Game Programming
Meet other local people interested in Game Programming: share experiences, inspire and encourage each other! Join a Game Programming group.
11,124
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12
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Largest Game Programming groups
Newest Game Programming groups
Filmmakers + Game Devs—SemiReal Interactive Storytelling Lab
9 Creators
Creative makers (films, tech, games, music, art, content)
85 Members
Perth Unity Development Meetup Group
11 Members
Melbourne Houdini User Group MelHUG
206 Members
Sydney Houdini User Group (SydHUG)
711 Members
Perth Unreal Engine Meetup
44 Unreal Devs
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out game programming events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the game programming events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find game programming events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Game Programming Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Melbourne Mafia Club Game Night
🔫Melbourne Mafia Club invites everyone to take part in our game nights 🔫
Mafia is a social deduction game with a competitive element and a lot of fun. Citizens, led by the sheriff, wake up every day to try to guess who mafia is based on the way every player talks and what they do. That is, until the night falls and sinister mafia goes out to hunt.
We play by the classic rules of Mafia, 10 players and the judge, which enables clear skill progression, becoming better at the game, earning rating and eventually taking part in tournaments (if that is something you’re into 😉).
Mafia is not only a fun way to spend a Sunday, but also a fantastic way to meet new people and become part of a welcoming community. Our regular players come from all kinds of backgrounds and many have made genuine friendships through the club, that go far beyond it.
We play in Southbank, mostly on Sundays from 2:30pm. See you there 🙂
If you’d like to know more please feel free to reach out to me here via DMs or the number below and I’ll be happy to share everything ☺️ We also have livestream recordings if you wanna see what it looks like.
Guided Game Night for Beginners Saturday D&D - North Melbourne
**Beginner Dungeons & Dragons Night (No Experience Needed)**
Play a fantasy story with a small group.
Make choices. Solve problems. Work together.
It’s fun, social, and easy because its hosted by a storyteller.
**What is this Event**
This is a beginner-friendly D&D game.
You don’t need to know anything.
Most people are new.
We teach as we play.
**Small groups (limited spots**)
Tables of 5–6 players, we wont take anymore than this to maintain a high quality of participants.
12–18 total spots in total.
If you see a spot you can make, take it. They fill.
**What happens when you arrive**
You don’t need to bring anything
You’ll be seated shortly after you arrive
Most people come alone
You will not be the only one.
**What you’ll do**
Play a character in a fantasy story
Make choices with your group
Talk, explore, and solve problems
Roll dice to determine your success and see what happens (usually shenanigans)
Expect to share funny and memorable moments with the people in our network.
**What you don’t need to worry about**
You don't need to know rules
new people won't slow the group down
Don't need to bring anything
We guide you the whole way (< why this works)
**Who this is for**
You work a 9–5 and want to meet new people after work or on weekends.
You enjoy fantasy stories, books or games
You want to try dungeons and dragons
You want a curated story games night that will be the highlight of your week.
**Frequently Asked Questions... 🕵️♂️**
**Won't everyone else already know each other?**
The only people who know each other are the Dungeon Masters leading each table. We don't allow groups to attend these nights, so at most there is a duo coming who already know each other. Everyone and you are super new to this.
**Will I be the only girl at the event?**
No, our events are generally 3:1 ratio, most tables I have seen are 2 girls and 4 guys. no promises on any individual night, but you'll find it doesn't impact your enjoyment.
**I'm worried I might slow everyone else down?**
Not true, pre-filled character sheets take much of the guess work out of learning the game, and the GMs have all taught tens to hundreds of people this game.
*The only thing you'll want to remember is the "D20", a twenty sided dice is always used to resolve actions, whether it's picking a pocket, striking a wicked goblin or recalling history on a forgotten ruin.*
*Ok, your basically ready now. seriously.*
Don't believe me? Come and find out for yourself.
**I'm worried I might be too old/too young for this?**
so here's what you'll want to know. we usually see attendees anywhere from 19-49 years of age.
normally it's 25-35ish as we often curate out events for young professionals and established professionals working locally.
