About Game Worlds
What is the Game Worlds exhibition about?
Game Worlds is an exhibition about the last 50 years of video-game culture, featuring more than 30 iconic games and 44 playable moments. The exhibition has worked closely with game developers to present original design materials, concept art and rare objects, so visitors can get a unique behind-the-scenes view into how some of their favourite games have been brought to life.
What is unique about the Game Worlds exhibition?
At Game Worlds you can play games in ways you can’t at home and go behind the scenes to learn about the making of these games. The exhibition brings together rare objects, concept art and original design materials. From playing pioneering games of the past to competing against a speed-run challenge, there are 44 opportunities to play throughout the exhibition.
When does Game Worlds run?
Game Worlds is open every day 10am–5pm, until Sunday 8 February 2026, at ACMI, Federation Square, Melbourne.
How long does it take to visit Game Worlds?
Most visitors take approximately 60 – 90 minutes to explore Game Worlds, but you are welcome to stay longer.
Is Game Worlds suitable for children?
Yes, the Game Worlds exhibition has games available to play for all ages. Some games include mature themes and player discretion is advised. These games will be clearly marked throughout the exhibition.
Can I play the games at Game Worlds?
Yes. There are 44 playable moments throughout the Game Worlds exhibition. Here is a list of all the playable games:
- The Sims
- Minecraft
- Hollow Knight: Silksong
- SimCity
- Celeste
- Stardew Valley Planner
- Dungeons & Dragons
- Neopets
- Zork
- The Hobbit
- Team Fortress
- Playable prototypes from 2pt Interactive
- Guardian Maia
- Terra Nil
- Isopod
What games are on show at Game Worlds?
The Game Worlds exhibition features more than 30 iconic video games from the 1970s to today.
Here is a more comprehensive list of games being exhibited:
- Playable prototypes by 2pt Interactive
- Celeste
- Colossal Cave Adventure
- Doom
- Dungeons & Dragons
- Final Fantasy XIV Online
- Guardian Maia
- Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Isopod
- Maze War
- Minecraft
- Neopets
- SimCity
- Stardew Valley Planner
- Team Fortress
- Terra Nil
- The Elder Scrolls Online
- The Hobbit
- The Sentinel
- The Sims
- World of Warcraft
- Zork
When is the Game Worlds exhibition busiest?
Weekends, public holidays and school holidays are the busiest times. For a quieter experience, try weekday mornings soon after opening, particularly Mondays.
Does Game Worlds have free Wi-Fi?
Yes, ACMI has free Wi-Fi, simply select ACMI-WiFi to connect for free, no password needed
Tickets and pricing
How much are tickets to Game Worlds?
Tickets start from $30 for adults, $17 for children aged 4–15 years, and children under 4 are free. There are also discounts for groups, students, concessions, ACMI Members and more.
Do ACMI Members get free entry to Game Worlds?
ACMI Members receive discounted tickets to Game Worlds and other exclusive benefits across ACMI exhibitions and programs. Visit the membership page to see all the benefits.
Can I buy tickets to Game Worlds at the door?
Yes, you can buy tickets at the door for Game Worlds, but booking in advance is strongly recommended. Game Worlds tickets are timed every 15 minutes so are subject to availability on the day. Please note if you miss the start time on your ticket, it is still valid for the same day.
What are flexi tickets?
Flexi tickets to Game Worlds are fast-track entry into the exhibition and are untimed and undated. This allows you to choose what day and time you’d like to attend the exhibition. They offer complete flexibility and cost $40.
Why are the tickets timed every 15 minutes?
Tickets are timed every 15 minutes to Game Worlds to help stagger visitors and allow everyone time and space to explore. If you miss your entry time your ticket is valid for the entire day; however, there may be a short wait to enter the exhibition.
Can I leave and re-enter the exhibition on the same day?
No, Game Worlds tickets are valid for one entry there are toilets and baby change facilities inside the exhibition.
Do you accept Companion Cards or carer tickets?
If you have a Companion Card, you can book a free ticket for your Companion online or in-person to enter Game Worlds. If booking online, you will need to collect your tickets at the Ticket Desk and present your Companion Card when doing so.
Do you offer gift vouchers for Game Worlds?
Gift vouchers are not available for Game Worlds, however you’re welcome to purchase untimed and undated Flexi tickets for someone else.
Can I change my session time or get a refund?
