PERTH is bucking the gender trend when it comes to games development.

A recent survey by WA’s Film and Television Institute reveals 16 per cent of game developers in Perth are female.

Although small it’s more than the 10 per cent national and global average.

An enthusiastic group of games developers is getting ready for the annual Perth Games Festival in October.

Creedforge founder Beth Creed designs the 30mm miniatures used in tabletop wargaming.

She dropped out of her university physics course because of an immune deficiency and has now turned her craft-making hobby into a full-time profession.

“I use a magnifying glass to sculpt all the little details like belt buckles on tiny little figurines,” she says.

“I also make buildings, hills and terrain for the games.

“I spent thousands on equipment, including a furnace, and cast the figures in white metal and pressure cast resin.”

• Exhibitors get ready for the Perth Games Festival. Photo by Matthew Dwyer

The 26-year-old is encouraged by the FTI report, but says she is still often the only woman to turn up to play at War Machine events.

The festival will be run by Let’s Make Games, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting the thriving gaming community in WA, and will include board, video and card games developers.

Festival director Anthony Sweet wants kids, grown ups and game lovers from all walks of life to be part of the free event.

“The first two festivals we’re more for developers, but now we’ve opened it up to players as well,” he says.

“The WA gaming community is recognised around the country, and even internationally as a really great healthy scene, and I want people to know this.
“I really want people to come and find out that being able to make games is something anyone can do these days.”

Mr Sweet adds budding game makers will have the opportunity to speak directly with people in the industry.

The festival will also include talks about how wannabe developers can get into the gaming industry, as well as information for parents about gaming

The Perth Games Festival will be held at Perth Town Hall on October 11 from 10.30am to 4pm.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK