This year, Games Connect Asia Pacific (GCAP) 2026 celebrates 20 years of serving the Australian games industry.

GCAP is a professional games conference, focusing on upskilling and building connections for mid-to senior-level video game practitioners.

In 2025, the global games industry experienced rapid shifts in direction, markets and technology. As an industry and community, these challenges were met with the enquiry, resilience, and collaboration that characterise those at the intersection of arts and technology. Accordingly, the content focus for this year is:

• Future Ready and what the next 1-5 years hold
• I’M HERE! Making your mark so that you find your niche and stand out
• Indie Indie Indie! The big hits and the opportunities
• Numbers Game how to understand and utilise your analytics.

With greater focus on advanced-level talks, GCAP 2026’s sessions will be designed not just to open discussion but to provide education and help the Australian video games industry and community develop and thrive. Attendees can expect in-depth talks for development disciplines, engaging roundtables, and keynotes grounded in reality to enhance professional development.

Last year saw the introduction of more formal networking sessions across the entire program, providing space for tailored industry specialists to come together and discuss pressing industry issues. Feedback from attendees showed these networking sessions resulted in numerous opportunities so they will form an integral part of the program.

GCAP will run in Melbourne from 5-7 October 2026 as part of Melbourne International Games Week.