What is Ballarat GiG?

As part of National ICT Careers Week and Ballarat Business month, Ballarat ICT Limited, with the support of City of Ballarat, 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 highlight’s the potential career options within the gaming industry, and exposes 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. The exhibition will feature a strong representation from the game development industry and the educational sector, providing attendees with information regarding potential career paths in game development. A more interactive, entertainment focus event will be tailored for the general public on Saturday 4th August 2012.

Who's running it?

Ballarat ICT Limited:
Ballarat ICT Limited is firmly focused on ensuring the world's best information and telecommunications infrastructure for our City. Ballarat ICT Limited helps 'lay the track' in order for local enterprises to surge forward and become leaders in their field.

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. On the Friday there will be dedicated presentations from some of Australia’s leading game developers. There will also be extensive course information on study options.

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 enjoys gaming as a hobby. There will be some of the latest games to play and lots of contests, events and prizes to win.

The Program

There are two distinct elements:
1.Careers & Industry Opportunities; and
2. Having fun! Playing and winning competitions.

See below for more details.

When and where is it on?

Ballarat Mining Exchange, Lydiard Street Ballarat - Friday 3rd August & Saturday 4th August, 2012

What does it cost?

Free Admission - Community event.

Registration for Students to attend

If you are a school that would like to register for your students to attend please click here. Alternatively contact us via email for further information regarding registration.

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
• Big Ant presenting AFL 2011, made in Melbourne by Australia's largest indie developer
• FMOD - presenting Audio middleware software used for titles like WOW and Guitar Hero
• Media Saints - one of the newest game developers in Melbourne, working for the ABC to make games
• Ballarat University Games Course details
• Ballarat TAFE Games Course details
• Marketing, PR and eSports for video games
• Ballarat GiG Guitar Hero 3 Idol

Play the latest and hottest games available. This includes games on Wii, 360, PC and PS3. And do not miss the opportunity to enter the Ballarat GiG Guitar Hero Idol Contest. Certainly one of the most entertaining events to watch!!

Video Games competitions to compete in:

There will be competitions and events for all standard of gamers from kids and casual playersto the PRO's.

Competition details will be listed here shortlyand don't forget to like our facebook page to stay up to date with competition details.

There will be some cash and other great prizes to win.

Program Schedule

Friday 3th August 2012
09.30 Mining Exchange Venue Opens
10.00 Opening presentations
10.15 GDAA, Game Developer Association of Australia presentation from CEO Tony Reed
10.40 Stephan Shultze audio expert to talk about audio and music in games
11.15 University of Ballarat TAFE Presentation
11.30 University of Ballarat Higher Ed presentation, supporting courses
12.15 Lunch/Play During lunch, members of the game industry will talk to teachers
1.00 Mark Flanigan, video game veteran who has worked and lectured to the games industry for over 15 years
1.45 Big Ant, Australia’s largest independent video game developer presents NRL for Xbox 360 and PS3
2.30 How to get into games, from school to business. Forum and chat

Saturday 4th August 2012
10.00 Mining Exchange Opens
10.30 Telstra supported games comp, open to all and plenty of prizes to win
11.00 The Business of the Gaming Industry - Parent Information Session
2.00 Feature Game competition on stage
3.00 Sponsor Acknowledgements, Draw prize winners

Download the Program Schedule.

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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 of Ballarat to supporting specialised institutes, the City has focused on the development of gaming and multimedia pathways for its youth. Local Government and education are committed to supporting the industry via investment in skills and training and potential business and career opportunities.

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