Every year, PAX Australia serves as the beating heart of the gaming community Down Under, bringing together gamers, developers, and industry insiders under one roof. And with PAX Aus 2025 just behind us, the spotlight is shining brighter than ever on the indie developers who are pushing the boundaries of creativity, storytelling, and gameplay innovation.

This year’s PAX Aus Indie Showcase Winners represent the fresh pulse of Australia’s gaming scene from evocative narrative adventures to mind-bending puzzle games and bold genre mashups that defy expectations. These creators are not only crafting unique experiences but are also making waves on the global stage, proving that Aussie indie talent is a force to be reckoned with.

Meet the Winners

Lunars

Developed by: Anubis Arts
Genre: Party, Mulitplayer, Action
Platform: PC (Steam)

Think Mario Party meets Party Animals but faster, with no waiting.
Lunars is a chaotic 8-player party game where adorable plushie zodiac animals clash in minigames and unpredictable board events. Everyone rolls at the same time, no one sits out when eliminated, and there are loads of cosmetics to customise your plushies and make them your own.

Doggy Don’t Care

Developed by: Rotub Games Pty Ltd
Genre: Action, Adventure, Platformer, Collectathon
Platform: PC

Unleash adorable chaos as a mischievous dog! Explore, collect, and smash your way around the house & beyond in this cheeky adventure. Fetch the approval of your feathered friends by digging into a list of fun-filled tasks and earn mischievous badges. It’s sure to be a pawsitively unforgettable day!

Memory’s Reach

Developed by: 100 Stones Interactive
Genre: Puzzle-Metroidvania / Metroidbrainia
Platform: PC, Mac, Steamdeck

Memory’s Reach is a first person puzzle-adventure metroidvania. Explore labyrinthian megastructures, solve mind-bending puzzles, and wield fantastic alien technology in a quest to reveal the legacy of a doomed civilization.

PROXIMATE

Developed by: Cain Maddox
Genre: Narrative Horror
Platform: PC, Mac, Linux

PROXIMATE is a dread-driven narrative game where you investigate a deep sea laboratory and piece together the events that lead to the research team’s demise.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2957800/PROXIMATE/

You’ll be required to wear an image recognition visor that only tells you the bare minimum information you need to succeed and sometimes less. Use text information, proximity data and audio clues to form a mental map of your surroundings and pray that your technology won’t fail you when you need it most. 

Dryft City Kyngs

Developed by: Nonsense Machine
Genre: RPG, Racing, Adventure, Life Sim
Platform: PC via Steam

From humble office worker, to ruthless racing genius. Become the ultimate Dryft Racer in a colourful 2D punk-cartoon world based on a very near-future Melbourne!

Trivia Deal

Developed by: Fluent Pixel
Genre: Roguelike Deckbuilder
Platform: PC

Trivia Deal is the world’s first trivia roguelike. Answer fast. Play smart. Use lifelines, clear columns, and survive the Rainbow Reaper. A tactical, category-based trivia game with permanent progression and run-to-run randomness.

Indie games have always been the testing ground for innovation in the gaming industry, and Australia’s developers are at the forefront of this creative surge. With access to unique cultural narratives and a passionate community, these developers are crafting games that resonate on a personal level while showcasing universal themes.

PAX Aus’s Indie Showcase is a vital platform that elevates these voices, providing invaluable exposure, networking opportunities, and the chance to bring these remarkable projects to a wider audience. The 2025 winners are proof that the future of gaming is bright filled with bold ideas and driven by passionate creators who dare to think differently.

Where to Play

Many of these award-winning titles will be available on major platforms like Steam, itch.io, and console stores in the coming months. Keep an eye on their official channels and PAX Aus announcements to catch early demos, launch dates, and special events.