never considered yourself a gamer, Kiwi Games Zone is an invitation to come in, have a play and discover something new.
the kiwi gamEs zone & the NZGDC
The Kiwi Games Zone Open Day is a public-facing event that sits within, and is proudly part of, the NZ Game Developers Conference (NZGDC).
While the Kiwi Games Zone and NZGDC share the same celebration of game development in Aotearoa, they have different audiences and purposes.
The NZ Game Developers Conference is focused on bringing together people working in and around the games industry for professional development, networking, knowledge sharing and industry discussion. It is a space for the industry to connect, learn and grow.
Kiwi Games Zone gives us an opportunity to open that celebration up beyond the industry.
As part of NZGDC, we’re inviting the public to step into the world of Kiwi game development and experience the games being made here in Aotearoa. It’s a chance for players, families, students, aspiring developers, and anyone who loves games to discover local talent, meet the people behind the games, and experience the creativity and diversity of our games industry firsthand.
In that sense, Kiwi Games Zone is a different kind of event — but an important part of the wider NZGDC experience. It creates a bridge between the games industry and the people who play, support and enjoy the games being made in New Zealand.
Different event. Different audience. Same passion for games made in Aotearoa.
