Best Game Design Consulting Services in Australia

Australia Game Design Consultants

Australia has become one of the most dynamic hubs for game design consulting, thanks to its mix of creative talent, technical depth, and entrepreneurial spirit. Across cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, independent studios and consultancies are helping organizations shape interactive experiences that engage players, learners, and communities worldwide. These providers don’t just create games—they build frameworks for storytelling, gamification, training, and immersive experiences that extend across sectors.

From entertainment and SaaS platforms to education, healthcare, and enterprise learning, Australian game design consultancies are making global contributions. What sets them apart is their ability to combine creative storytelling with system design expertise, often operating in hybrid consultancy-production models that help clients validate ideas before committing to full-scale development.

This guide introduces some of the most trusted, research-driven, and client-reviewed game design consultancies based in Australia. Each company is spotlighted with insights into their services, sectors, operating models, and the unique strengths of their founders.

Methodology: How We Chose These Australia-based Game Design Consulting Services

When curating this list, we focused on authenticity, impact, and verifiable expertise. Each featured consultancy was selected based on a transparent framework designed to highlight true industry value.

🎯 Research-driven: Each provider has demonstrated results through public case studies, recognized frameworks, or measurable client outcomes.

⭐ Client-reviewed: We prioritized companies with strong client feedback, showcasing proven ROI and successful collaborations.

🌏 Location-based: All agencies and founders are rooted in Australia, contributing directly to the local and international creative ecosystem.

This list is not a ranking. Instead, it’s a carefully curated collection of standout consultancies that reflect Australia’s strengths in game design and interactive storytelling.

🌟 Australian Game Design Consultants - Provider Spotlights

Ardacious Pty Ltd

What they do
Ardacious delivers innovative simulation, AI-driven design, and XR solutions that blend entertainment with applied learning.

Who they work with
They collaborate with defense organizations, industrial training providers, and educational institutions.

Operating model
They emphasize versatility, applying cutting-edge technology to create immersive, practical, and scalable solutions tailored to client needs.

💡 Why they stand out:

🤖 Integration of AI and machine learning into game-based systems.

🛡️ Trusted by government and enterprise partners in high-stakes environments.

🎓 Strong reputation for applied research partnerships with universities.

Dr. Ralf Muhlberger, Founder & CEO of Ardacious Pty Ltd

Dr. Muhlberger is a pioneer in applied simulation technologies. His background combines academic research with hands-on consultancy in interactive training environments. Known for advancing XR-driven defense and industrial training, he brings a methodical yet innovative leadership style.

No Moss Co

What they do
No Moss Co delivers gamification and product design strategies that bridge the gap between business transformation and interactive storytelling. They specialize in playful design frameworks that support innovation across enterprise and technology.

Who they work with
SaaS companies, corporates, and startups seeking to apply gamification to product development, employee engagement, and customer experience.

Operating model
Their consultancy approach integrates design thinking, agile methods, and gamification into broader business ecosystems.

💡 Why they stand out:

🎮 Unique integration of gamification into enterprise transformation.

🔄 Agile and iterative approach that fits seamlessly with client operations.

🌐 Experience across SaaS and digital product ecosystems.

Steven HK Ma, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of No Moss Co

Steven HK Ma founded No Moss Co with a vision to help organizations embrace change through creativity. With a background in digital transformation and organizational design, he has led cross-disciplinary teams to deliver gamified solutions in enterprise contexts. Known for his radically authentic leadership, Steven focuses on empowering clients with tools and frameworks that enable sustainable change.

James O'Toole, Co-founder & Tech Director 

Playlunch Games

What they do
Playlunch Games creates playful, visually striking, and family-oriented games, with consulting services that emphasize engagement and cross-generational appeal.

Who they work with
They collaborate with publishers, educational organizations, and entertainment media companies.

Operating model
They focus on creative, audience-driven design, ensuring their games and consulting solutions resonate across diverse age groups.

💡 Why they stand out:

🧒 Expertise in designing for children and family audiences.

🎶 Known for unique sound design and artistic direction.

📺 Experience in adapting entertainment IPs into interactive formats.

