The ACMI + RMIT Young Creators’ Lab invites 10–16 year olds to show their projects at ACMI, and gather expert industry and audience feedback. This is a chance to ask, “What do I want to learn about my videogame?” and we are keen to help you find out!
When: Lab days in 2026 will be on Fri 6 Nov and Sat 7 Nov.
What: This is an experiment in showing unfinished works, prototypes, works in progress, and cool new ideas in the area of videogames.
How do I apply? Applications are now open, there is a link to a form below.
Who: Open to all young game creatives aged 10 - 16 years old in Victoria
Our selection process: This is not a competition! This is about supporting you to take the next steps in your creative journey with experts from RMIT School of Education, RMIT Games Design, and ACMI.
We encourage individual works as well as group projects. Works selected will need to be able to benefit from audience interaction and feedback, but don't have to be completed or playable yet.
It was a fantastic experience that allowed me to receive valuable feedback on my game, while sharing my ideas with like-minded people and learning about the way other people create their games. It was a great experience I’ll never forget, and the feedback I got from it is something that has helped me not just with my current games, but in my game development journey as a whole
Apply for Young Creator's Lab 2026
Applications are now open, and close Sunday 19 July at 11:45pm.
Not ready or want to know more? Check out the FAQs below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Please read the FAQs below, and if you have any other questions, please contact us at education@acmi.net.au
I'm younger, do I have to compete against 16 year olds?
ACMI+RMIT Young Creators’ Lab is not a competition! It's all about having interesting ideas for a videogame you're developing.
What if my project is only in the early stages?
We are particularly interested in projects in all stages of development, it could be an idea you've just started fleshing out, a project you have a playable demo of, and every stage in-between.
Can I ask my teacher for help?
Yes – and any other experts or helpers are welcome to help you too.
Do I have to speak in public during Young Creators Lab?
Yes, but you will only be speaking with people one-on-one and in small groups. The audience will be supportive and keen to help you, and will include game experts from ACMI and RMIT, and friendly games-industry people.
Can ACMI and RMIT help me develop my videogame?
We love videogames but we don't have capacity to help you build your game, but we can provide guidance on developing and presenting your idea.
What is the application process like?
It's not too intense, you can always start or have a look at the application form - just don't hit 'submit' until you're ready. Be ready to write about your game idea, what you imagine for gameplay, mechanics, graphics and style. You can tell us about where you got your inspiration from, and the stage your project is at.
Games featured in the 2025 Young Creator's Lab
The Golem Protector
Created by Henry
Flora World
Created by Alby and Felix
Greyscaler
Created by Flynn
Mo Phi: The Ghost Within
Created by Alex, Adye, and Emilie
The Forsaken
Created by Charlie
Find out more about the games from 2024 Young Creator's Lab
Ant Hill Conquest
A mix between open-world exploration and colony building where you work with cute ants. Expand your colony as you face the natural hazards of an unforgiving world.
Escape to Startown
You wake up in a locked abandoned house, but be careful as you enter Starling... the deeper you go... the more horrors there are. Will you help the mischievous frog merchant Charles, or team up with Pro Monster Hunter Abigail? Will you restore Starling to its charming origins?
Habitat 666
After you lose contact with your colonisation group, you are left alone on an alien island to survive with the limited tools at your disposal. Here you must face starvation, sickness, predators, and so much more on Habitat 666.
Slugger
Slugger is a fast-paced top-down bullet-hell shooter game full of action and fun! Survive waves of spawning enemies & bosses - perishing gives you the chance to upgrade in your skill tree, become more powerful & defeat harder waves. Other rewards await you... rewards to become even more powerful...
Mind in the Sky
Welcome to the Mind Sky, an unpredictable series of worlds. This 3D platforming adventure features a vast set of movement tools to use, from mysterious floating clouds, to hot air balloons.
Major Research Partner
Over 16 years old? Check out the ACMI + RMIT Audience Lab
Projects and Partnerships
We have been working closely with the screen sector and small-to-medium creatives since 2015, providing access to a range of resources, programming and connection to industry.