But I'll say this: if you get along with a mature audience of respectful people who can collaborate together - you're in for a good time.
**Session**
3-hour(ish) game
Run by experienced Dungeon Master
2–3 tables each nigh
**Before the event**
You may get a message from the organiser
Please reply to keep your spot
**Attendance policy**
Cancel early if you can’t make i
No-shows or late cancels may lose future spot
**Donation**
We take small donations to support the event and our hosts
**Dinner**
Some of us like to hang out after the game for a bit, usually for eats and chats
Guided Game Night and Dinner for Beginners Friday D&D - Southbank
**Beginner Dungeons & Dragons Night (No Experience Needed - Dinner)**
This event is a free guided session for new attendees of our beginner D&D program in Southbank, with dinner afterwards.
Come along, meet others, play and learn, and see whether Dungeons & Dragons is something you'd enjoy.
If you decide it's a good fit, you'll have the opportunity to continue. There's no obligation to continue—you're welcome to simply enjoy your first session and decide afterwards.
Your Game Host teaches everything, so no experience or preparation is needed. see you guys soon :)
**What is this Event**
This is a beginner-friendly D&D game
You don’t need to know anything
Most people are new
We teach as we play
Cooperative game
**Small groups (limited spots)**
Tables of 5–6 players, we wont take anymore than this to maintain a high quality of participants
12–18 total spots in total
If you see a spot you can make, take it. They fill.
**What happens when you arrive**
You don’t need to bring anything
You’ll be seated shortly after you arrive
Most people come alone
You will not be the only one
**What you’ll do**
Play a character in a fantasy story
Make choices with your group
Talk, explore, and solve problem
Roll dice to determine your success and see what happens (usually shenanigans)
Expect to share funny and memorable moments with the people in our network
**What you don’t need to worry about**
You don't need to know rule
new people won't slow the group down
Don't need to bring anything
We guide you the whole way
**Who this is for**
You work a 9–5 or shift work, and want to meet new people after work or on weekends
You enjoy fantasy stories, books or game
You want to try dungeons and dragon
You want a cooperative story game night that will be the highlight of your week
**Frequently Asked Questions... 🕵️♂**
**Won't everyone else already know each other?**
The only people who know each other are the Dungeon Masters leading each table. We don't allow groups to attend these nights, so at most there is a duo coming who already know each other. Everyone and you are super new to this
**Will I be the only girl at the event?**
No, our events are generally 3:1 ratio, most tables I have seen are 2 girls and 4 guys. no promises on any individual night, but you'll find it doesn't impact your enjoyment
**I'm worried I might slow everyone else down?**
Not true, pre-filled character sheets take much of the guess work out of learning the game, and the GMs have all taught tens to hundreds of people this game
*The only thing you'll want to remember is the "D20", a twenty sided dice is always used to resolve actions, whether it's picking a pocket, striking a wicked goblin or recalling history on a forgotten ruin*
*Ok, your basically ready now. seriously*
Don't believe me? Come and find out for yourself
**I'm worried I might be too old/too young for this?**
so here's what you'll want to know. we usually see attendees anywhere from 19-49 years of age
normally it's 25-35ish as we often curate out events for young professionals and established professionals working locally
But I'll say this: if you get along with a mature audience of respectful people who can collaborate together - you're in for a good time
**Session information**
3-hour(ish) game- first sessions is a free trial
Run by experienced Dungeon Maste
2–3 tables each night
**Before the event**
You may get a message from the organise
Please reply to keep your spo
**Attendance policy**
Cancel early if you can’t make
No-shows or late cancels may lose future spo
**Dinner**
join us for a meal at the Vietnamese restaurant hosting us. We like to hang out after the game for a bit, usually for eats and chat amongst new friends :)
Thursday night Rainbow Boardgames - Marché Board Games Cafe
Join your fellow LGBTQIA+ folks for a social evening of board games at Marché Board Games Cafe.
We have access to the games library at the cafe. If you have a game that you want to share, please feel free to bring it along. We play all sorts of games - card games, party games, strategy games - and we're happy to teach new players.
