About PlayExpo World

Connecting the Global Gaming Community Since 2019

Our Story

PlayExpo World was born from a passionate vision to create Australia's premier gaming exhibition that celebrates the artistry, innovation, and community spirit of the interactive entertainment industry. Founded in 2019 by a group of dedicated gaming enthusiasts and industry veterans, we recognized the need for a world-class event that brings together developers, publishers, esports professionals, content creators, and millions of gaming fans under one roof.

What began as a modest gathering of 5,000 attendees in a small Melbourne convention space has transformed into an internationally recognized gaming festival attracting over 50,000 visitors annually from 45 countries. Our inaugural event featured 30 exhibitors and a handful of indie game showcases. Today, PlayExpo World hosts more than 200 exhibitors, major publisher presentations, cutting-edge VR experiences, professional esports tournaments, and comprehensive educational workshops.

Throughout our journey, we've maintained our core commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and innovation. We've provided platforms for hundreds of independent developers to showcase their creations, facilitated networking opportunities that led to successful partnerships, and inspired countless young people to pursue careers in game development and interactive media.

Located at the iconic 17 Expo Blvd in Melbourne's vibrant exhibition district, our state-of-the-art venue combines modern technology with comfortable spaces designed specifically for gaming experiences. As we look toward the future, PlayExpo World continues to evolve, embracing emerging technologies while staying true to our mission of celebrating gaming culture and connecting the global gaming community.

PlayExpo World History

Our Mission & Values

Guiding principles that drive everything we do

Our Mission

To create the world's most inclusive and innovative gaming exhibition that celebrates interactive entertainment, fosters industry growth, inspires future creators, and unites the global gaming community through unforgettable experiences, educational opportunities, and meaningful connections.

Community First

We prioritize the gaming community's needs, creating safe, welcoming spaces where everyone can connect, share their passion, and celebrate gaming culture together regardless of background or experience level.

Innovation

We embrace cutting-edge technology and creative approaches, constantly evolving our exhibition to showcase the latest gaming innovations and provide attendees with groundbreaking interactive experiences.

Inclusivity

Gaming is for everyone. We champion diversity, accessibility, and representation, ensuring our events welcome people of all ages, abilities, backgrounds, and gaming preferences without discrimination.

Education

We empower aspiring creators through comprehensive workshops, masterclasses, and mentorship programs led by industry experts, helping shape the next generation of game developers and designers.

Excellence

We maintain the highest standards in event organization, customer service, and experience quality, continuously improving every aspect of PlayExpo World to exceed attendee expectations.

Collaboration

We build meaningful partnerships with developers, publishers, sponsors, and media to create synergies that benefit the entire gaming ecosystem and strengthen the industry worldwide.

Meet Our Leadership Team

The passionate professionals behind PlayExpo World

Rebecca Thornton

Rebecca Thornton

Founder & Executive Director

Rebecca founded PlayExpo World with a vision to create Australia's premier gaming festival. With 20 years of experience in event management and a lifelong passion for gaming, she oversees strategic direction and international partnerships. Previously led major tech conferences across Asia-Pacific.

Marcus Chen

Marcus Chen

Operations Director

Marcus ensures every PlayExpo World event runs flawlessly. His expertise in logistics, vendor management, and large-scale event coordination keeps our exhibitions operating smoothly. Former operations manager for international gaming tournaments, Marcus brings precision and innovation to our team.

Sofia Martinez

Sofia Martinez

Marketing & Community Director

Sofia leads our marketing initiatives and community engagement strategies. Her creative campaigns have grown our social media following to over 500K across platforms. With background in gaming content creation and brand partnerships, Sofia connects PlayExpo World with audiences worldwide.

James O'Connor

James O'Connor

Technical & Esports Director

James manages all technical infrastructure and oversees our esports tournament operations. His extensive experience in broadcast production and competitive gaming ensures world-class tournament experiences. Former esports commentator and technical director for major gaming broadcasts.

Our Achievements

Milestones that define our success

Best Gaming Expo 2025

Awarded by International Gaming Association

Recognized as the premier gaming exhibition in the Asia-Pacific region for innovation, attendee experience, and industry impact.

50,000+ Annual Attendees

Growing Community Since 2019

From 5,000 attendees in our first year to over 50,000 gaming enthusiasts from 45 countries attending annually.

300+ Indie Games Launched

Platform for Independent Developers

Provided showcase opportunities for over 300 independent game developers, many securing publishing deals at our expo.

10,000+ Workshop Participants

Education and Skills Development

Trained over 10,000 aspiring game developers through comprehensive workshops and masterclasses led by industry experts.

50+ Major Publisher Partners

Industry Leading Collaborations

Partnered with major gaming publishers worldwide including exclusive game reveals and first-look presentations.

4.8/5 Attendee Rating

Outstanding Visitor Satisfaction

Consistently rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by attendees for event quality, organization, and overall experience.

What People Say About Us

Hear from our attendees, partners, and industry professionals

Aisha Rahman

Aisha Rahman

Indie Game Developer

"PlayExpo World gave my indie game the exposure it needed. I showcased my game in the Indie Pavilion and connected with a publisher who signed my project. The team's support for independent developers is incredible. This expo literally changed my career trajectory and made my dreams come true."

Thomas Bergstrom

Thomas Bergstrom

VP of Marketing, NexGen Studios

"We've exhibited at gaming expos worldwide, and PlayExpo World stands out for its professional organization and engaged audience. The quality of attendees and media coverage exceeded our expectations. We revealed our latest title here and the response was phenomenal. Highly recommend for any serious publisher."

Kenji Tanaka

Kenji Tanaka

Professional Esports Player

"The esports tournaments at PlayExpo World are world-class. The production quality, prize pools, and tournament organization rival the biggest international events. The crowd energy is amazing and the technical setup is flawless. This has become one of my favorite tournaments to compete in annually."

Join Us at PlayExpo World 2026

Be part of the gaming industry's most exciting event. Connect with developers, try exclusive games, attend workshops, and celebrate gaming culture with thousands of passionate fans.