Escape to other worlds with some of the best games in Melbourne.
If you’ve run out of movies to watch and books to read, there’s still a way to keep yourself entertained during lockdown. Play some games! Of course, you can opt for the usual puzzles and board games, but if you want to try something interactive, we’ve rounded up some of the best video games made in Melbourne. Half of Australia’s digital games industry has found a home in Victoria. There are over 100 game development studios, animation houses and industry service providers, so this list is just scratching the surface of talent this city has to offer. Explore some of the best games Melbourne has to offer and begin your journey with this list.
1. Untitled Goose Game by House House
It’s a lovely morning in the village, and you are a horrible goose! Make your way around town and ruin everyone’s day. You can download this cheeky game on your PC or Mac, through Steam, Itch or Epic. You can also play this game on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 or Xbox One.
Click here to find out more.
2. The Haunted Island – A Frog Detective Game by Worm Club
You are a detective and a frog. Use your investigation skills and uncover the mystery of The Haunted Island. After that, head to the next game, Frog Detective 2: The Case of the Invisible Wizard. Then, keep an eye out for a third game, which is due to come out sometime this year. The Haunted Island is a first person 3D game that you can play on Mac and PC.
Learn more here.
3. Feather by Samurai Punk
Need to get away from it all? Why don’t you take flight with Feather? Be immersed as a bird and fly through a beautiful landscape while listening to zen music. This serene game is out on PS4, Switch, PC and Xbox One.
Samurai Punk also have a variety of other games, which you can discover here.
4. JUMPGRID by Ian MacLarty
Survive a constantly moving, cosmic obstacle course in JUMPGRID. You’ll have to learn to dance with your fingers, as success needs a few seconds of precision finger movement. Touch any of the pulsing hazards and the level instantly resets. This game is available through Steam, Itch, the Mac app store, Google Play Store and iOS.
Find the rest of MacLarty’s games here.
5. Video World by Things For Humans
Have some spooky fun with Video World, a Halloween synth-pop musical about working at a video store. Rhythmically groove your way through three scarily good synth-pop songs and get hyped up for Halloween. This indie game was created by Things For Humans, and is available to play on Steam.
6. Necrobarista by Route 59 Games
This one is so Melbourne! In this 3D visual novel, you will enter a supernatural Melbourne café where the dead spend their last night on Earth. Inspired by film and anime, Necrobarista creates a cinematic experience. Navigate Melbourne’s hipster coffee culture with a diverse cast of characters, and ponder the ethics of necromancy along the way. Play it on Steam, Apple Arcade and GOG, or discover the director’s cut, Necrobarista: Final Pour, on Nintendo Switch.
7. Just, Bearly by Daniel J Roberts
Feeling awkward and anxious? This bear knows the feeling. Play as an awkward bear living in Melbourne and try to connect with other people. Overthink your way through everyday life through a series of comedic vignettes. Find this game by Daniel J Roberts on Steam.
8. Florence by Mountains
This is an interactive short story that feels personal and raw. Florence feels stuck in a routine of work, sleep and social media. Then, one day she meets Krishna, a cello player. Watch their relationship unfold and ride the emotional highs and lows. Play it on the App Store, Mac, Steam, Google Play, Switch or GOG.
Learn more about Florence here.
9. Henry Mosse and the Wormhole Conspiracy by Bad Goat Studios
In this coming-of-age adventure, you’ll follow Henry Mosse through a goofy galaxy filled with kooky characters, conspiracies, cosmic evil and family legacies. This game was released in February 2021 and is available to play on PC and Mac.
10. The Forgotten City by Modern Storyteller
In this mystery adventure game, you will travel two thousand years into the past. Relive the final days of a cursed Roman city. If one person sins, everyone dies. Be entwined with the lives of the characters and grapple with moral dilemmas. The Forgotten City is a gripping, non-linear story with multiple endings. This game came out in July 2021 and is available on Steam, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, PlayStation 4 and 5 and Switch.