Home » MEETING AND EVENT INDUSTRY NEWS » New Zealand Game Developers Conference 2025 to Bring Gaming Professionals from Across Oceania to Wellington, Highlighting Innovation and Local Culture
Published on
September 15, 2025
The New Zealand Game Developers Conference (NZGDC) is preparing for its 2025 return, once again promising to be the biggest event on the national game development calendar. This professional gathering will unite creators, designers, and industry leaders from across New Zealand and Australia. The event is scheduled to run from September 25 to September 27 in Wellington. The venue this year will be the Tākina Wellington Exhibition and Convention Center on Cable Street, a modern and spacious facility located close to Te Papa Tongarewa, the Museum of New Zealand. Holding the conference in the capital city reinforces its status as a meeting ground for both local developers and international visitors. With Wellington already well known for its creative industries, the location adds to the significance of the conference. The 2025 conference is expected to showcase not only the achievements of the local gaming sector but also the creative energy driving the broader interactive media industry. From established studios to independent developers, the event aims to bring together professionals of all backgrounds to share knowledge, experience, and inspiration.
New Zealand Game Developers Conference 2025: A Strong History
The NZGDC has a long and consistent history of supporting the region’s creative industries. First held in 2004, the event took a steady path forward before becoming an annual fixture in 2012. Since then, it has developed into New Zealand’s largest gathering dedicated to the art and business of game development. Over time, NZGDC has established itself not just as a place for presentations and panels, but as a community hub where new partnerships and collaborations often begin. Attendance has steadily risen, with more than 800 people taking part in 2021. That milestone highlighted how the event has become a cornerstone of professional development and networking for the local gaming scene. Each year adds to its reputation, and 2025 is set to continue that upward trend.
A Program Designed for Impact
One of the defining features of NZGDC is its focus on delivering a program that is both inspiring and practical. The 2025 edition will cover three full days, each packed with sessions tailored to the needs of professionals in game development and interactive media. The program will feature a wide mix of talks designed to spark creativity, alongside practical sessions that deliver direct skills and knowledge. Attendees can expect presentations from experienced industry professionals, workshops that dive deep into specific areas of game design, and discussions on current and future challenges facing the sector. A full day has been dedicated solely to workshops, providing a unique opportunity for participants to take part in intensive, hands-on learning. These workshops are designed to give attendees tools and techniques they can directly apply to their own projects. By combining practical skills with thought-provoking content, the program aims to leave participants better prepared for the rapidly evolving gaming landscape.
Networking and International Links
While the learning sessions remain a core part of the event, networking has always been central to the NZGDC experience. Developers from around the country will have the chance to meet, exchange ideas, and build connections that extend beyond the conference itself. The 2025 edition is expected to further strengthen these opportunities, creating spaces for formal and informal networking across the three days. The event also has an international outlook. If travel conditions allow, NZGDC will welcome visitors from abroad, offering local attendees a chance to connect with global voices and perspectives. These international links enhance the value of the event, turning it into not only a regional hub but also a bridge to the wider global gaming industry. For local studios and professionals, this can open doors to collaboration, mentorship, and potential investment opportunities.
Opportunities for Students
Following the main three-day program, NZGDC will once again host a dedicated Student Day. This initiative highlights the conference’s commitment to fostering the next generation of game developers. The Student Day is designed to provide young and aspiring professionals with direct exposure to the industry. Students will have the chance to hear from seasoned professionals, attend sessions aimed at beginners and emerging talent, and gain an inside view of the opportunities available in the field. It serves as a stepping stone for those looking to enter the industry, giving them access to both knowledge and valuable contacts. By dedicating an entire day to students, NZGDC signals its investment in the long-term growth of the local gaming ecosystem.
New Zealand Game Developers Conference 2025: Looking Ahead
The New Zealand Game Developers Conference has become more than just an annual gathering. It represents a platform where ideas are exchanged, collaborations are born, and the local industry gains momentum. By combining professional development, international engagement, and opportunities for new talent, NZGDC 2025 is poised to strengthen its reputation as the premier event for game development in New Zealand and the wider Oceania region. With its mix of workshops, talks, and networking, the conference continues to balance inspiration with practical outcomes. As it returns to Wellington this September, it will once again bring the industry together to celebrate its achievements and to look toward the future of interactive media.
