A new exhibition at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) invites visitors to explore the evolution of video games over the past fifty years through interactive displays. The Game Worlds exhibition features playable titles, including the newly released Hollow Knight: Silksong, which has gained immense popularity since its launch in early September, even causing a global gaming platform to crash.
ACMI co-curator Bethan Johnson expressed excitement about including Hollow Knight: Silksong in the exhibition. “Being able to include Hollow Knight: Silksong from Team Cherry has been really huge for us,” she stated. The exhibition showcases original hand-drawn sketchbooks and maps from the game, although visitors are warned that these may contain spoilers for current players.
From Classics to Modern Hits
The exhibition opens with early titles from the 1970s, such as the text-based adventure game Zork. It also features iconic games like Final Fantasy XIV, World of Warcraft, The Elder Scrolls, and The Sims. In addition to the gaming stations, attendees can view vintage advertisements that highlight the gaming culture of past decades, including a humorous promise that “you won’t use the Commodore 64 more than 24 hours a day.”
Currently, approximately 2,800 students are scheduled to visit the exhibition, which aims to engage a younger audience. During a preview event, Amy, a year 9 student, played a vintage game from 1996, noting its simplicity compared to today’s complex games. “It’s way more fun than regular lessons,” she remarked, highlighting the enduring appeal of classic gaming.
A Celebration of Innovation
Johnson further emphasized the creativity and innovation that have characterized video game development from its inception. “Even at the start of this burgeoning technology, people turned to it to create and play and share fictional worlds,” she explained. This sentiment reflects the significant role that video games play in contemporary culture and storytelling.
The Game Worlds exhibition opens just two weeks before the Melbourne International Games Week, which runs from October 4 to 12, 2024. This ten-day event has become the largest gaming forum in the Asia Pacific region, showcasing the growing influence of the industry. In 2024, the Australian gaming sector generated over $339 million in revenue, with a remarkable 93 percent of that total coming from exports.
Johnson highlighted Australia’s rich history in game development, citing influential titles like The Hobbit from 2003 and Team Fortress from the 1990s. “Not only in terms of contemporary games being developed, but also historic titles as well … we are an epicentre for a lot of really incredible game development,” she noted.
The Game Worlds exhibition runs until February 8, 2026, at ACMI, located at Fed Square in Melbourne. For enthusiasts and newcomers alike, it offers a unique opportunity to engage with the history and future of gaming.
