The epic realms of videogames are the focus of Game Worlds, a major new playable exhibition premiering 18 September 2025 to 8 February 2026 at Australia’s national museum of screen culture, ACMI.
From the groundbreaking early titles of the 1970s until today, Game Worlds puts visitors inside the realms of 30 iconic videogames – 20 of them playable.
Original concept art, rare objects, playable demos and never-before-seen designs will be displayed, featuring global online gaming phenomenon World of Warcraft (Blizzard Entertainment), pioneer of the life simulation genre The Sims (Electronic Arts), and iconic virtual pet community of the early internet Neopets (World of Neopia); plus, anticipated Australian new releases and more to be announced.
Curated and built by ACMI, visitors can play videogames in ways they can’t at home; from playing pioneering games of the past, to competing against a world record-breaking speedrun. Game Worlds delves into the player experience, unlocking new levels of wonder.
Game Worlds is the third in a suite of major videogames exhibitions at ACMI, after Game On (2008) and the internationally touring, ACMI-made Game Masters (2012) seen by more than 1.1 million people worldwide. It also follows the success of 2017’s Code Breakers, celebrating the achievements of women in the games industry; 2022’s Out of Bounds: Exploring the Limits of Videogames; and 2024’s Honk! Untitled Goose Exhibition, exploring the hit Melbourne-made videogame.
Event Details:
Dates: 18 September 2025 to 8 February 2026
Location: Gallery 4, ACMI, Fed Square, Melbourne
Notes: Tickets on sale July 2025