It has been a couple of weeks since The Game Expo 2026. A two-day event dedicated to gaming, celebrating its culture and creativity. It fell on the weekend I was jet-setting off to New Zealand for a cheeky holiday, so I had to jam-pack two days’ worth of exploring into one day.
As I was wandering the aisles of The Melbourne Convention Centre, I felt this overwhelming sense of joy. Like sitting in a food court watching people eat, everywhere I looked, there was a smile. Whether you’re into tournaments, Dance Dance Revolution, Retro Games, Cosplay, Tabletop Gaming, meet and greets, exploring through the artists’ alley, looking for something new to put on your walls, there is something for everyone.
However, there is one reason I’m here, and with only one day we need to head to the Indie Developer’s area and play until my eyes go square.
This was my first time going to an Expo as part of the Gamer Social Club, and I had the best day talking to as many Australian Indie Developers as possible.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to speak to everyone as I wasn’t the only person trying to get a second of a developer’s time. However, I did manage to secure some time for an interview or two, so keep an eye out for those over the next few weeks.
So, without any more yapping from me, here are all the games I managed to play at The Game Expo 2026. I will leave links to the respective Steam pages so you can wishlist anything that takes your fancy
Bones – Wandering Soul
- Developer & Publisher: Studio Tinkerhaus
- Release Date: TBC
- Steam Link
Bones, a small skeleton on a journey of self-discovery, finds himself in a strange and curious city. To find his way home, he must unravel its secrets, solving puzzles limb by limb to uncover clues and forge new paths.
The demo I played of Bones has you exploring a city full of dangers. A 2.5D platforming Metroidvania, where you must use your cunning and limbs to progress. There are disguises that you can use, so you can chat to humans without them being scared. One of the cutest mechanics is Bones’ use of his body. You pop your head off if you need to crouch. Need to get to the next building? Pop off your arm and use it to zipline down.
Currently, Bones is in early development with no release date set. To keep up to date with Bones, Studio Tinkerhaus upload devlogs to their YouTube channel.
Pistil
- Developer & Publisher: Sagehart Studio
- Release Date: TBC
- Steam Link
Traverse a world of life emerging from death as you explore the remains of a forgotten titan.
Pistil is a gorgeous hand-drawn 2D platformer being developed by four Melbourne-based students. Where you must master dash abilities to solve movement puzzles and combat trails.
The demo I played had amazing colours and fluid movement. As you progress through the level, you acquire new powers that will allow you to smash through the environment and enemies alike.
Dungeon Pizza
- Developer & Publisher: Growing Games
- Release Date: TBC
- Steam Link
Dungeon Pizza is a cozy pizza shop simulation game where you’re a giant cat who is making pizza for all sorts of fantasy characters.
A very friendly soldier, “Max” bought his own toppings. So a rat chunk pizza is on its way. I also got a secret line of dialogue from putting way too much chilli on a pizza.
The game is simple to master, using only your mouse. You must knead the dough and then top your pizza with what the customer asked for, then serve. Oh, did I mention you’re a giant cat?
A must for any cozy game lovers.
Freefall ‘95
- Developer & Publisher: S-Bend Games
- Release Date: May 2026
- Steam Link
Freefall ’95 is an action-packed, arcade-inspired falling simulator. Trapped in a time loop, aboard a doomed flight, you must spend your eternity falling. Might well make it fun.
Use tricks and falling debris to help collect items and solve the mystery.
Freefall ’95 is incredibly addictive, and I had an absolute blast trying to beat some high scores.
There is a playable demo available on Steam with a May release date planned.
SINthetic
- Developer & Publisher: ArgentSoft
- Release Date: TBC
- Steam Link
SINthetic is a fast-paced, combat-heavy mix of Western RPG and JRPG mechanics.
You control a team of mercenaries that can be picked from a roster of heroes. All with different weapons and abilities. You can switch between heroes during combat with the press of a button, with the ability to combine abilities to create devastation.
The demo I played was an arcade mode team deathmatch against the computer. There were roughly 10 heroes to choose from. It had a steep learning curve, with so much happening on the screen at once, I didn’t realise I wasn’t attacking until most of my team was dead. The full release will include a narrative mode that follows Fawke Harvey as he apprehends criminals and uncovers a conspiracy.
Cyber Paradise
- Developer & Publisher: DDmeow Games
- Release Date: TBC
- Steam Link
Action. Dogs. Cafe. These are the three core elements of DDmeow Games 2d side scrolling action adventure roguelike, where reality has been exposed as a simulation, and every aspect of our lives is predetermined by algorithms.
The world is cold. Once you die, you are deleted from existence. No Heaven or Hell, nothing. So when Mini-the-dog dies, Haley must use every skill she has to defeat monsters created from the memories and experiences of Mini’s life, to uncover the mysteries of the past.
As you hack and slash your way through gorgeous neon-drenched pixel art, cyberpunk-themed biomes, a sweeter, more innocent undertone creeps in. Between each mission, you can hang out in the cafe Mini owned (yes, it’s a dog cafe) and talk to the patrons to uncover more of what made Mini special.
The demo itself is about an hour long and gives you a glimpse of the combat, platforming, and roguelike elements. There is both a chaos mode and a cozy mode. So if you’re not here for the violence, you can stay for the story.
It’s Dinner Time
- Developer & Publisher: Feathered Yoghurt
- Release Date: TBC
- Feathered Yoghurt website to download It’s Dinner Time
It’s Dinner Time is a sandbox delivery driver game set in the suburbs of Australia. With amazing 90s PlayStation graphics, it feels like you’re playing Carmageddon. I only wish there were pedestrians to mow down while you’re delivering your pizzas.
There is no Steam page, but you can download It’s Dinner Time free straight off their website.
Batography
- Developer & Publisher: Sporktank
- Release Date: 29 Jan 2025
- Steam Link
Batography is a cozy photography game, where you must guide a curious bat on a journey to take a photo of the full moon.
Explore a sleepy moonlit town, uncovering cozy and sassy inhabitants, and help them with tasks and taking photos.
The full version is currently free on Steam and is a must-play for any cozy gamers.
What an amazing day I had at The Game Expo. As I said, I wasn’t able to make it to every booth, but I damn well tried. Does anything take your fancy? Next year, I will play everything!
The Gamer Social Club runs a Monthly “Book Club” for gamers. Where we play games from our backlog or the latest Indie gem everyone is talking about. So join The Gamer Social Club Discord to become involved in this month’s Game of the Month.
We also have several weekly shows on The Gamer Social Club Network YouTube channel to keep up to date with news, reviews, interviews, and all sorts of fun.
