According to the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (IGEA), ticket sales and the official conference schedule for Game Connect Asia Pacific (GCAP) 2026 are officially live. Scheduled to run from October 5 to 7, 2026, during Melbourne International Games Week, the 20th-anniversary event aims to strengthen the Australian games sector by connecting studios with vital technical skills, industry knowledge, and business partnerships.
GCAP 2026 Program and Industry Keynotes
According to IGEA, the three-day professional development conference features an extensive lineup of local and international industry leaders. Among the confirmed speakers is Gregory Louden, an Australian, Helsinki-based Creative Director at Housemarque and Convict Games. Louden previously worked on visual effects for feature films like Gravity and directed PlayStation Studios’ SAROS, alongside serving as Narrative and Cinematic Director on Returnal, according to conference program details.
The speaker roster also features Samantha Low, co-founder of the Southeast Asian Games Showcase and publishing director. Additionally, Amanda Farough, Director of Production at Causeway Studios and executive producer at Strange Scaffold, will speak at the event, bringing over 17 years of multi-disciplinary games industry experience, according to IGEA documentation.
Deep Dive Into Beethoven & Dinosaur’s Mixtape
According to conference schedules, one of the flagship keynotes features members of the Beethoven & Dinosaur team discussing the development of their game, Mixtape. Titled High Fidelity: Designing and Refining Mixtape, the session is hosted by Creative Director Johnny Galvatron alongside Senior Programmer Geordie Hall, 3D/Environment Artist Harry Truman, Principal Animator Joe Toole, Animator Lily Pagalis-Jackson, and Character Artist Mariska Harasymiw. The team will examine the technical art, lighting, tooling, and animation processes behind one of the highest-rated titles of the year.
Did you know? GCAP is Australia’s longest-running professional development conference for game developers and interactive entertainment professionals, having run for two decades to foster collaboration across the regional sector.
The Australian Game Developer Awards (The AGDAs) Format Change
According to IGEA, the Australian Game Developer Awards (The AGDAs) are adopting a new format for 2026. Rather than a standalone evening event, the ceremony will take place on the Wednesday afternoon directly during GCAP. The updated schedule incorporates networking opportunities and catering on either side of the awards presentation to maximize peer connection.
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the conference, IGEA announced it is providing 20 free “GCAP Assist” tickets. According to the organization, these passes are designed to facilitate access to the venue for under-represented and marginalised communities within the Australian games industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is GCAP 2026 taking place?
According to IGEA, GCAP 2026 runs from October 5 to 7, 2026, during Melbourne International Games Week.
How can attendees access the AGDAs this year?
According to conference organizers, The AGDAs will be held on the Wednesday afternoon during GCAP, flanked by networking sessions and catering.
What is the GCAP Assist ticket initiative?
According to IGEA, the organization is giving away 20 free tickets to support attendance from under-represented and marginalised members of the Australian games industry for the 20th-anniversary event.
To secure your pass, view the complete speaker lineup, or apply for community ticketing assistance, visit the official GCAP 2026 website. Share your thoughts on this year’s keynote sessions in the comments below.
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