nz games festival is new zealand's own trans-tasman celebration of gaming, for all ages

The week-long festival is centred around all things games – whether digital, tabletop or otherwise! It’s our goal to ensure everybody has the opportunity to be included in the magic of games, so we aim to provide events for all demographics.

From workshops to pub quizzes, NZ Games Festival has a little bit of something for everyone and we can’t wait to share it with you.

our history

NZ Games Festival began its life as Play by Play in 2016.

In 2018, we created the umbrella brand, NZ Games Festival, to better encapsulate everything Play by Play had become. Meanwhile, our developer-focused conference retained its identity as Play by Play. Now, NZ Games Festival sits as the umbrella over top a number of brands, including Play by Play, The Pavs and Level Up.

our values

Provide accessible education, outreach and learning opportunities to people & families of all walks of life about games and play.

Support and celebrate the burgeoning games industry in New Zealand, as well as the achievement of our Australian neighbours.

Promote games and play of all types to the wider public in a diverse, inclusive atmosphere.