Media Release:

Japan’s 17-BIT Studio led by Creator Jake Kazdal are Special Guests at The Game Expo 2026. Play the new game AWAYSIS!

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