BRISBANE, THE CAPITAL OF QUEENSLAND IS NOW HOME TO MORE THAN 40% OF AUSTRALIA’S ELECTRONIC GAMES DEVELOPERS. With almost 700 people already employed across more than 18 local games companies, and many more organisations providing related services such as music and animation, Queensland is the epicentre of games development in Australia. Local game companies are attracting some of the world’s most creative game developers who are working with the latest technology to develop the next evolution in electronic entertainment. Queensland Games blockbusters include: Dark Reign The TY the Tasmanian Tiger Series Rome: Total War Destroy All Humans! Medieval II: Total War Destroy All Humans! 2 The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning SpongeBob SquarePants: Lights, Camera, Pants!

Queensland Games FAQ's 

Who is "Queensland Games"?

Queensland Games is a collection of some of the world's most creative game developers. Predominantly centred in Brisbane, the Queensland games industry has experienced rapid growth over the past two years.

How do I get into the games industry?

Everyone in the industry will have a different story of how they started.  The most common stories you will hear are:

• Studying relevant courses at Colleges and Universities
• Working as a Games Tester is a great way to get experience
• Learn as much information you can about the industry – attend trade shows, websites, gaming magazines, play games!

What kind of jobs exist within the industry?

The main areas of video game development are:

• Programming
• Design
• Art/Animation
• Production
• Distribution

Within each of these disciplines are a number of different roles, so although you may not have artistic ability, you may have fantastic programming skills.  You really need to look at your strengths and then determine which role is right for you!

What cool titles have been made in Australia?

• Dark Reign
• The TY the Tasmanian Tiger Series
• Rome: Total War
• Destroy All Humans!
• Medieval II: Total War
• Destroy All Humans! 2
• The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning
• SpongeBob SquarePants: Lights, Camera, Pants!

What does it mean to work in the games industry?

Apart from being the envy of all your friends and working in an exciting industry, you must be passionate about video games.  The usual cycle to make a video game can be anywhere from 18 months to 3 years, so you will need to have total dedication to the game you are working on. 

Can I stay in Brisbane to work in the games industry?

Absolutely!  Brisbane is home to 18 local games companies.  There are already almost 700 people employed in the games industry within Brisbane. 

What are developers looking for in a job application/showreel?

Employers receive hundreds of applications for each position.  Make sure you include your best work only.  As each game is different, we are looking for a variety of different styles of your work – we need to see how diverse your talents are. 

Are there opportunities for students to participate in internship programs with any Brisbane Game Developers?

With the industry still being relatively new to Australia, internship opportunities are very limited.  As the industry grows, some companies will be looking at offering internships in the future. 

How often do you have tester positions become available? What's required of a tester? Are they contract or permanent positions?

QA Hiring is dependant on the project needs and the bulk of the testing is done in the last 6-12 months of a project with a senior tester working from the beginning of a game.  Most tester positions are hired on a contract basis.

QA testers works to test latest builds of the game each day to identify and report any defects.  To be a good tester, you must have a keen eye for detail, excellent communication and problem solving skills.  You need to be committed to the job and willing to work hard to make sure the game works.