About Us - GameFest Live

Our Story

GameFest Live was born in 2018 from a simple idea: to create a space where game developers and passionate gamers could connect in meaningful ways. What started as a weekend gathering in a converted warehouse in Perth has evolved into one of the Southern Hemisphere's most anticipated gaming events, attracting over 50,000 visitors annually from across the globe.

Our founders, a group of indie developers and gaming enthusiasts, recognized a gap in the Australian gaming landscape. Major international events were inaccessible to many local developers and fans, while existing local gatherings lacked the scale and professionalism to showcase the incredible talent emerging from the region. GameFest Live was created to bridge this gap.

In our inaugural year, we hosted just 15 exhibitors and 500 attendees in a modest venue. The energy and enthusiasm were palpable—developers received invaluable feedback, attendees played games months before release, and connections were made that launched careers and spawned collaborations. We knew we had created something special.

By 2020, despite global challenges, we adapted and innovated, introducing hybrid physical-digital experiences that allowed international developers to participate remotely. This innovation positioned us as pioneers in virtual exhibition technology, a capability that continues to enhance our events today.

Today, GameFest Live occupies the prestigious Arena St venue in Perth, featuring over 200 exhibitors, dedicated esports arenas, VR experience zones, developer conference tracks, and networking lounges. We've hosted world premieres of blockbuster titles, facilitated millions in investment deals, and helped launch countless indie games that have achieved international success.

Our journey reflects the explosive growth of the gaming industry itself. As games have evolved from niche entertainment to mainstream cultural phenomena, GameFest Live has grown alongside them, always maintaining our core mission: celebrating the artistry, innovation, and community that make gaming special.

Our Mission & Values

Our Mission

To create the world's most inclusive and innovative gaming exhibition platform, where creativity thrives, connections flourish, and the future of interactive entertainment is shaped through collaboration between developers, players, and industry leaders.

Inclusivity

We believe gaming is for everyone. GameFest Live celebrates diversity in all forms—from AAA studios to solo indie developers, from casual mobile games to competitive esports, from seasoned professionals to aspiring newcomers. Our doors are open to all who share our passion for interactive entertainment.

Innovation

We're committed to pushing boundaries and embracing emerging technologies. From showcasing cutting-edge VR experiences to pioneering hybrid physical-digital events, we continuously evolve to provide the most immersive and forward-thinking gaming exhibition platform in the industry.

Community

At our core, we're community builders. GameFest Live exists to foster meaningful connections—between developers seeking feedback, publishers discovering talent, players finding new favorites, and professionals networking with peers. We measure success by the relationships we help create and the careers we help launch.

Education

We're dedicated to nurturing the next generation of game creators. Through workshops, mentorship programs, and educational tracks, GameFest Live provides aspiring developers with the knowledge, tools, and industry connections they need to transform their passion into successful careers in game development.

Integrity

We operate with transparency, fairness, and respect for all stakeholders. From treating exhibitors equitably to ensuring attendee safety, from honoring intellectual property to maintaining data privacy, we uphold the highest ethical standards in everything we do.

Sustainability

We recognize our responsibility to the planet and future generations. GameFest Live implements eco-friendly practices, from reducing waste through digital ticketing to partnering with sustainable vendors, ensuring that our celebration of gaming doesn't come at the expense of environmental health.

Meet Our Team

The passionate individuals driving GameFest Live's vision forward

Natasha Rivera

Executive Director & Founder

With 15 years in the gaming industry, Natasha transformed her vision of an inclusive gaming festival into reality. Her leadership has grown GameFest Live from a small local event to an international phenomenon.

Marcus Chen

Technology & Innovation Director

Marcus brings cutting-edge tech solutions to GameFest Live. His expertise in VR, AR, and hybrid event platforms has positioned our festival at the forefront of exhibition innovation.

Zara Okonkwo

Community & Developer Relations

Zara's passion for building connections has created GameFest's thriving community. She works directly with developers, ensuring they receive maximum value and exposure from their participation.

Liam O'Sullivan

Creative & Experience Director

Liam crafts unforgettable experiences that define GameFest Live. From stage design to attendee journey mapping, his creative vision ensures every moment at our festival is memorable and engaging.

Our Achievements

50K+

Annual Attendees

200+

Exhibiting Studios

8

Years of Excellence

35+

Countries Represented

Industry Recognition

GameFest Live has received multiple awards including "Best Gaming Event 2025" from the International Gaming Association and "Excellence in Community" from the Global Gaming Community Awards.

World Premiere Host

We've hosted over 150 world premieres and exclusive game reveals, including blockbuster titles that went on to achieve critical and commercial success worldwide.

Investment Facilitation

Through our networking events and pitch sessions, GameFest Live has facilitated over $50 million in investment deals between indie developers and publishers.

Career Launchpad

Our mentorship programs and recruitment zones have helped over 2,000 aspiring game developers launch their careers in the industry.

Sustainability Leader

GameFest Live achieved carbon-neutral status in 2024 and continues to implement innovative sustainability practices that set industry standards.

What People Say

Hear from developers, partners, and attendees who've experienced GameFest Live

Akira Tanaka

Lead Developer, Pixel Storm Studios

"GameFest Live transformed our indie studio's trajectory. The exposure we received led to a publishing deal and our game reaching millions of players worldwide. The team's dedication to supporting developers is unmatched."

Elena Volkov

Esports Coordinator, Pacific Gaming League

"Partnering with GameFest Live has elevated our esports tournaments to new heights. Their professional infrastructure, passionate audience, and commitment to competitive gaming creates the perfect environment for championship-level play."

Rashid Al-Farsi

Gaming Content Creator & Influencer

"As a content creator, GameFest Live is a dream come true. Exclusive hands-on time with unreleased games, interviews with legendary developers, and an incredibly engaged community—it's the highlight of my year every single time."

Event Gallery

Moments captured from GameFest Live events

Join the GameFest Live Experience

Whether you're a developer looking to showcase your game, a professional seeking networking opportunities, or a gaming enthusiast ready for the adventure of a lifetime, GameFest Live welcomes you.

Get Tickets Now Contact Our Team

About GameFest Live