CQU Mackay Multimedia students recently enjoyed the opportunity to meet Matthew Emery, a computer games writer with Brisbane-based Krome Studios.

Krome Studios is Australia’s largest game company and a leading worldwide independent developer of games, best known for its award winning ‘TY the Tasmanian Tiger’ series.

Matthew spoke to CQU students and answered questions about what is involved in writing for computer games, how to get into the business and the ups and downs of the industry.

According to Matthew the three main criteria for success are skill, passion and the ability to work well in a team.

“The pay is not that great and the hours are terrible, so you really have to have passion for what you do and enjoy the people you work with.

“It’s a great working environment, but if you’re just in it for the money you won’t last long,” says Matthew.

Associate Professor Cathie Sherwood from CQU’s Faculty of Informatics and Communication, who arranged Matthew’s visit, was pleased the students and multimedia staff had the opportunity to speak to Matthew about his experiences in the high profile and competitive games development industry.

Matthew was in Mackay for a Seminar at Artspace Mackay last week, presented by Queensland Writers Centre and Education Queensland, where he was part of a panel speaking about the “diverse new trends in the writing industry”.

According to Martin Buzzacott, CEO of Queensland Writers Centre in Brisbane, “It was a really interesting seminar and has opened people’s eyes to the diverse new trends in the writing industry".

The computer games industry is set to explode during the next decade with major improvements in scriptwriting, animations and graphics.

“There will also be a much bigger focus on interactive games,” says Matthew.

At present, in Australia, it takes 50-60 people up to two years to produce each computer game. In the future however, Matthew believes there will be even bigger teams, and an influx of professional scriptwriters and skilled animators entering the industry.

To find out more about the programs on offer through CQU’s Faculty of Informatics and Communication please contact Sue Ilich on 4940 7581.

Photo: Matthew Emery, computer games writer with Krome Studios, visited CQU Mackay and spoke to students about the dynamic games development industry.