NEXT Exhibit Showcases World’s Most Diverse Games

The NEXT Exhibit a groundbreaking line-up of inclusive, exciting games made by diverse teams across the globe.

From 26 – 28 October 2018, the inaugural NEXT Exhibit will bring six innovative games from underrepresented developers across the world to the main concourse of PAX Australia 2018, selected from nearly one hundred applications.

The full list of NEXT Exhibit developers are:

Artifact 5 (Anamorphine)

Kitfox Games (Boyfriend Dungeon)

3 Fold Games (Before I Forget)

Pugcorn (Florescer)

Joe Watson and EnderLost Studios (An Aspie Life), and

Mojiken Studio and Toge Productions (She and the Light Bearer).

The boundary-pushing games playable at NEXT Exhibit spark discussion and visibility on important topics, including: mental health, the challenges faced by people with autism, the preservation of culture and folklore, LGBTQIA+ representation, serious illness and the experiences of young transgender people. The developers themselves hail from all corners of the world including Indonesia, Brazil, the United States, Canada and Australia.

Ross Symons, CEO of developer/publisher and NEXT Exhibit premium sponsor Big Ant Studios, had this to say:

“Big Ant Studios has always supported giving smaller developers a platform to find the audience they deserve. We have always done what we can to be a part of these platforms, and we are proud to sponsor NEXT Exhibit and help bring exciting titles to the front of PAX Aus 2018.”

Ally McLean, NEXT Exhibit Curator and Co-ordinator; said the showcase is an opportunity for media and PAX Australia attendees to discover unique, powerful experiences in an Australian games expo first.

“An exhibit like this in one of the highest foot traffic areas of Australia’s most prolific consumer games show has never been done before. We’re proud that the main concourse of Australia’s most successful games festival will host the work of underrepresented developers and games featuring identities and stories not typically seen in mainstream gaming.”

said Ally McLean, NEXT Exhibit Curator and Co-ordinator.

“Every year PAX Aus brings creative independent games to the attention of tens of thousands of passionate gamers. In 2018, we couldn’t be more proud to host the NEXT Exhibit; which is showcasing some of the most vital work from underrepresented developers in games today. The inaugural NEXT collection is thoughtful, original and timely; and we have no doubt these games will shine at Australia’s biggest gaming festival.”

Luke Lancaster, PAX Australia Content Manager, added,

The NEXT Exhibit is made possible by the support of premium sponsor Big Ant Studios; accessibility sponsor Xbox Australia, and additional sponsors; Defiant Development, Dinosaur Polo Club, Lenovo, Game As You Are, The Working Lunch, and the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (IGEA).