WAGIC Presents "Digital Games Pitching" Masterclass with Jon Cartwright

Pitching games to publishers, platform holders like Xbox or PlayStation, and grant funding bodies (like Screenwest) is a learned skill and a fundamental part of the indie developer experience. Getting others to share the vision of your game can be a real challenge, and getting it to an audience who will appreciate and love it even more so. Jon Cartwright has built a business and career out of preparing developers for this journey and securing opportunities to help their games, studios, and businesses grow and thrive.

Developers attending PlayNow in October are strongly encouraged to attend. The pitching techniques, deck development, and live feedback provided throughout this workshop are directly applicable to the publisher and investor meetings you'll have during the event.

This workshop is taking place online via Discord and is strictly limited to Western Australian game developers.

This two-session workshop will cover:

• How to open your pitch and what makes an attention-grabbing logline.

• How to best describe the product’s gameplay and creative aspects to a third party in a way that will excite them and secure follow-ups.

• The top tips for what questions to ask to secure the best commercial outcome for your game.

• How to seal the deal and build your pathways.

• Crucial presentation aspects, tips for delivering in a high-pressure environment, and following up to achieve the desired outcomes.

Schedule:

Day One (September 4th) will be a close examination of what aspects make up a winning pitch in a varied industry environment. Participants will end the day with access to a shared mind map of all topics discussed to refer to as they build their pitch decks in the following weeks.

Day Two (September 18th) takes place 2 weeks later, when participants come back with a prepared deck to deliver a pitch based on their learnings in a safe and encouraging environment. Pitch your game to Jon, and get constructive feedback to refine your pitch ahead of going to market. Participants are encouraged to stay for the full day for the unique opportunity to see everyone's pitches and see what works and what doesn't.

Proudly supported by Screenwest, this workshop is part of a commitment to strengthen Western Australia’s game development sector by providing local creators with access to practical industry knowledge, commercial skills, and professional development opportunities.

Jon Cartwright is a 30+ year game development veteran with experience across the full lifecycle of game creation, production, and commercial delivery. Throughout his career, he has held senior roles including Programmer, Developer Producer, Project Manager, Publishing Producer, Director of Production, Executive Producer, Development Director, General Manager, Managing Director, and Consultant. He currently works with indie developers, screen agencies, and publishers through GameConsulting.com.au, helping studios turn ideas into sustainable, launch-ready products.

The WA Games Industry Council (WAGIC) is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting and growing the game development sector in Western Australia through advocacy, community building, and industry development initiatives. All ticket sales from this workshop will go directly toward supporting WAGIC’s ongoing work for the local games community.