Dr. Abbie Hartman
Associate Lecturer · Macquarie University
About Dr. Abbie Hartman
Abbie is a cultural and public historian based at Macquarie University. Her research examines how games function as forms of public pedagogy and help shape public understanding of the world around them.
Talk
- Potentials and Pitfalls of Utilising Games in Educational Settings Academic · 1:00pm
Dr. Ryan Stanton
Lecturer of Gaming and Society · UNSW
About Dr. Ryan Stanton
Dr Ryan Stanton is a Lecturer in Gaming and Society at the University of New South Wales School of Social Sciences. His research is interested in the culture and societal impact of games. He has previously worked as a Postdoctoral Assistant at City University of Hong Kong, where he began his project examining the implications of online service withdrawal in the videogame industry, while his dissertation analysed the communities and creators of two dozen gaming podcasts which won the Best Thesis Award at DiGRAA 2026. His work has been published in multiple edited collections and journals including Games and Culture, and he has presented his research at dozens of conferences including ICA, AoIR, and DiGRAA.
Talks
Shu Qing Tan
Freelance Game Designer
About Shu Qing Tan
Shu Qing Tan is a Malaysian-Australian award-winning freelance game designer. She has worked with TTRPG publishers and properties including Wizards of the Coast, Paizo, Ghostfire Gaming, Brotherwise Games, Renegade Game Studios and Cubicle 7. Her recent work includes Arcana Unleashed: Deadfall, the first official long-form adventure for Dungeons & Dragons 5.5e, and the Castle Greyhawk adventures for the Legends of Greyhawk organised-play programme.
Talk
- TTRPG Freelancing 101 Tabletop · 1:00pm
Mikael Barbaro de Brito
Unity Game Developer · Sage Mage
About Mikael Barbaro de Brito
Mikael Barbaro de Brito is a Sydney-based Unity game developer and the solo developer of Sorcery Mastery, a PvP arena game for Steam. He holds a Bachelor of Interactive Media (Games) and has worked in game development and quality assurance both commercially and independently.
Talk
- Mixing Genres: When to Follow the Rules and When to Break Them Digital · 1:15pm
Alex Stormwood
Games and Software Developer · BigfootDS
About Alex Stormwood
Alex is a university educator at the Academy of Interactive Technology by day and a games and software developer at BigfootDS by night. With experience developing and publishing games for PC, mobile, XR and console platforms, Alex has worked across many parts of production. Their recent work focuses on development tooling, live operations and automation systems, alongside teaching others how to create.
Talk
- Escaping Engine Lock-In: Open Source Tech Stacks Digital · 1:30pm
Stephen McCowage
About Stephen McCowage
Stephen McCowage is an award winning Australian industrial designer and tabletop game designer based in Sydney. When he's not building real-world products, he's designing, making, and breaking games that are full of chaos and player interaction. In 2025, he signed his first published game, That Brick Game.
Talk
- The importance of connection in board game design Tabletop · 1:30pm
Dr. Ben Egliston
University of Sydney / Ludolio
About Dr. Ben Egliston
Ben Egliston is Chief Officer of Games of Ludolio and Senior Lecturer in digital cultures and an Australian Research Council DECRA Fellow at the University of Sydney. He researches shifting business models and practices in the videogame industry, with particular attention to how institutional and economic arrangements shape the kinds of games that are made and the labour conditions under which they are produced.
Visit University of Sydney / Ludolio
Talk
- Ludolio: A New Platform for Distributing Games in Education Academic · 2:00pm
Dr. Caitlin Cole
Professor · University of Sydney
About Dr. Caitlin Cole
Dr Caitlin Cole is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Game-Based Learning at the University of Sydney, leading co-design for the Play-Based Learning in Engineering project with Ludolio. The project explores how commercial games can be applied to teaching engineering concepts, with the aim of improving student engagement and learning outcomes. Her PhD at Western Sydney University explored secondary teachers' attitudes towards, and uses of, video games for education, and the factors that shape whether games make it into the classroom. Her most anticipated game right now is the new Witcher 3 expansion.
Talk
- Ludolio: A New Platform for Distributing Games in Education Academic · 2:00pm
Prof. Marcus Carter
Professor · University of Sydney
About Prof. Marcus Carter
Marcus Carter is Chief Executive Officer of Ludolio and a Professor in Human-Computer interaction at the University of Sydney, focusing on virtual reality, games and emerging technologies. He is currently leading an ARC Future Fellowship project on The Monetisation of Children in the Digital Games Industry, and is the author of various books including Fantasies of Virtual Reality (MIT Press, 2024) and Game Studies: A Critical Introduction (Polity, 2026).
Talk
- Ludolio: A New Platform for Distributing Games in Education Academic · 2:00pm
James Lockrey
Co-founder and Executive Producer · Chaos Theory Games
About James Lockrey
James Lockrey is a game creator, executive producer and co-founder of Chaos Theory Games, an Australian studio building original IP and work-for-hire games with heart, purpose and juice. Across more than 13 years, James has helped launch over 100 games across PC, console, mobile, VR and serious games. He leads the studio's strategy, production and original-IP development with a focus on sustainable scope, early validation and thoughtful player experiences.
