Australia's Freeplay Indie Fest Returns In August

Australia's Freeplay Independent Games Fest will return on August 14 and 15 at Melbourne's State Library of Victoria, with the theme "Play Is Everywhere." The event "focuses on the creative and artistic side of making games," organizers said in a statement on Tuesday announcing the new dates for the event. The "Play Is Everywhere" theme will carry across lectures, panels, workshops, an independent games expo and an education showcase. The event "will examine the big questions of creativity, learning, play, and how they connect to the practical processes of game development," Freeplay said. "This year we’ll look at how gaming has changed over the past few years, its place in the wider community, the opportunities for personal expression, the practicalities of making games, and on the excitement of creating new things -- and on making sure our audience feels that same excitement," said Freeplay director Eve Penford-Dennis. Last year's Freeplay attracted over 200 attendees to hear around 50 speakers, including a keynote from Crayon Physics' Petri Purho [pictured], according to Freeplay's official website, which has more information about the event.