Junior Girls in Games is an immersive full-day event that covers the basics of Game Art and Game Programming for aspirational game developers in Years 9 & 10.
Wednesday 16th September 2026 | 8.30am - 4.30pm
Registrations now open until 12pm, Tuesday 15th September.
Girls in Games includes hands-on and inspirational game design, game art, and game programming workshops. Over the course of the day, you'll be introduced to creating art assets and programming in a game engine, while gaining valuable insights from MDS Game Development staff.
What you need to know:
Doors open at 8.30am. You can check in on Level 1. Please arrive on time for a prompt 9am start.
Students must be supervised by a parent/guardian/teacher for the duration of this workshop - we can provide a quiet space for you to work while the sessions are happening.
Lunch and morning/afternoon tea will be provided for registered students on the day. Students will not be able to leave campus during these breaks unless supervised by their accompanying parent/guardian/teacher. Bring your own water bottle to refill on campus.
The event will wrap up around 4.30pm, after the awards prize giving.
RSVP today to secure your spot. We look forward to seeing you there!
Schedule:
Time | Activities |
8.30am | Doors open for registration (Level 1) |
9am | Welcome / Introductions |
9.10am | Keynote speaker: Larisa Isaeva |
10am | Morning session: Game Art 2D |
10.30am | Morning tea break |
| 11am | Game Art session continues... |
1pm | Lunch break (lunch will be provided) |
1.30pm | Afternoon session: Game Maker Basics (Programming) |
3pm | Afternoon tea break |
| 3.15pm | Game Programming session continues... |
4pm | Awards |
4.30pm | Event concludes |
Please note: There is no onsite parking. View nearby carparks here or access bus service information here.
When
Where
Media Design School at Strayer
Level 1
10 Madden Street
Central Auckland 1010
"Hi, My name is Larisa Isaeva and I am currently a Senior UI Artist at Outerdawn. I previously worked at PikPok down in Wellington and have returned back to the city which I studied in! I have always had a passion for video games and that passion has been the motivating factor in my studies, and now, my career.
As a current Women in Games Ambassador, I thrive on mentoring and supporting any woman in games or anyone wanting to join this industry. To me, no topic is hard to discuss and any goal can be reached together!" - Larisa
Larisa is also a graduate of our Bachelor of Creative Technologies (Game Art) course!
