Girl Geek Academy and Film Victoria are collaborating to launch a Games Career Incubator, offering 25 women and non-binary creators at the early stage of their careers to develop their skills with added support.
The local games industry has often been overlooked in government support systems for the arts sector despite its massive commercial success worldwide. Victoria has offered more Australian industry support initiatives than any other federal or state group over the past decade, and with this new initiative Film Victoria is delivering $50,000 for the project.
Along with offering skill development and strategic support, the Girl Geek Academy Games Career Incubator aims to offer mentoring, networking, and support to help overcome the common challenges faced by women and non-binary game makers entering the male dominated industry.
Girl Geek Academy’s wider programs of workshops, weekend and online courses, game jams and meetups have seen over 10,000 participants since 2014.
“We need more women and non-binary talent in senior games roles, and to make sure they have extended careers we need to be upskilling and working to retain this amazing talent,” said Girl Geek Academy co-founder and award-winning game producer Lisy Kane.
“The group format also ensures our participants go beyond technical skill building, and equally focus on the power of professional networks to ensure career success.”
Film Victoria already supports other initiatives aimed at the games industry, including game development funding for up to $150,000 and marketing support for game releases for up to $30,000. They have also offered a Women in Games program, and the incubator is an evolution of that work.
“The Games Career Incubator supports the future growth of a Victorian games industry where women and non-binary practitioners are equal within the industry. We are delighted to partner with Girl Geek Academy to support so many practitioners on their path to success,” Film Victoria chief executive Caroline Pitcher said.
Applications are open now until April 8, with the program intended to run from late April until August.
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