From 20 December 2011 to 25 March 2012, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) presents Best of the Independent Games Festival 2011, the fifth instalment of an exhibition celebrating the best new video and mobile games from award-winning independent designers around the world.
The ACMI-curated exhibition will present an incredible selection of award-winning games from San Francisco’s 2011 Independent Games Festival with these games available for visitors to play in the gallery. Additionally, between 3 and 13 January, visitors can play some of these games live on the Federation Square big screen from 3pm to 4pm weekdays.
Opening at ACMI after being exhibited in Sydney and Brisbane, Best of the Independent Games Festival 2011 will feature 14 local and international games that push the boundaries of what video games can be. From the instant classic Minecraft – a multiple award-winner at the Independent Games Festival – to the mind-bending challenges of Australia’s own Antichamber, this year’s winning crop also includes the fast and funky sword play of Nidhogg, and the relaxing game Bohm, where the player’s unusual challenge is to grow their own tree. The exhibition will also feature four games designed specifically for mobile devices.
Fiona Trigg, ACMI Curator for Best of the Independent Games Festival 2011 says, “There’s a fantastic range of ideas and styles evident in this year’s ‘Best of the IGF’. With talent on display from Sweden, the United States, South Africa, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Denmark and Australia, the exhibition is a great opportunity to sample new developments in gaming from around the world.”
In a dual treat for video game enthusiasts, from 27 March until 8 July 2012, ACMI will also present Best of the Independent Games Festival 2012. ACMI will again work collaboratively with the Independent Games Festival to bring audiences the latest prize-winning games from the 2012 festival. Further details about this exhibition will be revealed in early 2012.
The Independent Games Festival – the world’s biggest and longest running festival dedicated to independent games – was established in San Francisco when organisers were inspired by the success of the Sundance Film Festival, and the recognition and commercial exposure it provided to independent filmmakers. Believing a similar festival could be created to support independent game developers the Independent Games Festival was established in 1998 and has since grown to become an important date on the games industry calendar.
Best of the Independent Games Festival 2011 is exhibited in Gallery 2 at ACMI in Melbourne from 20 December 2011 until 25 March 2012. Entry is free. For further information please visit acmi.net.au