Code, create, conquer: Inside SA’s games industry

Talk about levelling up! Find out how SA’s game development industry is bringing in global recognition – and big dollars for our economy – ahead of the biggest-ever SAGE: SA Game Exhibition.

When you think Adelaide Fringe, stand-up comedians and circus acts probably spring to mind – but did you know it’s also a hub for gamers?

From 7-8 February, SAGE: SA Game Exhibition is showcasing the best of South Australia’s video game industry at Glenside’s Adelaide Studios – and you’re invited to play!

Part of the 2025 Fringe Program, this free event invites gamers, fans, families, and aspiring game developers to discover the innovation and artistry driving locally-made games.

Presented by the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC), , SAGE connects game creators with audiences and industry leaders for a fun, two-day program of video game action.

SAGE explained

For gamers of all abilities and ages, SAGE offers an exciting opportunity to discover and play 37 locally-made games, including unreleased titles. Attendees can also meet the developers behind these creations and discover what goes into making them.

With 14 new studios making their SAGE debut, the 2025 event will be even bigger, with plenty of fresh discoveries. Last year, over 2,000 people attended.

Meanwhile, for aspiring and emerging developers, the expanded “SAGE Advice” discussion panels program will provide invaluable insights. These sessions, led by experienced local, national and international creators and industry leaders, will cover everything from breaking into the industry, to the different education and career pathways available.

Designed to inspire and equip the next generation of developers, the panels are a must-attend for anyone looking to turn their passion for gaming into a career. SAGE is also the best place for aspiring developers to network and find their tribe.

Jonnie Anderson-Wills: At the heart of indie innovation

Adelaide’s Jonnie Anderson-Wills has always been captivated by gaming, spending hours immersed in cutscenes and storytelling as a kid. His passion led him to study a Bachelor of Creative Industries (Digital Media) at Flinders University, where he honed his skills in combining IT and art to create his own games.

“I was lucky to have that early passion for games and creating them,” Jonnie says. “But you don’t need that kind of background to break into the industry and succeed. If you’re willing to learn, you can start at any time.”

Jonnie Anderson-Wills at SAGE last year.

Breakthrough moments: From horror to hyper-cosy

Jonnie launched his indie studio, Jonniemadeit, in 2019, but his first breakthrough came with a psychological horror game in 2022 – Don’t Let Him In. The game unexpectedly went viral, garnering over two million views online and attracting the attention of a publisher.

“That was my first taste of realising people actually enjoy what I create. It gave me the confidence to keep going,” he says.

In 2024, Jonnie’s casual platformer Uncle Unco won the SAGE Elevate Award, taking his career to a whole new level. Inspired by his niece and nephew, the game’s lovable fluffball protagonist captured hearts and earned him opportunities like showcasing his work at SXSW Sydney.

“Winning that award was bananas. Suddenly, people were reaching out, wanting to know more about my process,” Jonnie says. Recently, he made Uncle Unco available online for free, sharing the project that launched his career with a wider audience.

The challenges and joys of solo development

Despite his success, Jonnie admits that solo development comes with its challenges.

“You have to juggle so much, and burnout is always lurking,” he says. “But at the end of the day, it’s worth it because it’s about passion – creating something that connects with people.”

This year at SAGE, Jonnie will debut Plumbo, a quirky kid-friendly adventure featuring a chewed-up, plum-flavoured gumball navigating a shift at the pin factory. “It’s fun, it’s weird, and I can’t wait for people to try it,” he says.

Big Ant Studios: Building Adelaide’s gaming legacy

SAGE isn’t the only sign that Adelaide is an emerging creative powerhouse. Big Ant Studios, one of Australia’s largest game developers and Platinum Sponsor of SAGE 2025, expanded to the city in 2023, drawn by its growing reputation as a hub for innovation.

Known for licensed sports games like Tiebreak, Cricket 24 and AFL 23, Big Ant is on its way to employing over 60 locals at its Adelaide Studio. Initial roles are in 3D animation, plus 3D character and environment art, with plans to also employ staff in code and sound design – you can register your interest for roles here.

The studio’s move was incentivised by the state government’s SA Video Game Development Rebate, which allows studios to claim back a percentage of costs for developing games in South Australia.

But for COO Mark Bracken, the city offers more than financial incentives. “Adelaide has a creative pulse – it’s a city where you can experiment and push boundaries,” he says.

Fostering talent, diversity and innovation

Big Ant is committed to nurturing local talent through mentorships, on-the-job training, and its sponsorship of events like SAGE. “We want Australian jobs because without them, we won’t have an industry,” Mark says.

He’s also passionate about breaking stereotypes around gaming. “When I spoke at SAGE last year, parents asked me, ‘Is this a real job?’ The answer is yes – gaming is one of the most exciting industries in the world.”

Mark highlights the broader applications of game development skills, like 3D modelling, AI, and simulation, which are highly prized in sectors from defence to medicine and education. “When we train developers, we’re building skills that can impact multiple industries.”

Diversity is another priority. “At our Adelaide studio, 48 per cent of our team are women, which is something we’re really proud of,” Mark says. “Diversity makes us stronger as a team and as an industry.”

South Australia’s games industry

The Australian video game development sector generated $339.1 million for the economy last financial year, and South Australia is carving out its share. The state is already home to 11 per cent of the sector’s full-time employees and six per cent of studios.

Mark and Jonnie agree that the local industry is on its way up, driven by the accomplishment of its developers and state government support through initiatives like SAGE and the SA Video Game Development Rebate.

“The talent here in South Australia is amazing, and the hunger and creativity I see in the local community is unmatched,” Mark says.

Jonnie adds: “There’s a growing scene in Adelaide of developers – you just need to find them. Once you do, it’s like discovering your people.”

SAGE plays a key role in this growth, connecting creators, showcasing new projects, and inspiring future developers. It’s also a whole lot of fun!

Five SA games to play at SAGE 2025

The Sacred Acorn

Play as a squirrel on a quest to save her tribe in this cosy, souls-lite adventure by A Few Dragons. Expect magical upgrades, legendary battles, and an enchanting world.