Actuator has been invited to Season of the Dev’s Community Day! We’re showcasing our games, On Point and Sky Kelpie, and hosting a presentation on how we blend creativity and innovation in the indie dev world. Join us on the Sunshine Coast and get a first-hand look at how we’re contributing to Queensland’s thriving game development community.
Invited to Contribute
It’s always a privilege when local events recognize the work we’re doing here at Actuator. We received an official invite from Season of the Dev, who offered us:
- A 20-minute presentation slot — where we can share insights about our studio’s journey, introduce our upcoming projects, and discuss how support from organizations like Screen Queensland has accelerated our growth.
- Showcase Table — for demonstrating our current in-development titles, letting attendees get hands-on with our games, and giving us a chance to connect with the community.
This is a fantastic opportunity for us to pull back the curtain on our creative process, especially for aspiring devs who might be looking for guidance or inspiration.
What We’re Bringing
We’ll be featuring two projects that capture the breadth of what our studio can do:
On Point
- Elevating Arcade Nostalgia with VR: Drawing on classic shooters like Time Crisis, On Point marries old-school arcade fun with modern immersion.
- What to Expect at Season of the Dev: We’re planning to demonstrate a live slice of gameplay that showcases its lively mechanics and intuitive feel. Attendees can get a sense of how we’ve integrated VR to create a polished, accessible experience.
Sky Kelpie
- Blending Simulations & Serious Training: Developed in collaboration with an agricultural technology partner, Sky Kelpie explores the practical side of drone tech for mustering livestock.
- Showcasing Innovation: We’ll reveal how we translated real-world challenges (like herd management) into engaging gameplay, illustrating that game development can drive practical solutions for various industries.
While we’re thrilled to show off our games, our larger goal at this event is to support Queensland’s indie dev community. During our presentation and booth interactions, we’ll discuss:
- Studio Origin & Evolution: Our background, team structure, and how we moved from concept to fully-fledged commercial projects.
- Lessons Learned: The highs, lows, and everything in between — from prototyping pitfalls to scaling a project efficiently.
- Funding & Support: How programs (e.g., Screen Queensland’s grants and Digital Games Incentive) have been instrumental in enabling us to focus on innovation without sacrificing commercial viability.
- Collaboration Opportunities: Encouraging fellow creators, potential partners, and curious newcomers to chat about future collaborative efforts.
By sharing our story and lending any advice we can, we hope to inspire other developers who might just be starting out or looking to take their project to the next level.
Supporting Queensland’s Growing Game Dev Scene
Invitations like this reflect a bigger trend: Queensland’s gaming industry is on the rise. Season of the Dev is a testament to the region’s commitment to fueling local talent and creativity. We’re honored to play our part by:
- Highlighting Innovation: Our showcases shine a light on how cutting-edge tech (like VR and drone simulation) can flourish within smaller indie studios.
- Providing Hands-On Demos: It’s one thing to talk about a game; it’s another to let people experience it firsthand. We want as many folks as possible to see and feel the potential of local Aussie-made games.
- Fostering Dialogue: We hope to spark discussions on everything from design frameworks to navigating funding options, all while building connections that strengthen the local network of developers.
We’d love for you to stop by our table or attend our presentation if you’re able to make it. Here’s the key info:
- Date: Saturday, 15 March
- Time: 10am–4pm
- Venue: Innovation Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs
- Entry: Free! Family and friends are welcome.
Come say hello, try out our projects, and learn more about what’s happening in Queensland’s thriving game dev scene. We’re excited to connect with fellow developers, students, industry pros, and curious gamers — all in one creative, supportive environment.
Hope to see you there!