Games Career Pathways

Join us for an evening of networking & insightful discussion as we explore the many pathways that lead to a career in game development.

We'll be kicking things off with a panel discussion about the journey and hardships of being an independent studio leader, freelancer and artist during a turbulent and yet somehow hopeful time for the Australian games industry.

This will be followed by an evening of industry networking where attendees, panelists and local industry can connect, have a drink and enjoy some delicious food.

All are welcome! Tickets are FREE, but registration is essential.

This event was made possible thanks to City of Port Phillip and their generous support of the local game development community. This event is part of the 2024 SMART Program, the games career accelerator program that builds career pathways for aspiring game developers

Agenda

6:30 PM: Doors Open

7:00 PM: Panel Discussion

8:00 PM: Catered Networking

10:00 PM: Event Concludes

Panelists

Sasha Mutch

Sasha Mutch (She/Her) is a Co-Founder of the up and coming Wali Studios and is developing a prototype for their tile tactics card game, “Project Dairy Cat”.

She was Lead Story Artist on the 2023 AGDA game of the year Stray Gods: The Role Playing Musical, and was Co-Art Director on the recently released DLC, Stray Gods: Orpheus.

Sasha had previously been in the Australian animation industry for 5 years where she worked on commercials, music videos and TV animation.

Her bread and butter is Storyboarding where she most notably boarded on Season 4 and 5 of ND Stevenson’s She-Ra and the Princesses of Power.

In her down time she loves a board game night with friends, screaming at roguelikes, and despite working on a musical, poorly belting out some Avril Lavigne at Karaoke.

Joel Davison

Joel Davison (He/They) is a Dunghutti & Gadigal Naarm based Game Developer. Currently at Wali Studios which they co-founded, they are working on a prototype for a tile-based tactics card game.

They also sit on the board of Freeplay where they advocate for games as creative expression in Australia. Previously they have worked at software development consultancies Fitzroy IT and Thoughtworks as a software developer and delivery expert.

Their poetry is published through Red Room Poetry, and they have been awarded APRA Songwriter of the Year for their contribution to Midnight Oil’s “Gadigal Land”. In their spare time they can be found buried under a mountain of trading cards and board games for "research purposes".

Lucy Mutimer

Lucy Mutimer (She/Her) is an Artist and Game developer based in Melbourne whose life has a killer soundtrack and too much caffeine.

When she's not making silly art for very silly video games (420BLAZEIT:2 and Kinder World) you can find her as a talent Agent for Supaglu helping other developers find their dream teams.

Nicholas Greber

Nicholas (He/Him) has worked on many original independent games over the past 10 years including commercial games published on Steam and Nintendo Switch.

He is a VicScreen and Screen Australia games grant recipient and loves developing unique products and bringing them to market.

Moderated by Ceri Hutton:

Ceri (He/Him) is a game designer and business consultant for the creative industries specialising in culture transformation and marketing strategy.

He has over 15 years’ experience in the games industry, holds a Global Executive Masters of Business Administration from Monash University and was previously the director of industry development & programs at the Australian games industry’s peak trade body, IGEA.

Ceri is the design director of Deficit: The ADHD RPG, a Screen Australia funded ‘slice of life’ roleplaying game that authentically replicates the lived ADHD experience through utilising empathic design thinking methodologies and a raw unapologetic narrative.

He is also the founder & director of The SMART Program and strongly believes that success is found in those that take the time to build inclusive work environments that foster innovation and facilitate the growth of emerging leaders.

Hosted at The Victorian Pride Centre:
The Victorian Pride Centre is a place of belonging, support and pride for diverse LGBTIQ+ communities.

The Pride Centre is home to important resident organisations, engaging cultural programs, vital health services and inspiring social spaces.

For more information visit: https://pridecentre.org.au/about/

Proudly Supported by The City of Port Philip:

City of Port Phillip’s vision is to be the Games Capital of Victoria.

Delivering on this vision means that the broad range of creative businesses, players, artists, and creative producers find a home in Port Phillip, and that Council’s priorities, resources, and programs support their activities.

For more information visit:

https://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/council-services/business/business-support-and-resources/games-in-port-phillip

Ticket Policy:

This is a strictly 18+ event. All Ticket Holders agree to abide by the code of conduct and agree to the terms outlined in the condition of sale here.