Groups for games usually form between 6:30-6:45, so it's important to try arrive on time to ensure you're allocated to a game/group. Anyone arriving late may have to wait for a game if all groups have started.
The cafe has drinks and food available. Check out their menu here: https://mbgcafe.com.au/menu.pdf
We only accept payment at the time of booking to reserve your spot. This means you will need to pay the booking amount via PayPal at the time of booking to confirm your spot.
If you can't make it to the event, please ensure you get in touch by messaging the event hosts or emailing rainbowbg.melbourne@gmail.com at least one day before the event, and we can reverse your payment via PayPal.
The cafe does NOT have a liquor licence. Consuming alcohol on the premises is illegal, and will result in any members being banned from future events.
See you on Thursday!
Sunday Gaming Meetup & Social by Respawn
Welcome to Respawn’s Gamers Citadel! 🛡️
Come hang out, meet fellow gamers, and enjoy a chill vibe with great food and drinks. 🥤
Entry is $3 or buy yourself a drink or food. 🍲
At the “Gamers Citadel”, we provide the consoles for you and have two multiplayer (2-4 player) game stations (A, B, C and D). For our board games area you are allowed to BYO! 😯 ♟️
Currently available are: Switch, PS1, PS2, SNES, N64, Cardfight!! Vanguard, Yu-Gi-Oh! and more! If you’re bringing anything, please DM us so we can accommodate. ❤️
Conditions of entry are to either purchase any food or drink of your choice and we will provide you a reusable badge to show that you’re one of us! ✌️
Whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore fan, this is the place to be. Don’t miss out on the fun! 🤩
Our games list is below! 👇
Game Station A - PS2:
1st Game: ???
2nd Game: ???
Game Station B - ??? - Dean:
1st Game: ???
2nd Game: ???
Game Station C - ??? - Michael
1st Game: ???
2nd Game: ???
Game Station D - TCG + Board Games:
Pokémon TCG
YU-Gi-OH! TCG
UNO
JENGA
BYO available!
You can bring your own board games, controllers, equipment etc. 👍
Follow us on Instagram: @respawn.social 📱
Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/phscMtBqpW 🎧
Find Respawn on Facebook: https://facebook.com/events/s/respawn-gaming-social-club-lau/940165205164472/ 🔗
Visit our website for all info: https://intermingle.au/respawn/ 👩💻
Respawn Gaming Tekken 5 Tournament + Gamers Meetup
Welcome to Respawn’s Tournament Edition! 🛡️
This time it’s our third tournament special, Tekken 5! We will do this every first Friday of the month. The tournament lasts 1.5-2 hours depending on the players, starting at 6pm. 🥷
Nothing to worry about as it’s not serious, more casual. Prizes awarded to podium finishers worth $10-$100. 🫶
RULES:
• Registration Time: 6pm-6:45pm.
• Tournament Start Time: 6:45pm.
• All tournament participants MUST arrive by deadline 6:45pm. We cannot add players afterwards as it’ll cause confusion.
• Format: Swiss (If more than 8 players) & Round Robin (If there is less than 8 players).
• You may pick ONLY one player throughout the tournament as it’ll be logged into our Challonge.
• No Cheat codes.
1st Place: $100 voucher presented by Melbourne Central Lion Hotel. 🥇
2nd Place: Tekken 7 Official Marketing Poster. 🥈
3rd Place: Tekken: Funko Pop #174 Nina Williams. 🥉
Will you be the champion of our King of Iron Fist Tournament? 🏆
RSVP and DM us to officially register on our Challonge. Let us know which character you’re using! (Can only select one). Please arrive on time before 6:45pm. ☝️
You can also come hang out, meet fellow gamers, and enjoy a chill vibe with great food and drinks. Spectator game stations available!🥤
At the “Gamers Citadel”, we provide the consoles for you and this time have 2 multiplayer (2-4 player) game stations (A and B). For our board games area you are allowed to BYO! 😯 ♟️
Currently available are: Switch, PS1, PS2, SNES, N64, Cardfight!! Vanguard, Yu-Gi-Oh! and more! If you’re bringing anything, please DM us so we can accommodate. ❤️
Conditions of entry are to either purchase any food or drink of your choice and we will provide you a reusable badge to show that you’re one of us! Please return it when you’re done.✌️
Whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore fan, this is the place to be. Don’t miss out on the fun! 🤩
Our games list is below! 👇
Game Station A - PS2 - Dean:
Designated Tekken 5 Tournament Special using PS2..
