Being part of SXSW Sydney gives our Game Design students and alumni the chance to share their work with international audiences, gain invaluable industry exposure, and connect with leading creatives.
Collarts’ Game Design students and alumni will present a wide variety of projects across both digital and tabletop platforms:
Honourable mention goes to 'The Unprecedented Times: The World is Your Stage' which has been selected for the SXSW Sydney Industry Showcase 2025.
Studio Founders: Playhaven Studios Pty Ltd
- Violeta Gordana
- Lucie Impala
- Akina Bott
With a media literacy focus, the digital game teaches critical thinking and is built upon its very own system (a lie detector) It has pioneered the formation of a non-profit studio representing its femme and disabled founders, a huge milestone for our Collarts Game Design community.
'Decenso' by Alvaro Alcala Retolaza - Reskinned for a sustainability focused repurposing of household wooden toys for family friendly party games. Rules and area printed on a yoga playmat.
'Zombie Blockers!' by Catelyn Tynkkynen - Reskinned for a sustainability focused repurposing of household wooden building blocks for family friendly party games.
'Pillar of the Sun' by Blake Howell, Micheal Horgen, Lucie Impala, James McDonald, Violeta Gordana & Akina Bott - Reskinned for a sustainability focused repurposing of household wooden duplo blocks for family friendly party games.
'Yet We Persist' by Bram Heinrich-McPartlan - TTRPG with disability focus. Reskinned for a sustainability completely contained with a printed tote carry bag game board.
'Word Salad' by Bram Heinrich-McPartlan - Game developed with their partenr (ESL teacher). The whole game can be printed and assembled at home, requiring one single A4 friendly cardboard box.
'Steely-eyed Missile Mouse' by Collin Craig - Inspired by Femmes in STEM and the curiosity mindset to make mistakes quickly
'(Far Edge)' by James McDonald -Currently under mentorship at ACMI X.
Beyond the games, Collarts students and staff will also contribute to SXSW’s talks and panel series, bringing critical conversations about creativity, representation, and the games industry:
“No, really – That’s Not a Game! And Why It Matters” (Talk) by Game Design Program Leader Tim Westhaven
Examining why clear definitions of “games” matter for funding, awards, education, and industry recognition.
'10 Minute Quickies' (Panel) by Lee Cope, Lucie Impala, Bram
Quick-fire perspectives on trans representation, lost media, corruption, and disability in games. Followed by an extended Q&A.
“You Are Not a Hotdog, You Are A Hole” (Workshop) by Violeta Gordana
A tough-love session for creative entrepreneurs, motivating participants to carve their own path.
“You Are Dumb. Here’s Why...” (Talk) by Lucie Impala, Fiontan Cassidy, Violeta Gordana,
Showcasing The Unprecedented Times live on stage while unpacking hard-hitting truths about media literacy, propaganda, and the need for logic-driven game design.
We couldn’t be prouder of this lineup and can’t wait to see our students shine on the SXSW stage. Stay tuned for updates as the festival approaches and join us in celebrating the future of games, designed by Collarts.