HIGH SCORE
4 – 5 OCTOBER 2025
Turn up the volume. Game audio deserves to be heard.
High Score is Australia’s premier game audio conference. Returning in 2025 to its spiritual home at ACMI, the two-day conference will bring together composers, sound designers and game developers for an in-depth exploration of game audio.
An initiative of the Victorian Government, delivered by Creative Victoria and presented by the Victorian Music Development Office (VMDO), High Score is a cornerstone event of Melbourne International Games Week.
This year’s theme – Turn Up The Volume – champions the idea that game audio deserves to be heard. It highlights the powerful role of music and sound in shaping player experience, from building atmosphere to driving narrative and enhancing gameplay.
The program explores current and emerging trends, including adaptive sound design, interdisciplinary collaboration and the creative processes behind immersive audio.
Delegates will also gain practical insights into career development, sustainable studio practices and essential business topics such as contracts, tax and funding.
Blending creativity and industry knowledge, High Score 2025 is a valuable event for professionals, students and people involved or aspiring to work in game audio.
Renowned Australian game composers including Montaigne, Belinda Coomes and Samantha van der Sluis credit High Score with building lasting industry connections after speaking at the conference last year.
High Score 2025 – game audio, louder than ever.
Program drop
Award-winning television and radio presenter, Angharad 'Rad' Yeo returns to host High Score 2025.
Curated by Amy McNickle, the program features a vibrant mix of inspirational keynotes, technical deep dives and practical sessions, featuring both international leaders and globally recognised local talent.
Exploring everything from adaptive sound design and interactive music to studio leadership, career development and the business of working in games, High Score 2025 program highlights include:
The sounds of Indiana Jones – Pete Ward (MachineGames) shares how the iconic score and sound of Indiana Jones were reimagined in a behind-the-scenes masterclass on cinematic and interactive audio for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.
An Australian game composing legend – Michael Allen, recipient of the inaugural APRA AMCOS Screen Music Award for Games, reflects on his creative journey and acclaimed score for Solium Infernum (League of Geeks).
Songwriting for games – Sarah Wolfe shares how she blends hyperpop with genre innovation in Don’t Stop Girlypop! (Funny Fintan Softworks) and Mystiques: Haunted Antiques (Lemonade Games).
Voice for games – Bringing characters to life – Spoonful of Wonder, creators of Copycat, reveals how voice performance enhances emotional depth, with practical tips on casting, directing and studio workflows.
Indie audio innovation – Discover how FMOD-powered soundscapes elevate storytelling in standout indie titles Cozy Caravan (5 Lives Studios) and Call of the Golden Valley (O’Saurus Studios).
The business of audio – A practical session on contracts, licensing, tax, funding, the Digital Games Tax Offset and AI’s impact on game audio. Gordon McGladdery (A Shell in the Pit) shares insights on growing an audio business, lead generation, and sustainable practices.
More speakers to be announced.
High Score – Game Audio Conference
4 – 5 October 2025
ACMI, Fed Square, Melbourne
Part of Melbourne International Games Week
Tickets
$180 Full
$95 Concession
$50 Live stream
Travel bursary
Regional and interstate delegates are encouraged to apply for a travel bursary. Expressions of interest are now open and will now close on 5 September 2025 (extended from 29 August). Apply here.
Supporters
High Score is a Victorian Government initiative presented by the Victorian Music Development Office (VMDO) as a cornerstone event of Melbourne International Games Week.
High Score 2025 is supported by Creative Victoria, Music Australia, APRA AMCOS, FMOD, venue partner ACMI and has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.