Port Phillip Council is taking Pride Month to the next level by hosting an LGBTIQA+ interactive gaming exhibition at the Carlisle Street Arts Space (CSAS) inside St Kilda Town Hall.

Pride at Play is a free curated exhibition that celebrates thoughtful videogames and tabletop roleplaying games made by the LGBTIQA+ community with the LGBTIQA+ community in mind.

From 3 – 24 June, it’s game on with 22 video games and tabletop roleplaying games free to play at CSAS. Many more games will be featured as part of an online showcase.

Grab the controller on award-winning games such as Unpacking and Wylde Flowers made by talented creators from the Oceania and Asia Pacific region.

Pride at Play also features engaging workshops, talks, and facilitated play sessions to expand knowledge of game design and highlight the importance of LGBTIQA+ representation in the gaming industry.

The exhibition is presented in association with St Kilda Film Festival and supported by Monash Art, Design and Architecture.

Mayor Heather Cunsolo said the exhibition closely aligns with the Council’s Games Action Plan 2020-24, which positions Port Phillip to become Victoria’s games capital.

“Pride at Play is a fantastic example of how video games can be a powerful expression. We are very proud to host an exhibition that exemplifies our City’s reputation for inclusion and creativity.”

Dr Xavier Ho, the curator for Pride at Play and LGBTIQA+ games researcher at Monash University, said LGBTIQA+-inspired games are a critical part of our cultural heritage.

“We are standing on the shoulder of giants — LGBTIQA+ game designers — to curate this exhibition and tell their stories. Pride at Play bridges the world of the games industry and the LGBTIQA+ community, providing an opportunity to amplify LGBTIQA+ voices,” Dr Ho said.

“The National Film and Sound Archive recently acquired the Pride at Play catalogue in an exciting development to preserve games culture in Australia. This exhibition demonstrates that every community and voice can have a home for years.”

Pride at Play offers solo and cooperative play options for every level of gamer, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

The exhibition will be open Monday-Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, and Saturdays from 10 am to 3 pm. For more information, visit: prideatplay.org

Content warning: The exhibition and associated activities may contain adult themes and are recommended for audiences aged 15 years or older.