Game Station B - Switch - Michael:
• Super Smash Bros Ultimate
• Super Mario Kart 8
Game Station C - PS3 - Taran:
• Mortal Kombat 9
• Crash Team Racing - 4 player
Game Station D - TCG + Board Games:
Pokémon TCG
YU-Gi-OH! TCG
UNO
JENGA
BYO available!
You can bring your own board games, controllers, equipment etc. 👍
Top 3 tournament entrants earn prizes and will be announced via Instagram, Facebook and Discord. 🔊
Follow us on Instagram: @respawn.social 📱
Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/phscMtBqpW 🎧
Find Respawn on Facebook: https://facebook.com/events/s/respawn-gaming-social-club-lau/940165205164472/ 🔗
Visit our website for all info: https://intermingle.au/respawn/ 👩💻
GET READY FOR THE NEXT BATTLE! 👊
Japanese/Riichi Mahjong (リーチ麻雀) at Good Games Box Hill
Join us for some games of (Japanese) Riichi Mahjong at Good Games Box Hill. We welcome beginners and seasoned players alike; let us know ahead of time if you are a beginner. We play with WRC rules with red fives. Please see the following website for more information regarding rules ([https://www.worldriichi.org/wrc-rules](https://www.worldriichi.org/wrc-rules)).
Games are timed at 75 minutes + 1 additional hand and scores are tracked on https://scores.vicriichi.org/. Rounds will be at approximately the following times:
\- 12:30/12:45pm \- 2:15pm
\- 2:15pm \- 3:45pm
\- 3:45pm \- 5:15pm
Have the best 10 consecutive games between 1 May 2026 and 31 July 2026 to earn a $50 gift card to spend at Good Games!
Entry fee: $5. If paying by cash, please pay at the counter. This money is used to pay for our use of the store space, maintaining equipment and other meetup services, and organising larger events open to everyone!
Please change your RSVP to not going if you're no longer able to attend. This will give the next person on the waitlist the opportunity to attend.
There is free parking available in the Care Park on Watts St next to the store.
Want to support Victorian Riichi Mahjong and receive exclusive benefits? Then become an official member! For $30/year, members receive an extensive benefits package that includes:
-Eligibility to discuss and vote on Club matters during live Club meetings, and to vote and run for Leadership Officer positions.
-Complimentary Vic Riichi merchandise every membership year.
-Early access and discounted entry fees for events and tournaments.
-Mahjong coaching, workshops, study sessions, and online log reviews.
-Access to exclusive members-only merchandise and events.
-Access to meetup benefits such as discounted loyalty cards.
Please see [here](https://www.vicriichi.org/membership) for more info!
If you would like to connect with other Victorian/Australian Riichi Mahjong players online, check out our website, [https://www.vicriichi.org](https://www.vicriichi.org), and join the [Victorian Riichi Mahjong Association (VRMA)](https://vicriichi.org/discord) and [Australian Riichi Mahjong Association (ARMA)](https://discord.gg/m8rYv4fS4F) Discord groups!
Game Programming Events Near You
Connect with your local Game Programming community
Unity GameDev Hangout (Topic TBD)
*We'll update this with the specific topic(s) once they're set for the month.*
A relaxed, community-driven Unity GameDev meetup. No strict agenda — just developers getting together to talk shop, share projects, and exchange ideas.
