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21 October 09

MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release

Games Students Get Inside the Big Ant

Final year students from Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) were given a great opportunity by Big Ant Studios, one of the largest game developers in Australia, to learn more about how a top Australian games development studio is run.

Big Ant's CEO Ross Symons and Art Director, Adam Briggs were both on hand to answer questions and talk to the students about the current projects and development process at the company.

"I have been fortunate to have worked with many graduates from the AIE in both art and programming disciplines who have become incredibly valuable members of game development teams," said Mr Briggs. 

The students also met past AIE graduates including industry-veteran Simon Lissaman, currently working as a concept artist for Big Ant.

AIE students arrive at Big Ant Studios

Michael Timbrell, a games programming student keen to work in the local games industry, was impressed with Big Ant’s setup.“It’s great to see the final game projects that the AIE Advanced Diploma classes are working on really do mimic the way things are done in the work place" he said. 

"It's great for students to see how everything fits together in the real world as part of the training at AIE says AIE's Senior Game Art Teacher, Mark Flanagan. “The skills we teach equip graduates to make games in both big studio and small independent environments."  Mark, whose background includes over nine years experience as a games artist, emphasises that "AIE graduates have an advantage in the jobs market through their understanding of the inner workings of games studios, the contacts they have developed and the practical skills they have honed.”

For further information or pictures, please contact
Media Contact: Giselle Rosman
Title: Marketing and Communications Manager, Melbourne
Organisation:  Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE)
Phone: 03 9820 8201
Mobile: 0406 631 926
Email:
Web: www.aie.edu.au