Kippie offers free courses to encourage Derry girls to consider career in video game industry

Social enterprise tech company Kippie in partnership with Northern Ireland Screen have announced that applications are now open for places on the Girls Make Games courses in Derry and Belfast.

Girls Make Games is an educational programme designed and led by Kippie to inspire the next generation of designers, creators and engineers and aims to address the gender imbalance in one of Northern Ireland’s fastest growing creative industries.

Open to girls aged between 10 and 13, the free after schools, eight weeklong course introduces students to the skills needed to make their own computer game.

Through a mixture of classroom and practical learning experiences the students will learn how to use Gamemaker, a free 2D game engine, and how to use illustration software Procreate on iPad. The course will also include talks from local industry experts alongside tours of game development studios.

Following the successful courses in Derry in 2021 and 2022, the programme is now being extended to students in Belfast.

Katherine Rowlandson, Co-Founder of Kippie commented: “It is with a great sense of pride that we announce the continuation and extension of the Girls Make Games programme.

"Previous students really enjoyed the course and feedback from the students and their parents and guardians tell us it has helped shape their skills profile and encouraged them to consider a career in the gaming industry.

"The classes focus on hands-on learning, trying things out, building confidence, making new friends and most importantly, having fun.”

David McConnell, Education and Careers Manager, Northern Ireland Screen commented: “As part of our new four year strategy, Northern Ireland Screen is committed to future proofing the skills pipeline of the creative industries.

“Working with local companies like Kippie to enhance the provision of the Girls Make Games courses will raise awareness of the opportunities that exist in our local games sector and will inspire the next generation to consider a career in gaming and other creative industries.

“Games skills are future skills, as skills covered in the course include programming, design, team working and presentation, all of which are transferable.

“We will continue to work with Kippie to improve access to games education for those from underrepresented groups that provides a much-needed stepping stone to our range of careers and work experience programmes.”

The Girls Make Games programme is supported by local industry professional Holly Johnstone from Hypixel who welcomes the continuation of the project: "Kippie have been a great partner in growing the local games scene in Northern Ireland.

“Their Girls Make Games course is providing opportunities to diversify the future of gaming while helping young people to realise their potential.

“The ability to learn valuable skills in a safe and rewarding environment is reflected week on week by cultivating confidence in the group. Kippie are an inspiration both locally and to the games industry as a whole."

Parents or guardians of interested parties can apply via the Girls Make Games section of Kippie’s website.