Sarah Mercer, Co-Founder of Playlunch Games
Sarah Mercer is the Co-Founder of Playlunch Games, where she focuses on creating playful and visually engaging games designed for broad audiences. She brings a passion for storytelling and design that resonates with players of all ages, emphasizing creativity and accessibility. Sarah’s work ensures that Playlunch Games delivers experiences that are both entertaining and meaningful.

Wil Monte, Co-Founder of Playlunch Games
Wil Monte, Co-Founder of Playlunch Games, specializes in shaping the studio’s creative direction and gameplay innovation. He is dedicated to developing family-friendly games that combine fun with striking visual design. Wil’s approach blends artistry with engaging mechanics to create games that leave a lasting impression.

Secret Lab Pty. Ltd.

What they do
Secret Lab provides award-winning consulting in narrative design, systems, and interactive storytelling.

Who they work with
They collaborate with publishers, creative studios, and indie developers worldwide.

Operating model
They combine global reach with a strong Australian base, delivering tailored solutions that balance creativity with technical expertise.

💡 Why they stand out:

✍️ Leaders in narrative design and storytelling systems.

📚 Co-authors of industry-recognized books on game development.

🌐 Global recognition while supporting local talent ecosystems.

Paris Buttfield-Addison, Co-Founder of Secret Lab Pty. Ltd.

Paris Buttfield-Addison, Co-Founder of Secret Lab Pty. Ltd., is a developer, author, and speaker widely recognized for his expertise in applied game design and educational games. His leadership is marked by an ability to bridge academia with commercial game development, creating innovative and impactful projects. Paris brings a unique blend of technical knowledge and creative vision to the studio.

Jon Manning, Co-Founder & Technical Director of Secret Lab Pty. Ltd.‍

Jon Manning, Co-Founder & Technical Director of Secret Lab Pty. Ltd., drives the company’s technical innovation and development. With deep expertise in software engineering and game technology, he has authored numerous publications and contributed to advancing best practices in the industry. Jon ensures that Secret Lab’s projects combine technical excellence with engaging player experiences.

Noble Steed Games

What they do
Noble Steed Games delivers custom game development and design consulting, with expertise in narrative-driven experiences and cross-platform development.

Who they work with
They partner with cultural institutions, entertainment companies, and organizations seeking creative interactive solutions.

Operating model
They emphasize collaboration and adaptability, tailoring each project to meet both creative vision and technical requirements.

💡 Why they stand out:

📖 Strong focus on **storytelling that resonates with diverse audiences

🎨  Expertise in visual design and accessible gameplay mechanics.

🌏  Trusted by local cultural organizations for educational and heritage projects.

Reuben Moorhouse, Founder & Creative Director of Noble Steed Games

Reuben Moorhouse, Founder & Creative Director of Noble Steed Games, leads the studio with a passion for crafting imaginative and engaging gaming experiences. With a strong focus on storytelling and creativity, he guides the vision and direction of the company’s projects. Reuben’s leadership emphasizes innovation, quality, and delivering memorable games to players.

Why Australia’s Game Design Consultancies Matter

Australia’s leading game design consultancies are shaping the future of interactive experiences by blending creativity with measurable outcomes. They operate across industries such as education, healthcare, sustainability, enterprise transformation, and entertainment, proving that games can serve as powerful tools for engagement and learning. With models that range from mission-driven studios to consultancy-first approaches, these firms balance artistry with research-backed design to achieve tangible results. Their expertise spans gamification, narrative design, mobile-first storytelling, and community-driven development, all rooted in client collaboration. Collectively, they highlight the growing relevance of game design as a driver of innovation and transformation.

At Digital Reference, radical authenticity defines how insights are shaped and shared—grounded in evidence, transparency, and real outcomes. This approach matters because leaders need trusted perspectives that align vision with strategies proven to work.

Explore more from Digital Reference to access research and resources that help professionals turn ideas into actionable strategies:

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• The Full Spectrum of Design Consultants: Who’s Who in the B2B Design Ecosystem

The rise of game design consultancies underscores how creativity paired with strategy can reshape industries and expand opportunities. Their work illustrates that interactive design is not limited to entertainment but extends into education, healthcare, culture, and enterprise transformation. For leaders, this shift emphasizes the value of aligning with partners who deliver outcomes grounded in expertise and collaboration. To explore deeper perspectives and frameworks that inform confident decision-making, connect with Digital Reference.‍