If you need to change the date of your tickets to Game Worlds or you would like to cancel and get a refund, please let us know before the entry time - we cannot exchange or refund tickets once your entry time has passed.
If you’re not an ACMI Member, we charge $2.50 per exchange (not per ticket), and you will need to collect these new tickets in person from the Ticket Desk and pay the exchange fee there.
Special events and merchandise
Are there talks or events connected to Game Worlds?
Yes, ACMI has created a range of special events connected to Game Worlds. Sign up to the newsletter to know when tickets go on sale and check the What’s On calendar for upcoming events as well as Auslan and audio-described tours, and relaxed sessions.
Is Game Worlds merchandise available?
Yes, there is a full range of exclusive Game Worlds merchandise on sale at the ACMI Shop and online.
Accessibility
Is Game Worlds wheelchair accessible?
Yes. ACMI and Game Worlds is fully wheelchair accessible, with lifts, ramps and wide pathways throughout.
Are captions available in Game Worlds?
Yes. All videos in Game Worlds include closed captions.
Is the exhibition translated?
Introductions are also available with translations in Punjabi, Simplified Chinese and Hindi, displayed in a large 24pt+ font for easy reading. There is also free Wi-Fi (ACMI-WiFi) for people to use their own devices.
Are there Auslan or audio-described tours for Game Worlds?
Yes, ACMI is offering Auslan-interpreted tours and audio-described tours of Game Worlds on these specific dates:
What are Relaxed visits to Game Worlds?
Relaxed visits to Game Worlds are for visitors who prefer a low-sensory environment, so they can experience the exhibition with less sound and lighting stimulation. You need to register your interest to attend one of these sessions.
Is there an accessibility guide or floor plan for Game Worlds?
Yes. You can use our Accessibility guide and floor plan for Game Worlds to help plan your visit and navigate the space.
Are assistance animals allowed inside Game Worlds?
Yes, accredited guide dogs and assistance animals are welcome at ACMI and within the Game Worlds exhibition.
School visits to Game Worlds
Are school visits bookable for Game Worlds?
Yes, you can book school visits to Game Worlds.
What can students expect to learn on a school visit?
In Game Worlds, students will explore concepts such as characterisation, representation, design, computational thinking, analysis and play, whilst fostering critical and creative thinking. It provides opportunities to connect with curriculum areas including English, Media Arts, Humanities and the Arts. See curriculum links.
Are there any Game Worlds learning resources?
Yes. There is a Game Worlds learning resource.
Do teachers need to pay for entry when bringing students?
Teachers have free entry when they attend with student groups for the Game Worlds exhibition.
Are there any education programmes connected with Game Worlds?
Yes, there are education programmes connected to Game Worlds — on Fridays during term time, you can book a free talk. We also offer game-related talks, workshops and resources in our regular schools programme.
Is it possible to combine a visit to Game Worlds with a visit to The Story of the Moving Image?
Yes, The Story of the Moving Image will complement your students’ visit to Game Worlds. Booking is essential. You can download the game-focused trail to support your free visit.
How much time will an exhibition visit take?
Game Worlds is a large exhibition with many opportunities for interaction, gameplay and learning. You should allow at least 45 minutes for your students’ visit.
Visiting ACMI
What is ACMI?
ACMI is the museum of screen culture in Australia where you can watch, play, make and discover the universe of screen-based art, films, TV and video games. Our museum attracts millions of visitors throughout the year with a wide array of exhibitions, film screenings, commissions and festivals.
Where is ACMI?
ACMI is located at Federation Square in the heart of Melbourne, directly opposite Flinders Street Station.
What are ACMI’s opening hours?
ACMI is open every day from 10am–5pm. It is closed on Christmas Day.
Is there a café at ACMI?
Yes, there is a small café onsite at ACMI with snacks, light meals, coffee and drinks. See the full menu. The ACMI café is open 8:30am–4:30pm weekdays and 10am–4:30pm weekends. Hours are extended for evening cinema sessions. acmi.net.au
Is there a cloakroom or lockers for bags and prams?
A cloakroom is available for large items only such as suitcases. You are welcome to take bags into Game Worlds, a staff member will assist if required.
Can I bring food or drinks into Game Worlds?
For collection care, food or drinks are not permitted inside the exhibition. Our café is available for meals and drinks before or after your visit.
Is photography allowed in Game Worlds?
Yes, photography is encouraged for personal use at Game Worlds. Flash and tripods are not permitted.