Talk
- Kill Fast: Data-Driven Validation on Itch.io Digital · 2:00pm
Tyler Cox
Game Developer
About Tyler Cox
Tyler is an autistic, homeschooled student and game developer who has played TTRPGs for 4 years, and been a game master for 3 years. He experience is mainly Dungeons & Dragons, while enjoying many other games. He also reads, gardens, writes and has played video games since childhood.
Talk
- TTRPG Solo Play: What Is It and How Do You Do It? Tabletop · 2:00pm
Andrew Chia
Co-Founder and CEO · One Up Plus
About Andrew Chia
Andrew has a background in database systems and cloud web solutions and graduated from UNSW. He has developed entertainment software and games across all platforms mobile, pc and consoles.
Talk
- 15 years of bad advice, but this time is different! Academic · 3:00pm
Dr. Jacqueline Burgess
Senior Lecturer · University of the Sunshine Coast
About Dr. Jacqueline Burgess
Dr Jacqueline Burgess is a multi-award-winning educator and researcher at the University of the Sunshine Coast. She is a leading Australian researcher in marketing and video games and has worked with or facilitated workshops for Screen Australia, Ubisoft, Screen Queensland, The Array, CODE NZ and Level Her Up. Jacqueline regularly appears in the media discussing marketing and video games.
Visit University of the Sunshine Coast
Talk
- Video Game Player Insights From 5 Countries: Lessons for Game Dev Digital · 3:00pm
Ryan Cross
Vice President, TGDA; Lecturer, CollArts; Lead Organiser, Sydney Tabletop · TGDA
Talks
- Growing the Tabletop Industry Tabletop · 3:00pm
- Making Your First Crowdfunding Campaign a Guaranteed Success Tabletop · 7:00pm
Erica Royle
RMIT University
About Erica Royle
Erica Royle is a game designer and artist from Narrm/Melbourne. She is interested in writing narratives, forming communities and having fun.
Talk
- Clipping Bodies: Embodied poetry in n00bs guide Academic · 3:30pm
Dr. Spyros Schismenos
Deputy Head (International & Engagement), Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering; Lecturer in Humanitarian Engineering · RMIT University
About Dr. Spyros Schismenos
Dr Spyros Schismenos is Deputy Head (International & Engagement) of the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, a Lecturer in Humanitarian Engineering and Co-Director (Research Lead) of the Humanitarian Engineering Lab at RMIT University. His research covers emergency and disaster management, renewable energy, gamification in learning, community engagement and sustainable development. He also created Engineering WITH People, the first video game in humanitarian engineering.
Talk
Adam Younis
Director · Uppon Hill
About Adam Younis
Adam Younis is a game developer based in Sydney, best known for creating educational content about game production, art and design. His Twitch and YouTube channels feature tutorials, development logs and game-development tips, with a focus on pixel art and 2D games.
Talk
Dwayne Fernandes
Minds at Play
About Dwayne Fernandes
Dwayne is a double amputee tower climbing disability advocate who loves playing Dungeons and Dragons. He also has a godchild with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which is why he created this program. He started this business to ensure all who want to benefit from D&D have the chance to do so.
Talk
- Zero Cancelled sessions in 7 Years: A Minds at Play Story Tabletop · 5:00pm
Jamie Bolan
Guildmaster · Minds at Play
About Jamie Bolan
Jamie is a Guildmaster at Minds at Play, where he helps run online Dungeons and Dragons programs designed to foster social skills, confidence, and friendships. With years of experience supporting neurodivergent participants, he is passionate about creating inclusive spaces where everyone can enjoy the benefits of tabletop gaming.
Talk
- Zero Cancelled sessions in 7 Years: A Minds at Play Story Tabletop · 5:00pm
Chrysanthe Liontis
PhD Candidate · RMIT University
About Chrysanthe Liontis
Chrysanthe is a PhD candidate at RMIT University focusing on esports production through the lens of socio-phenomenology and queer ethnography. Chrysanthe currently works for the Australian Esports League, as a production team member. They are a graduate of RMIT Games and completed Honours in Media and Communications at RMIT. Chrysanthe’s research interests include sports, esports, videogame cultures, gender, mega-events, motorsport, esports production and broadcasting. Chrysanthe’s current PhD project focuses on how gendered socio-structural systems and event-making practices are currently being perpetuated in esports production ecosystems.
Talk
- Esports Engagement at Mega-Events Academic · 5:30pm
Bastiaan Olij
XR Team Lead · Godot Engine
About Bastiaan Olij
Bastiaan Olij is a long-time demoscener turned XR enthusiast. He added XR support to Godot Engine many years ago and is now Godot's XR team lead, XR lead developer and a board member of the Godot Foundation.