Some topics that may come up (based on attendee interest):
* Frame Debugger & performance tooling
* Addressables & additive scene workflows
* Input System, localization, responsive UI
* AI integration approaches
* DevOps & LiveOps experiences
* Full lifecycle: idea → cross-platform publishing
* Favorite Asset Store tools and hidden gems
* Weird Unity quirks we've all run into
Nothing is locked in. Bring a project if you'd like, bring a question, bring a lesson learned — or just come hang out and meet other developers.
All skill levels welcome. Food and drinks provided.
Unity GameDev Hangout (Topic TBD)
*We'll update this with the specific topic(s) once they're set for the month.*
A relaxed, community-driven Unity GameDev meetup. No strict agenda — just developers getting together to talk shop, share projects, and exchange ideas.
Some topics that may come up (based on attendee interest):
* Frame Debugger & performance tooling
* Addressables & additive scene workflows
* Input System, localization, responsive UI
* AI integration approaches
* DevOps & LiveOps experiences
* Full lifecycle: idea → cross-platform publishing
* Favorite Asset Store tools and hidden gems
* Weird Unity quirks we've all run into
Nothing is locked in. Bring a project if you'd like, bring a question, bring a lesson learned — or just come hang out and meet other developers.
All skill levels welcome. Food and drinks provided.
CABS Boardgaming Friday 7/10
BACK TO CABS!!! Come to CABS Friday 7/10 & Saturday 7/11 - return to CABS as we come back from Origins and the 4th of July Holiday Break.
Come play the new games added to the library at Origins!!!
CABS Boardgame Saturday 7/18
Join us for a great day of gaming at CABS!!! Your first visit is FREE!!!
Board games at The Forge
The Forge does have a full bar and kitchen. There is no cover charge but they do request all attendees to purchase a minimum of ~20 per person. Soft drink refills are 1 each. Please support our hosts so we can continue to provide great events for the group!
The Forge has a large library of games available for us to enjoy. Hosts and regulars will also provide numerous popular games but please bring any games you would like to teach and/or play.
Doors open at 6, and we expect gaming to be rolling by around 630. Please promptly end your games and clear out the space at 10pm when the bar closes.
We encourage socializing but do not permit disruptive behavior of any kind. Thank you for your continued commitment to providing a fun and welcoming space to veteran, newbie, and rookie gamers in the Columbus area.
Parking can sometimes fill esrly. There is additional parking lot behind the neighboring Mexican restaurant that is free and easy to walk from but it's a bit hidden.
Cocoaheads
We have moved to guild.host. Look us up there.
https://guild.host/events/buckeye-cocoaheads-rcavwd
Stop Guessing: How to Measure and Improve LLM Outputs
Most people use LLMs by feel: ask a question, read the answer, decide whether it “seems good,” and move on.
That works for casual use. It does not work when you are building software, automating workflows, writing important documents, or relying on AI for anything that needs to be repeatable.
In this talk, we’ll look at how to improve and evaluate the inputs and outputs of LLMs using practical measurement techniques. We’ll cover how prompt changes affect results, how to compare outputs, how to build simple evaluation sets, and how math-based methods like similarity scoring can help you move beyond guesswork.
This will be beginner-friendly, so even if you don't know anything about AI, you should get something out of it. However, this will be a little more technical than our intro talks. You do not need to be an AI researcher, but programmers and technically curious attendees will get a lot out of it.
We’ll cover:
* Why “it looks good” is not enough
* How to improve prompts by changing the input, context, and constraints
* How to compare LLM outputs more systematically
* Basic evaluation techniques for accuracy, consistency, and usefulness
* How embeddings, cosine similarity, and scoring can help evaluate results
* Where automated evaluation works — and where humans still need to stay in the loop
By the end, you’ll have a practical mental model for treating LLMs less like magic and more like systems you can test, measure, and improve.
LOGISTICS AND PARKING:
The talk starts at 7:00 PM. The first half hour is reserved for everyone to get set up and mingle. Free pizza and drinks!
The cheapest parking option is to find street parking, which will only cost you a few bucks. Otherwise, park in the nearby veteran's museum lot for $8. It's highly recommended you avoid the nearby $15 garage parking.






















