Careers + Frontiers: Games Education Symposium 2026

In the heart of Melbourne International Games Week, Careers + Frontiers is a one-day symposium designed for secondary and tertiary students, educators, career advisors, parents and gamers to explore the future of work in the games industry.

The program brings together local and international industry leaders to discuss diverse career pathways and the evolving intersections of creativity, technology and passion.

Participants will explore the exciting world of game design and culture, with hands-on access to award-winning games and direct interaction with developers across artistic, technical and innovation-driven disciplines.

With a focus on well-being and building awareness across education and industry, Careers + Frontiers celebrates games as a dynamic and fulfilling career path.

Opening Keynote Kate Edwards went from studying Geography and Cartography to working on over 320 video games across a career spanning three decades, iconic titles such as:

She is the CEO/Principal Consultant of Geogrify, CXO/Co-Founder of SetJetters, and the former Executive Director of the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) and the Global Game Jam.

Kate’s been named as one of Fortune’s 10 Most Powerful Women In Gaming, included in Forbes' "50 Over 50" Vision List and was also inducted into the Women in Games Hall of Fame.

Hosted by Angharad “Rad” Yeo: award-winning TV and radio presenter (ABC's Good Game Spawn Point, Elevator Pitch, Catalyst).

More speakers announced:

• Ross Symons, CEO, Big Ant Studios
• Harry He, Publishing Director, UltraPlayers
• Oscar McMittrick, Product Manager, Ludios/Tripledot Studios
• Jess Rowlings, Next Level Collaboration
• Rachel Kowert, Founder, Psychgeist
• Adrian Webb, Dept of Defence
• Dr Chris Barker, RMIT University

Teachers are also encouraged to attend this curriculum-connected professional learning opportunity. Careers and Frontiers sits at the intersection of Digital Technologies, The Arts, Media Arts, English, Mathematics, Health, Humanities and the four capabilities particularly, Critical & Creative Thinking and Personal & Social Capability.

The symposium demonstrates what the curriculum areas look like in authentic, contemporary practice by hearing from people actually working in the video game industry.

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Meet and Greet – Industry and Tertiary Institutions

During the breakout session, participants will have a choice of program options. Participants in the Meet and Greet and have the chance to have a quick face to face talk with representatives from Industry and Tertiary Institutions. These sessions will have limited capacity and will operate on a first come first serve basis. No prebooking required.

Games 4 Change Showcases

Participants will be invited to the hear from the developers behind the 2026 Games 4 Change Australia showcase, highlighting videogames as powerful tools for social good, serious applications and personal growth beyond the entertainment Industry.

Registrations are now open for 2026 with more exciting program and speaker announcements to come.