Talk
- A Brief Overview of Godot Digital · 5:30pm
Esthefania Morantes
Master’s Student, Master of Animation, Games and Interactivity · RMIT University
About Esthefania Morantes
Esthefania is a game designer focused on narrative-driven interactive experiences with a personal and social-commentary lens. While completing her master's studies at RMIT University, she is developing cosy-looking games with fast-moving gameplay and deep messages intended to feel warm and nostalgic.
Talk
Emily Tang
Lecturer and Animation Discipline Lead · UNSW Art & Design
About Emily Tang
Emily Tang is a Lecturer and Animation Discipline Lead at UNSW Art & Design. Her teaching and practice focus on animation, game-character design, digital sculpting and visual storytelling. Her current practice-led research explores culturally grounded mythological character design, including how cultural references can be translated through silhouette, material logic, ornament, worldbuilding and creative-production workflows.
Talk
- Designing Mythological Game Characters Beyond Surface Decoration Academic · 6:00pm
Matthew Lucis
Developer · Silver Stitch Productions
About Matthew Lucis
Matthew Lucis is the nonbinary solo developer behind Silver Stitch Productions. From childhood modding and success during the Flash era, they returned to game development to explore what the medium could do through passionate storytelling, unconventional mechanics and creative experimentation. Their work includes NieR:Cogito, roll and Management In Space, and has been shown at events including SXSW Sydney, Melbourne International Games Week, GDC and BitSummit. Matthew also volunteers with the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia as an advocate for Flash preservation.
Visit Silver Stitch Productions
Talk
- “Flash Is Dead.” What Is Your Game’s Afterlife? Digital · 6:00pm
Emerald Hendry
The Old Sword Club
About Emerald Hendry
Emerald Hendry has studied historical swordplay in one form or another for more than 20 years. Their main focus is HEMA sabre and rapier, alongside experience ranging from Viking re-enactment and knife fighting to kickboxing and submission wrestling. Emerald is also a lifelong gamer, especially fond of tabletop RPGs and miniature games, and has playtested numerous indie RPGs.
Talk
- Can Swords Really Do That? Real Sword Fighters Discuss Game Combat Tabletop · 6:00pm
Kimberly Pater
About Kimberly Pater
Kimberly Pater started fencing foil as a teenager, inspired heavily by her love of Tamora Pierce books and The Princess Bride. She has more recently begun HEMA and is enjoying dabbling in both sabre and rapier. She loves cooperative board games and is cautiously optimistic about WOW Forever.
Talk
- Can Swords Really Do That? Real Sword Fighters Discuss Game Combat Tabletop · 6:00pm
Abigail Dell’Oro
About Abigail Dell’Oro
Abigail Dell’Oro is a lifelong tabletop gaming enthusiast, having been running D&D campaigns for as long as she can remember. She is also an avid HEMAist, having represented the Old Sword Club at sabre tournaments both in Sydney and interstate.
Talk
- Can Swords Really Do That? Real Sword Fighters Discuss Game Combat Tabletop · 6:00pm
Dr. Tess Gardner
Australian National University
About Dr. Tess Gardner
Tess Gardner is an historian of early 20th century Australia and China and an historical fencer focusing on 19th century sabre. She enjoys strategy games and trashy sci-fi.
Visit Australian National University
Talk
- Can Swords Really Do That? Real Sword Fighters Discuss Game Combat Tabletop · 6:00pm
Dr. Matt Cabanag
Associate Lecturer · UNSW Art & Design
About Dr. Matt Cabanag
Matt Cabanag is an international award-winning creative technologist. He completed a PhD in Human-Autonomy Teaming at Western Sydney University's MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development. He is an Education Focused Associate Lecturer at UNSW Art & Design, teaching in the Master of Simulation and Immersive Technologies. He primarily covers AR/VR design and development using Meta Quest, Unity and OpenXR.
Talk
- MathVR: Visualising the Abstract With Games Tech Academic · 6:15pm
Keiran Sparksman
TTRPG Designer and SAE alumnus · SAE
About Keiran Sparksman
Keiran “Sparky” Sparksman recently completed a Master of Creative Industries focused on TTRPG design and 1920s ghost stories. He has run so many zombie-outbreak scenarios that he is familiar with many of the lesser-used passageways of Sydney's universities.
Talk
- Roleplaying Games as Heritage Practice from an Australian Perspective Academic · 6:30pm
Freya Steverson
Master’s Student · University of Sydney
About Freya Steverson
Freya Steverson is an archaeology graduate and current master’s student at University of Sydney. A keen tabletop roleplayer, she draws on her academic background to explore the connections between games, history and cultural heritage, and has extensive experience running World of Darkness games.
Talk
- Roleplaying Games as Heritage Practice from an Australian Perspective Academic · 6:30pm
Nyx Cydot
Lead Game Developer · VisceraTek
About Nyx Cydot
Nyx Cydot is a game developer at VisceraTek, working across design, programming, audio, art and social media. Their recent work includes interactive soundtracks, procedural level-detailing tools and user interfaces. They are currently working on the movement shooter Sacrisigil.
Talk
- Sound Mangling and Space: Immersive Game Soundscapes Digital · 6:30pm