Next Wave today announced that the management of the Freeplay Independent Game Developers Conference will be handed over to Australian indie game experts, Paul Callaghan and Eve Penford-Dennis. Paul and Eve are spearheading plans for a 2009 conference and are developing a range of ancillary industry-building and social events.
Freeplay was founded in 2004 by Next Wave’s previous Artistic Director, Marcus Westbury, and a dedicated team of indie game developers. The conference took place 3 times over the ensuing years, each time with capacity audiences, an exciting program of local and international speakers and valuable networking opportunities. The first landmark event took place in a disused karate club in Melbourne, where speakers and delegates mixed in the rock’n’roll setting of the event bar afterwards. Later events took place at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), showcasing the calibre of indie Australian game development to a much wider audience. A quintessential feature of Freeplay has been the opportunity to talk, share ideas and build connections. All Freeplay events have resulted in collaborations, job opportunities, and lasting friendships.
Next Wave’s Executive Director, Fiona Maxwell, says, “Freeplay has meant so much to the indie games community over the past 6 years, that its vitally important the event continues. We’re so excited to see Paul and Eve, who are active and committed members of this community, take the reins.”
Tom Crago, President of the Game Developers’ Association of Australia says, "In the past, Freeplay has proven to be a great forum for bringing together students and Indie developers. As an industry, we naturally recognise the importance of game development at a grass roots level, and anything that can foster that has our absolute support."
Plans for Freeplay 2009 are still being formulated, with a major focus on securing a venue and funding. For more information or to support this great event, go to www.freeplay.net.au.