Girls Make Games – Free course aims to address gender imbalance in one of Northern Ireland’s fastest growing creative industries
Date Posted: January 5, 2024
The UK tech sector reports that only 17% of employees are female
In Northern Ireland only 15% of A level computing students are female
Social enterprise tech company Kippie CIC in partnership with Northern Ireland Screen today launched applications for places on the free Girls Make Games course, which takes place in January in Belfast.
Girls Make Games is an educational programme designed and led by Kippie to inspire the next generation of designers, creators and engineers.
Open to girls aged between 11 and 14, the after-school, four week-long course introduces students to the skills needed to make their own computer game.
Through a mixture of classroom and practical learning experiences the students will learn how to use Gamemaker, a free 2D game engine, and how to use illustration software Procreate on iPad. The course will also include talks from local industry experts alongside tours of game development studios.
Following the success of last year’s sell out course, Katherine Rowlandson, Co-Founder of Kippie CIC said:
“Teaching young people to make and play video games fosters agility and innovation. This knowledge equips them with problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and creative thinking, which are essential skills in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
As young people develop these skills, they become better prepared for the challenges and opportunities in the fast-paced tech industry. The gaming industry itself thrives on innovation, making it a valuable sector for fostering creativity and adaptability.
Previous Girls Make Games participants have told us that the course has helped them to shape their skills profile and encouraged them to consider a career in the gaming industry. The four weekly classes focus on hands-on learning, trying things out, building confidence, making new friends and most importantly, having fun!”
David McConnell, Education and Careers Manager, Northern Ireland Screen commented:
“Northern Ireland Screen is committed to future proofing the skills pipeline of the creative industries and we are delighted to support Kippie with Girls Makes Games again. Working with local companies like Kippie on the extension of the Girls Make Games courses will raise awareness of the opportunities that exist in our local games sector and will inspire the next generation to consider a career in gaming and other creative industries.
Games skills are future skills, as skills covered in the course include programming, design, team working and presentation, all of which are transferable. We will continue to work with Kippie to improve access to games education for those from underrepresented groups that provides a much-needed stepping stone to our range of careers and work experience programmes.”
The Girls Make Games programme is supported by local industry professional Holly Johnstone from Hypixel Studios who welcomes the continuation of the project:
“Kippie has been a great partner in growing the local games scene in Northern Ireland. Their Girls Make Games course is providing opportunities to diversify the future of gaming while helping young people to realise their potential. The ability to learn valuable skills in a safe and rewarding environment is reflected week on week by cultivating confidence in the group. Kippie is an inspiration both locally and to the games industry as a whole.”
Girls Make Games is open to girls from 11-14 years old and there are twelve places available. The course will take place in Belfast from 4.30pm-6.30pm for four weeks, from 11 January 2024. Parents or guardians can apply for a free place for their young person here.
