IMAGE: Redacted (2021) Noah Zhang, Nathan O’Donogue, Craig Anderson

Explore a fresh selection of videogames from the next generation of creatives and makers.

The ACMI + RMIT Audience Lab program allows players, developers and those who are just curious to help support emerging videogames professionals while having a great time. From 27 November, we will feature the newest creations from the final year students of RMIT's Bachelor of Design (Games).

This year, explore exciting games including a:

• first-person sci-fi adventure

• gorgeous character-focused digital board game

• pop-culture inspired walking simulator

• and much more.

Experience ACMI + RMIT Audience Lab onsite or online 

Visit the museum in person to playtest games and meet their creators onsite at 11am–5pm on Saturday 27 November, or download and test even more games from home for the entire week 27 November – 5 December.

After playtesting, become part of the development process and help the makers refine their games by providing feedback via the Twitter hashtag #acmirmit. Feel free to comment, upload a video of you playing or share some screengrabs.

You can also provide feedback to the makers directly via our Discord server (link available from 27 Nov 2021).

Play at home

• Want to test out a range of amazing new games from the comfort of your own home?

• Games will be available to download below from 27 Nov – 5 Dec 2021.

Play onsite

• Visit the Swinburne Studio, Level 1, ACMI, Fed Square.

• Plan your visit Read our COVIDSafe visitor guidelines, information on accessibility, amenities, transport, dining options and more.

ACMI + RMIT Audience Lab

Bringing together game developers, filmmakers, moving image artists, tech wizards and individual creators who want your feedback on their projects. From augmented and virtual reality to videogames and video art, each month there is something exciting for you to test out and discover at ACMI. 

RMIT became ACMI’s Major Research Partner joining forces to support next gen creatives. A cornerstone of the partnership is the new ACMI x RMIT Audience Lab, which will act as a testing ground for moving image creators.

Keen to be involved?

Participants will need to provide:

• A concept, build or prototype to "exhibit" for audience testing (ideally something to best-test, or otherwise some way to provide feedback on a concept)
• Any specialised hardware or software required for testing
• Any conceptual materials required for testing
• Adequate team to manage testing on the day
• Promotion of their involvement in the event to audiences and stakeholders.

Selection process

All applications are reviewed by selection committee comprised of ACMI and RMIT staff. The committee will be considering the following criteria when selecting successful applicants:

• Appropriateness and appeal to ACMI audiences
• Relevance and relationship to moving image and screen culture
• Team and product preparedness for testing
• Benefit of testing to team and product
• Fit within Audience Lab program as a whole, with a spread across ACMI’s core remit of film, television, videogames, art and digital culture.

Completely Stretchy & Uncomfortably Sticky 

You’ve woken up up feeling Completely Stretchy and Uncomfortably Sticky. Explore the vibrant Grombi Isles using your new found floppy abilities such as your stretchy arm, sticky fingers, and more! Talk to the eccentric inhabitants and participate in their playful activities. You may even piece together the story of The Grombi Isles.

Daniel Ferguson is a game developer and animator based in Melbourne who likes making eccentric games with a strong focus on characters and movement. Reach out via Twitter to @danfergusonn or visit Daniel's Itch.io page >>

This game was part of the ACMI + RMIT Audience Lab in 2020.

Next steps

• Explore study options through RMIT's Bachelor of Design (Games) and turn your passion into a career. Learn more >>

• Subscribe to the ACMI newsletter for when Expressions of Interest are open

Originally published ACMI
Fed Square, Melbourne, Australia

Museum opening hours
Mon–Fri 12–5pm
Weekends and public holidays 10am–6pm

Exhibitions | Films & TV | On demand | Education | Shop