PlaySide Studios

PlaySide Studios, headquartered in Port Melbourne, Victoria, is a prominent Australian video game developer and publisher. Since its founding in 2012, the company has grown into one of the country's largest independent game developers, producing titles for mobile, PC, console, and virtual reality platforms. The studio gained significant attention in December 2020 when it became the first Australian-based game developer to list on the Australian Securities Exchange under the ticker ASX: PLY.

The company's portfolio spans a diverse range of genres, from licensed adaptations to original intellectual properties. It has acquired the rights to the popular 'Dumb Ways to Die' franchise from Metro Trains in October 2021 for $2.25 million, and has developed games based on major franchises like Disney, Pixar, Warner Bros., and Nickelodeon. Recent releases include the noir-inspired shooter 'Mouse: P.I. For Hire', which launched in April 2026 and quickly recouped all development and marketing costs, leading to announced physical editions. The studio is also developing 'Game of Thrones: War for Westeros', an RTS featuring dragon combat, with gameplay teasers released in mid-2026.

Despite its commercial success, the company faced controversy in May 2026 when reports surfaced of an NFT initiative that left buyers stranded, described as a 'rug pull', sparking investor backlash. Nevertheless, PlaySide continues to expand its global presence, participating in industry events such as WN Istanbul'26 alongside major players like Rovio and Epic Games Store. The company's stock has seen gains driven by a strong pipeline of upcoming titles, and it remains a key player in the global gaming industry, balancing creative innovation with strategic growth. [edit]