What is Ballarat GIG?

In conjunction with the Ballarat Innovations Festival, the City of Ballarat, with the support of the Victorian Government, University of Ballarat and the Game Developers Association of Australia (GDAA) are running an electronic games focused event for the Ballarat Region.

The event is to highlight the potential career options within the gaming industry, and to expose and highlight the games industry as a legitimate and viable career option. The event will also highlight potential business opportunities within the Ballarat region to Australian Game Developers.

Ballarat GIG will feature a main stage area which will act as a focal point for presentations and activities featuring a strong representation from the game development industry and the educational sector providing attendees with information regarding a potential career path in game development during the Friday session with a more interactive entertainment focus for the general public on the Saturday session.

Who's running it?

The City of Ballarat as part of the Ballarat Innovation Festival, with the support of Multi Media Victoria, University of Ballarat and the Game Developers Association of Australia (GDAA) are running an electronic games focused event for the Ballarat Region. With support from Ballarat University and sponsorship from Telstra, Ballarat GiG is looking even bigger this year. Addictive Agency manages the event.

Purpose

The event is to highlight the potential career options within the gaming industry, and to expose and highlight the games industry as a legitimate and viable career option for the community. On the Friday there will be dedicated presentations from some of Australia’s leading game developers. There will also be extensive course information on where and what to study.

Who is Ballarat GiG for?

Ballarat GiG is for anyone wanting to get more information on how to get into the games industry. It has information for both students and parents. Ballarat GiG is also for anyone that is into games. There will be some of the hottest latest games to play and lots of contests and events to win.

Ballarat GiG is also for any game players with the initial Victorian qualifiers for the Australian events for World Cyber Games.

The Program

There are two distinct elements:
1.Careers & Industry Opportunities; and
2. Having fun! Playing and winning with World Cyber Games Victorian qualifiers, (enter at the GUF website)

When and where is it on?

Mining Exchange, Lydiard Street Ballarat - Friday May 16 - Saturday May 17 2008

What does it cost?

General Admission $5
Family $10

What can you see at Ballarat GIG?

The latest in Games demos plus industry representatives talking about the products and job opportunities.

• GDAA, Game Developer Association of Australia presentation
• Firemint (One of the world's leading mobile game developers)
• Infinite interactive present the Australian game of the year for 2007, Warlords Puzzle Quest
• Ballarat University Games Course details
• Ballarat TAFE Games Course details
• IRGurus tell us about the move to Transmission Games
• AIE - Academy of Interactive Entertainment Games Course details
• Marketing, PR and eSports for video games
• Qantm College Games Course details
• Endgame Studios present SLIDATRON for DS
• Third Wave to present WAR WORLD on 360 XBL
• Check out PACEMAKER, the latest portable DJ product to hit Australia

Play the latest and hottest games available. This includes games on Wii, 360, PC and PS3. Ballarat GiG will also be holding the initial qualifiers for the Australian WCG (World Cyber games) Championships. And do not miss the opportunity to enter the Inaugural Ballarat GiG Guitar Hero Idol Contest. Certainly one of the most entertaining events to watch!!

For more details on what's on download a Program Schedule outlining activities and speakers.

Why hold GIG in Ballarat?

Ballarat is ideally located to service a large portion of the Victorian Regional population. With the investment in educational facilities, from the University to supporting TAFE, and specialised institutes, the City has focused on the development of gaming and multimedia pathways for its youth. There is a current shortage of talent within the Australian Game Developers sector. Local Government and education are committed to supporting the industry via investment in skills and training and potential business and career opportunities