Lisa's an expert at interactive media and indigenous storytelling. She's a Professional Practice Fellow teaching game courses at Otago University. and part of the award-winning Runaway Play.
Lisa advocates for the Māori game development community, and was on the New Zealand Game Developers Board.
We're thrilled to announce keynote speaker Lisa Blakie (Kāi Tahu, Waitaha)!
She is the Co-Director and Narrative Director for Ōtepoti-based Atawhai Interactive! They debuted in 2025 with "Toroa: Skycall".
Don't miss out! Get tickets via the link in bio! 🔗
#NZGamesFestival #NZGF2026 #NZGameDev
📢 Heads up! Make sure to grab your early bird tickets to the festival before they go! 🐣
🤫 Student discount tickets & separate event tickets are also available! ✨️
🔗 Visit the link in bio to purchase & view other ticket options.
#NZGamesFestival #NZGF2026 #NZGameDev
📣 Heads up! Event volunteer applications for the New Zealand Games Festival close this Sunday, March 8!⏳️
👉 It's the perfect opportunity to get involved in the local games industry! 😊
Volunteers will receive a discounted or free ticket! 🎫✨️
Sign up through the link in bio! 🔗
🦕 Raaawr! A massive thank you to Dinosaur Polo Club for being an Anniversary Tier partner 🎉 & 2026 JOYPAD event sponsor! 🎮🏳️🌈
👉They're the kiwi studio behind the award-winning Mini Metro 🚉 & Mini Motorways! 🚗
🙌 We’re extremely grateful for their continued support!
#NZGamesFest #NZGameDev #NZGF2026
🥳 Kick off the NZ Games Fest with PB & Jam, a free 18+ event from May 1-3!
⏱️Participants form teams to make games based on a surprise theme!
Get to know others, play to your strengths, & bring your passion for games! 🤝🎮
✨ Ready to jam? Link in our bio! 🔗
#NZGamesFestival #NZGF2026 #NZGameDev
📣 Heads up! Speaker submissions at the Play by Play conference closes Saturday 28th Feb 11:59PM. 📆
Prior speaking experience is not required 😊 Share your experiences, knowledge, and connect with others in the game development industry! 🎮
Link in bio! 🔗
#NZGamesFestival #NZGF2026 #NZGameDev
🙋 Keen to get involved in Aotearoa's game development community? We're looking for volunteers at the New Zealand Games Festival!
✨️ Volunteers receive a discounted/free ticket to the Play By Play conference.
Link in bio! 🔗
⏳️ Applications close March 8th.
#NZGamesFestival #NZGF2026 #NZGameDev
🙌 Super excited to announce Black Salt Games as a 2026 Anniversary Tier partner! ✨️
Thank you to Black Salt Games for supporting us in our 10th year! 🎂 Our sponsors help us to continue our work! 🎉
👉 They are kiwi game studio behind the award-winning DREDGE! 🛥 🫣
#NZGamesFest #NZGameDev #NZGF2026
🎮 Platformer Exhibition returns for NZGF 2026!
Showcase your PC game, board game, VR, or interactive project on Sunday, 10th May at the Michael Fowler Centre foyer. Free & open to the public.
⏰ Apply by 20th March
⚡ Limited spaces
✅️ Apply via the link below!
forms.gle/b3TkLPwSLLBD...
📢 Artists Wanted!
🖼️ NZGF's Game Arts Exhibition is back for 2026 at Fish Cube Gallery.
🐾 This year’s theme is: Reimagined Pokémon Characters!
📅 Register your interest by March 3rd, artists will be selected mid March.
🔗 Register here: forms.gle/SwjyoBuPDA3a...
#NZGamesFest #NZGameDev #NZGF2026
📢 Early Bird tickets are on sale!
NZ Games Festival tickets are officially live, grab yours early and save 🎟️✨💸
🎟️ grab your Festival Pass or check out the ticket options available to suit everyone 💖
👉 Check the link below for details and tickets!
events.humanitix.com/nz-games-fes...
📢 Volunteer applications are open!
NZ Games Festival needs volunteers to help with events during the festival.
Volunteers will receive a free ticket to the conference 🎟️💖
📅 Applications close 8th of March.
🔗 Click here to apply: forms.gle/9zpacou3orFX...
#NZGamesFestival #NZGF2026 #nzgamedev
Big bold text that reads “Checkpoint discovered!” Beneath, in a chunky pixellated text it says “Michael Fowler Center” In a design that mimics a game’s save screen, it reads “Save the date? 8th-9th May 206” Beneath is a cute sketchy drawing a of a character with a black cat war hat warning their hands on a fire, next to a snoozing horse. They are clearly adventurers, judging by the equipment around them. They are sitting in the middle of a photo of the Michael Fowler Centre Renouf Foyer.
📍Save the date and bookmark the location for Play by Play 2026!
🗓️ We can’t wait to see you at the Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington, the 8th & 9th of May.
🎟️ Come along to Play by Play 2026 for learning, connection and inspiration, and supporting Aotearoa’s game community.
🎮📢 Are you a passionate gamer or experienced gamdev wanting to share your voice in the industry? ✨
🍓🥝 The Pavs are back for 2026 and we’re on the hunt for volunteer Judges and Jury!
🔗 Click here to apply/find out more: forms.gle/fQxhuHxB9f7h...
#NZGamesFestival #NZGF #NZGameDev
🍓🥝 The Pavs Games Awards want to see your game!
🌏Calling Kiwis, Aussies, and other Oceania-based gamedevs. Video games, card games, and board games included--We can’t wait to see what you’ve been cooking!
👉 Click here to apply, or find out more: lnkd.in/gS5FCtNT
#NZGamedev #NZGamesFest #NZGF
A photo of an excited young person standing at a podium, about to deliver a talk. Bold white text reads “Ready to share your adventure? Apply to be a speaker at Play by Play 2026.” A pink banner at the bottom shows the play by play logo, and details dates. “8th - 10th of May, Michael Fowler Center, Wellington”.
📣Have you got something to say about game narratives? Production? Bugs? We want to hear it all!✨
🕹️Play by Play is back for 2026 and we want to platform fresh voices & topics. No speaking experience is required! Applications close 28th of Feb, click the link to apply 👉 lnkd.in/grjeATUx
🍓🥝The Pavs game awards are back for 2026, and we can’t wait to see what you’ve been working on! 🤩
✨Game submissions are opening shortly, follow this page for the latest festival updates. See you soon!
✨NZ Games Festival is back and celebrating our 10th birthday in 2026!✨
After a decade, "Checkpoint" felt like the perfect theme for us to reflect on everything that’s happened, and look to the future.
Join us in April for birthday bash, and watch this space for more info!
#nzgf2026 #nzGameDev
