The SMART Program returns, supporting Aussie devs from underrepresented groups

Returning after a successful 2023, the SMART Program is back, offering mentorship and experience to early-career game developers from underrepresented communities. This Melbourne-based program, formally run by the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (IGEA), is now being helmed by former IGEA staffer and business development consultant Ceri Hutton. IGEA’s Ron Curry said, “The SMART Program has empowered many early-career game developers in Melbourne to achieve career growth over the last few years and we’re confident that the program will continue to achieve success under Ceri’s stewardship.”

The SMART Program is a 12-week course allowing up-and-coming game developers to accelerate their careers by giving them access to professional development workshops, 1 on 1 career coaching sessions, mentorship by industry leaders and key upskilling-focused networking events including access to the Australian games industries premier conference, GCAP 2024.

Previous SMART Program graduates have reportedly continued with their game development journey to great success. One such person is Jae Stuart, a 2023 SMART Program graduate who said, “The combination of a shared workplace, group learning activities and mentorship sessions provided a wonderful space to learn and expand my knowledge of navigating the industry and business of games. I feel like the SMART Program has genuinely changed the trajectory of my career.”

Applications for the 2024 SMART Program are now open. You can apply and find our more information by heading here. Applications close August 2nd at 10pm AEST.