The gaming world is buzzing with excitement as the Queer Games Festival (QGF) opens its doors to submissions for 2026. This annual event, held in Melbourne is a vibrant celebration of LGBTQIA+ creativity and a platform for queer game developers to showcase their work.
Founded over a decade ago by Luke Miller the QGF was born out of a desire to represent LGBTQIA+ experiences in gaming. Miller’s own journey as a queer game developer inspired the creation of this festival, which has since grown into a global phenomenon.
The Birth of the Queer Games Festival
The QGF’s origins trace back to Miller’s creation of My Boyfriend the Space Tyrant a gay-themed science-fiction adventure. Recognizing the lack of LGBTQIA+ representation in gaming, Miller took it upon himself to create a space where queer artists could share their stories. As he told QNews“It was an opportunity to create space for queer artists to talk about their art. If we don’t do it ourselves, then the work doesn’t get seen, so creating this space was important.”
The festival has evolved into a lo-fi event run by a dedicated team of volunteers who are passionate about queer games. These games can range from autobiographical to experimentalpolitical or even chaotic reflecting the diverse experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Submissions and Awards
Submissions for the 2026 QGF are now open and will close on August 31. This year, the festival introduces several exciting new elements. For the first time, QGF will co-host a one-night-only physical event with Sabby in Carlton during October. This event will allow players to get hands-on with some of the selected games, offering a unique opportunity for interaction and engagement.
The festival is also bringing back its Emerging Developer Award sponsored by Minoh Workshop. This award comes with a US$500 prize for an early-career developer of any age. Additionally, a new Excellence in Narrative Award has been introduced, complete with a US$250 prize.
To ensure the festival remains relevant and responsive to the needs of the community, QGF will also run its second “state of the scene” survey. This survey aims to check in with queer game makers and explore how the community is feeling.
Connecting the Queer Gaming Community
The QGF is more than just a festival; it’s a community hub where queer game developers can connect, share ideas, and support each other. The festival provides a platform for these developers to gain visibility and recognition for their work, which is often overlooked in mainstream gaming.
For updates on the festival, interested parties can join QGF’s mailing list or keep an eye on their Instagram. The festival’s website also offers a wealth of information for those looking to submit their games or simply learn more about the event.
The 2026 Queer Games Festival promises to be an exciting and inclusive event, celebrating the rich diversity of LGBTQIA+ experiences in gaming. Whether you’re a game developer, a player, or simply a supporter of queer culture, there’s something for everyone at the QGF.
