From Backyard Cricket to Fortnite: The Games Australians Can’t Stop Playing

Australia has a rich play culture — from barefoot backyard cricket on a Sunday arvo to massive online battle royales streamed at midnight. Whether it’s a neighbourhood footy match, a family board game night, or an intense FIFA showdown, games shape social life across the continent. Here’s a snapshot of the games Australians love most right now, why they matter, and where to join in.

Quick snapshot

• Competitive online and console games (Fortnite, Call of Duty, EA FC/FIFA, Apex Legends) attract younger players and the esports crowd.
• Classic global hits (Minecraft, Grand Theft Auto V, Roblox) remain enduring favourites across ages.
• Mobile titles (Candy Crush, Pokémon GO) dominate casual play and commute downtime.
• Real-world sports and lawn games (AFL, cricket, rugby league, backyard cricket) remain central to community life.
• Board and party games (Catan, Monopol y, Uno, Cards Against Humanity) power family nights and pub meetups.

Most-played video and online games

• Minecraft — Its creative sandbox appeals to kids, parents and educators. Servers and modding communities are popular in Australia.

• Fortnite — The cross-platform battle royale keeps thriving with social play, creator events and local tournaments.

• Grand Theft Auto V / GTA Online — Persistent player base thanks to regular updates and Rockstar’s live content.

• EA FC / FIFA series — Soccer’s global fandom is strong here, and local multiplayer gatherings make FIFA a staple in Aussie households.

• Call of Duty — The franchise’s multiplayer and Warzone variants remain mainstays among competitive shooters.

• Roblox — A major platform for kids and teens who build, play and socialize inside user-created games.

• Apex Legends / Rocket League — Popular in the Australian esports scene and among casual players seeking quick, competitive matches.

Mobile favourites

• Candy Crush Saga — Still huge for casual players looking for short, addictive sessions.

• Pokémon GO — Perfect for Australia’s outdoors culture — players walk parks and coastal paths hunting Pokémon.

• Words/Trivia & Puzzle games — Wordle-style and trivia apps are common in commuter pockets and coffee breaks.

Real-world and traditional games Australians play

• Australian Rules Football (AFL) — More than a sport; an identity in many communities. Backyard footy and local clubs are social cornerstones.

• Cricket — Backyard, beach, and local-grade matches are a weekend ritual for many families.

• Rugby League and Rugby Union — Regional strongholds keep these packed with passionate players and spectators.

• Backyard cricket, tag, and impromptu beach games — Less formal, but essential to childhoods across the country.

Board, card and party games

• Catan, Ticket to Ride and cooperative board games — Great for friends and hobby board-game nights.

• Monopoly and Uno — Family staples that bridge generations.

• Social party games (Cards Against Humanity, Exploding Kittens) — Popular at dinners, pubs and student flats.

Why these games are so popular in Australia

• Social, outdoor lifestyle: Games that mix social interaction and the outdoors (backyard cricket, Pokémon GO) fit naturally with Aussie life.
• Strong gaming communities and esports growth: Local tournaments, school clubs and streaming creators sustain competitive scenes.
• Cross-generational play: Titles that work for families (Minecraft, board games) keep households gaming together.
• Accessibility: Mobile and free-to-play titles make it easy for casual players to join in anytime.

Where to play or get involved

• Local sports clubs and community centres: Join an AFL or cricket club, or look for short-season social competitions.
• Gaming cafes and LAN events: Cities like Sydney and Melbourne host meetups, tournaments and indie showcases.
• Online communities: Discord servers, Australian subreddits, and local Facebook groups are great for finding players and events.
• Board-game bars and meetup groups: Perfect for trying new titles without buying them first.

Quick picks — games to try this weekend

• Try a community cricket match or social AFL session for a true local experience.
• Play a round of Minecraft with friends — a quick creative build or survival challenge.
• Download Pokémon GO and explore a coastal park; it’s an easy way to meet players.
• Host a board-game night with Catan or a party game like Taboo or Cards Against Humanity.

Final word

Australian play culture is diverse: it spans competitive esports and couch co-op, coastal strolls hunting Pokémon, and rowdy backyard cricket games. Whatever your age or play style, there’s a local scene or online community waiting — and a new favourite game to find.

If you want, I can turn this into a ranked list by category (video, mobile, sports, board) or give regional picks (what’s most popular in Melbourne vs. Brisbane vs. Perth). Which would you like next?