Japan’s 17-BIT Studio led by Creator Jake Kazdal are Special Guests at The Game Expo 2026. Play the new game AWAYSIS!
Announcement posted by The Game Expo 05 Feb 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Melbourne, 5th February 2026
This year at The Game Expo we are excited to be bringing to Australia international development studio, 17-BIT, who will be showcasing their innovative new title, AWAYSIS.
Known for bringing genre classics into the modern day, the studio is based in Kyoto, Japan, with team members from across the world. Led by industry pioneer Jake Kazdal, he was one of the first western developers to work with Japanese publishers.
Jake said, "The team at 17-BIT are excited to visit Australia for The Game Expo. We are looking forward to meeting fans and talking with fellow developers about our unique experience developing games in Japan. We are also excited to show our biggest slice of AWAYSIS yet on the show floor. We can't wait to see people square off in our unique physics Dungeon Brawler"
Bringing together creators from around the world, and presenting their amazing work to fans to play is part of the mission of The Game Expo to explore gaming culture. 17-BIT and their talented team will be here to not only show off AWAYSIS to all attendees, but share their experiences and knowledge with fellow developers.
You can get hands on with AWAYSIS and meet 17-BIT at The Game Expo, at Melbourne Convention Centre on March 14-15, 2026. Tickets available from www.thegameexpo.com
The full schedule of panels, musical performances, signings and workshops will be announced closer to the show. Read more
Meet The Team
Jake Kazdal - Art Director and CEO
Jake has worked with Sega Japan and United Game Artists working for Tetsuya Mizuguchi as an artist and animator on Space Channel 5 and Rez. Concept artist at EA Los Angeles. Read full Bio
Ally Mobbs - Audio Director, Sound designer, producer and artist
UK born Ally is Co founder of record label Gohan Tapes, collective field recording and beat making experiment Beat Picnic and a member of Kyoto beat crew and event Frequency Punch. Read full Bio
Steve Heller - Producer
Australia's own, Steve has worked in many roles across the games industry over the past 15 years. Starting as a journalist, he then stepped towards game development. Read full Bio
About AWAYSIS
The ultimate dungeon brawler. A revolutionary, physics-fueled throwdown where you'll jump, slide, and collide on your adventure to restore peace to the Awaysis - an ancient floating relic under attack by forces of great darkness!
About 17-BIT
17-BIT is a boutique independent video game developer specializing in revitalizing classic genres with cutting-edge gaming experiences.17-bit.com
About The Game Expo (TGX)
The Game Expo is Australia's homegrown show dedicated to gaming culture and opens the year of gaming events. Bringing culture to the fore through recognising gaming Creativity, Competition and Community. The Game Expo was formed by members of diverse gaming communities who have come together in collaboration and passion for video games, tabletop games, and everything in between. With decades of experience in gaming events producing activations for the industry, or to support their favourite games TGX aims to help people to play together.
TGX PRESS KIT: Click Here
TGX Press Contact
Daniel Chlebowczyk - Events Engine