Exploring Indie Gems at SXSW Sydney 2025: Games and Culture

Unveiling SXSW Sydney 2025

SXSW Sydney, Australia’s version of the renowned Austin festival dedicated to technology, music, and film, has returned for its third year. However, the event is undeniably marked by a strong corporate presence. Families flocked to Tumbalong Park on Saturday for a free children's concert, navigating through the vibrant CommBank Tour zone, while a long queue formed outside the expansive L’Oréal tent. Yet, just a short distance away at the International Convention Centre, the corporate influence within the gaming sections was noticeably less pronounced.

The Indie Spotlight

As the global gaming industry grapples with a continuing downturn, many major studios remain hesitant to invest in Australia, largely due to the country’s high cost of living. This situation has resulted in an indie-centric atmosphere at the conference, where smaller developers are taking the limelight. The showcasing of larger teams was sparse, with most games emerging from the efforts of solo developers or couples. Reflecting the broader Australian gaming landscape, these indie projects often exceed expectations despite their limited resources.

Highlighting Mixtape

Among the standout titles at the showcase was Mixtape, which garnered the accolade of SXSW’s game of the year. Developed by the seasoned team at Beethoven and Dinosaur, known for their psychedelic adventure The Artful Escape released in 2021, and supported by the mid-tier U.S. publisher Annapurna Interactive, Mixtape is an exuberant homage to the 90s. The game blends elements reminiscent of Edgar Wright films with the unique animation style seen in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

Slated for release later this year, Mixtape promises a nostalgic journey filled with quintessential youth experiences: from skateboarding down a hill while listening to Devo on a cassette tape, to headbanging to Silverchair during a road trip, sneaking alcohol into parties, and evading the police in a runaway shopping trolley. My 20-minute demo left me beaming, particularly due to a hilarious moment involving controllable tongues that had me laughing out loud.

Introducing Pro Jank Footy

Another notable title was Pro Jank Footy, a project by David Ashby, co-creator of Danger 5, and his collaborator Tyler Roach. Backed by the film distributor Umbrella, this game marks their initial venture into the gaming world. Pro Jank Footy offers a whimsical and arcade-style interpretation of AFL, reminiscent of classic SNES sports games. After each goal, the losing side selects from three quirky power-ups—ranging from seagull attacks and oversized players to resetting the score to zero—before the game resumes.

The live demo, held at Tumbalong Park and featuring commentary from Broden Kelly of Aunty Donna (who also makes an appearance in the game), attracted a modest audience of families. The few adventurous participants who dared to engage on stage for a chance to win a stylish scarf seemed to thoroughly enjoy the experience.

Emerging Indie Titles

Beyond the more recognized indie games, several lesser-known titles also impressed attendees. One of my personal favorites was Hyper Primate, a frenzied shooter where players take on the role of an ape armed with a makeshift wooden gun. The game’s chaotic energy and fun mechanics provided an exhilarating experience on the showroom floor.

• Mixtape – A nostalgic journey through 90s youth culture.
• Pro Jank Footy – A humorous take on AFL with quirky power-ups.
• Hyper Primate – A fast-paced shooter featuring a primate protagonist.

Conclusion: The Future of Indie Gaming in Australia

SXSW Sydney 2025 highlighted the strength and creativity of Australia’s indie gaming scene amid a challenging industry landscape. As larger studios remain cautious, the innovative spirit of independent developers continues to shine brightly. With unique titles like Mixtape and Pro Jank Footy leading the charge, the future of gaming culture in Sydney looks promising. This event not only showcases the richness of local talent but also signifies a growing appreciation for indie games that resonate with players on a personal level.