Media Design School at Strayer (MDS) made its mark at the New Zealand Game Developers Conference (NZGDC) 2026, celebrating the achievements of its students, alumni, and faculty across three days of industry showcases, presentations, and networking.
With NZGDC returning to Auckland, MDS embraced the opportunity to reconnect with New Zealand's thriving game development community, showcase emerging talent, and celebrate the contributions of its graduates to the industry.
The conference brought together approximately 1,000 attendees, including a significant number of MDS students and alumni, alongside industry professionals, studios, and developers from across Aotearoa.
Recognising the Impact of MDS
One of the conference's most memorable moments came during the closing keynote delivered by Chris Wilson, co-founder of Grinding Gear Games, the New Zealand studio behind Path of Exile.
Speaking about "shaping the world" and the potential to shape it from New Zealand, Wilson concluded his presentation with an image of the MDS campus displayed prominently on screen.
The unexpected recognition was a proud moment for the MDS community, highlighting the school's longstanding contribution to developing creative talent and supporting New Zealand's growing games industry.
With MDS graduates working throughout the sector, including at some of the country's most successful studios, the moment exemplified the impact that creative education can have beyond the classroom.
Sharing Knowledge and Showcasing Talent
MDS's involvement extended well beyond the exhibition floor, with three faculty members delivering presentations throughout the conference.
These sessions sparked conversations with fellow developers, educators, and industry professionals, creating opportunities to exchange ideas and strengthen connections.
MDS representatives also participated in the AI Hui, a closed-door industry discussion focused on developing a roadmap for artificial intelligence within New Zealand's games sector.
Meanwhile, MDS alumni were well represented across NZGDC's programme, contributing as speakers, panellists, and exhibitors at the Kiwi Games Zone.
Student Games Take Centre Stage
A major highlight was the MDS games showcase booth, where attendees had the opportunity to experience a diverse selection of games developed by current students.
The showcase attracted considerable interest from industry professionals and fellow developers, with visitors praising both the quality and variety of the projects on display.
Beyond its own booth, MDS supported students and alumni exhibiting independently within the Kiwi Games Zone, helping bring even more locally developed games to the attention of the wider industry.
The event also demonstrated the strength of the MDS whānau, with faculty, students, and alumni working together to prepare exhibition spaces, support developers, and pack down at the conference's conclusion.
The showcase was made possible through the efforts of Callan, Cheryl, and Rourke, alongside the wider Games faculty and Marketing team.
The growing strength of New Zealand's games industry also attracted national media attention, with RNZ reporting on the sector's annual revenue surpassing $1 billion. The article featured one of Media Design School's current students showcasing their game.
Bringing the MDS Games Whānau Together
The celebrations continued beyond the conference itself with the MDS Games Reunion, a dedicated alumni gathering that brought graduates together to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate their shared experiences.
The event exceeded attendance expectations, with an enthusiastic turnout demonstrating the strength of the school's alumni network.
Originally scheduled for two hours, the reunion continued for three, with conversations carrying on until the venue needed to close.
The gathering provided an opportunity for graduates from different years to reconnect with former classmates, meet fellow MDS alumni, and share their experiences working in the games industry.
Attendees also received a limited-edition alumni T-shirt designed by Eden, celebrating the enduring spirit of the MDS community and its guiding values:
Learn. Grow. Lead. Empower.
The reunion was a fitting conclusion to a conference that celebrated not only the future of game development in New Zealand, but also the people and relationships helping shape it.
Looking Ahead
NZGDC 2026 was a reminder of the important role MDS continues to play in New Zealand's creative technology landscape.
From student projects attracting industry attention to alumni contributing to the country's most successful studios, the conference highlighted the talent, creativity, and connections that define the MDS community.
A special thank you to everyone who contributed to the school's presence at NZGDC, including the faculty, students, alumni, and Marketing team who helped make the event such a success.
As New Zealand's games industry continues to grow, MDS looks forward to supporting the next generation of developers, designers, and creative leaders who will help shape its future.
