Big Ant marches north to the Sunshine Coast

Stephen Withers
Thursday, 15 January 2009 08:49

IT Industry - Development

In addition to providing employment for students at the university, Big Ant is investigating the possibility of of work integrated learning program for design students, as well as creating course content for those considering a career in the gaming industry.

The new development studio will initially employ 30 people, rising to at least 84 over the next four years.

Queensland Minister for Regional Development and Industry Desley Boyle said the state now led the country in terms of employment and income from games development.

"In fact, in the last financial year Queensland games developers raked in more than $55 million which is a 40 percent slice of the country's total videogame earnings," she said.

Big Ant's web site lists vacancies for an audio programmer, experienced game programmer, lead programmer, network programmer, technical programmer, senior designer, producer and technical director.

There's no indication that any of them are specifically needed in Melbourne or on the Sunshine Coast.

Fringe benefits are said to include lunch, a 50 percent contribution to the cost of training courses and personal development programs, and Friday afternoon drinks and competitions.