STATEMENT FROM QUEENSLAND PREMIER AND MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AND THE ARTS, THE HONOURABLE JOHN-PAUL LANGBROEK
READY, SET, GO! The Crisafulli Government is on a quest to level up Queensland’s digital games industry and uncover the next generation of creators.
The Sunshine Coast is set to become Queensland’s game production powerhouse, with the launch of a new program—Season of the Dev—which will help emerging developers upgrade their skills through a series of free and affordable workshops, networking events and a three-day game jam.
The program runs from March to May and targets young adults, at the start of their career, to create a pipeline of skilled workers.
Queensland’s digital games development sector became a victim of the skilled workers shortage after the previous Labor Government failed to provide the vitally needed support for local developers to compete on the global stage.
Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the Crisafulli Government was committed to supporting the growing sector and creating a pipeline of skilled workers.
“We need to support emerging industries and the games sector is one that’s exciting, innovative and forward-thinking,” Minister Langbroek said.
“My kids used to play Snake on the Nokia and Super Mario on the Gameboy, and it’s incredible to think how far the games industry has come over the past 20 years.
“The program is aimed at young adults who have grown up on this emerging technology and they’re inspired to take up a career in the sector.
“Developers will learn new skills and network with likeminded creators, and we’ve made sure these events are free and affordable, so no one misses out.”
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the funding boost presented an exciting opportunity for future jobs and training.
“Innovation in the technology space plays a key role for the state when it comes to broadening the jobs landscape,” Minister Bates said.
“This also means we can position ourselves to ensure Queensland reaps the economic benefits.”
Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney said that Screen Queensland is committed to supporting emerging games developers, start-ups and indie studios to establish their careers in Queensland and has partnered with Essential Screen Skills to deliver Season of the Dev.
“Through Season of the Dev, we are connecting the next generation of creators with experienced industry mentors who will share their knowledge and help put the Sunshine Coast on the map as a new hub for games development,” Ms Feeney said.
Dr Colleen Stieler-Hunt, a game development lecturer at the University of the Sunshine Coast, welcomed the opportunities presented by Season of the Dev.
“These events will provide a fantastic springboard for Sunshine Coast’s emerging games industry and support its continued growth,” Dr Stieler-Hunt said.
“With ultra-fast internet via the region’s submarine broadband cable and a pool of job-ready graduates at UniSC, the Sunshine Coast is an ideal location for game developers and studios looking for lifestyle, talent and technology.”
Season of the Dev adds to Screen Queensland’s successful Digital Games Incentive, Games Grants and early-career Games Residency programs.
In the last three years, Screen Queensland has supported more than 50 titles to be made in Queensland—including the new iteration of the iconic Carmen Sandiego from Gameloft Brisbane, Toast Interactive’s best-seller Max Mustard and the award-winning Bears in Space from Broadside Games.
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Media contact
Amanda Lawson
Head of Marketing and Communications
media@screenqld.com.au | 07 3248 0500
