About Us | Aussie Game Expo

Our Story

The Aussie Game Expo was born in 2018 from a humble gathering of passionate gamers in a local Sydney community center. Founded by industry veterans Olivia Mitchell and Marcus Chen, the inaugural event attracted just 300 attendees and featured 15 indie game developers showcasing their projects.

What began as a passionate side project quickly gained momentum as Australia's gaming community embraced the event's unique approach to celebrating both mainstream and independent gaming culture. By 2020, attendance had surged to 10,000, prompting a move to the Sydney Convention Centre.

The COVID-19 pandemic presented significant challenges, but our team pivoted to create Australia's first large-scale virtual gaming expo in 2021, attracting over 50,000 online participants and pioneering digital showcases that are now industry standard.

Following this digital success, our 2022 return to in-person events was a landmark moment, combining physical experiences with digital extensions that allowed us to reach a global audience. Today, the Aussie Game Expo stands as the southern hemisphere's largest gaming convention and a vital platform for the Asia-Pacific gaming industry.

With each passing year, we've expanded our programming to include more diverse voices, innovative technologies, and unique gaming experiences. Our growth from 300 to over 75,000 annual attendees reflects both the exploding popularity of gaming culture in Australia and our commitment to creating an event that truly represents the entire gaming ecosystem.

Our Mission & Values

Our Mission

To create a world-class platform that celebrates gaming culture, fosters innovation, and connects the diverse communities that make up Australia's vibrant interactive entertainment ecosystem. We aim to showcase the best of local and international talent while making gaming more accessible, inclusive, and recognized as a significant cultural and economic force.

Innovation

We champion creative risk-taking and technological advancement, providing a platform for groundbreaking ideas that push the boundaries of interactive entertainment.

Inclusivity

We believe gaming is for everyone. We actively work to create spaces and programming that welcome diverse voices, perspectives, and playing styles.

Community

We recognize that passionate communities are the heart of gaming culture. We strive to create meaningful connections between players, creators, and industry professionals.

Excellence

We commit to delivering exceptional experiences through meticulous attention to detail, professional standards, and continuous improvement.

Our Leadership Team

Meet the passionate individuals who bring the Aussie Game Expo to life year after year. Our diverse team combines decades of experience in event management, gaming industry expertise, and a shared love for interactive entertainment.

Olivia Mitchell

Event Director & Co-Founder

With over 15 years of experience in large-scale event management across Australia and New Zealand, Olivia brings vision and operational excellence to the Expo. Before founding AGE, she led technology conferences for major corporations and managed the Melbourne International Games Week.

Marcus Chen

Technology Director & Co-Founder

A former game developer with credits on several AAA titles, Marcus oversees all technical aspects of the Expo. His background in software engineering and game design helps bridge the gap between industry innovation and consumer experience.

Jasmine Patel

Partnerships & Sponsorships Manager

Jasmine leverages her background in marketing and business development to create valuable partnerships between the Expo and gaming companies. She previously worked with major publishers and has an extensive network throughout the Asia-Pacific gaming ecosystem.

Liam O'Sullivan

Esports Director

A former professional gamer turned tournament organizer, Liam has been instrumental in developing the Expo's competitive gaming program. His connections to esports organizations worldwide have helped establish AGE as a premier competitive gaming destination.

Our Achievements

Since our inception, Aussie Game Expo has established numerous milestones and received recognition for our contributions to the gaming industry and Australian event landscape.

Attendance Growth

300 attendees (2018)
10,000 attendees (2020)
50,000 virtual participants (2021)
75,000+ attendees (2025)

Industry Recognition

Best Gaming Event (Australian Event Awards, 2022)
Innovation in Digital Experience (Event Technology Awards, 2021)
Outstanding Contribution to Australian Gaming (IGEA Awards, 2023)
Top 10 Gaming Conventions Worldwide (GameDev Magazine, 2025)

Economic Impact

$14+ million contributed to NSW economy annually
Created 200+ seasonal jobs
Facilitated $30+ million in business deals (2025)
Supported 45+ Australian indie studios through our development fund

Global Reach

Attendees from 35+ countries
Partnerships with 12 international gaming events
Media coverage in 50+ countries
Official satellite events in Auckland, Singapore, and Tokyo

What People Say About Us

"The Aussie Game Expo has become an essential event on our company's annual calendar. The quality of attendees, business opportunities, and overall organization is world-class. As a major publisher, we've seen tangible ROI from our participation year after year, with exceptional engagement from the Australian gaming community."

Sarah Nakamura

Regional Director, Quantum Interactive

"As an indie developer, exhibiting at Aussie Game Expo was a game-changer for our studio. The dedicated indie pavilion provided exceptional visibility, and the connections we made with publishers ultimately led to our first major distribution deal. The team goes above and beyond to support small studios like ours."

Ben Thompson

Founder, Koala Collective Studios

"I've covered gaming events across the globe, and Aussie Game Expo stands out for its incredible curation and attention to detail. They've created something uniquely Australian while maintaining international standards. The media support is exceptional, and the access to developers and exclusive announcements makes it a must-attend for gaming journalists."