RMIT University in partnership with Infinite Learning have launched their first short course in games design at Nongsa Digital Park in Indonesia, as part of a strategic partnership signed between the two institutions in late 2021.
The course, an Introduction to Game Design (2D), has been developed by RMIT's College of Vocational Education to boost the games and interactivity workforce in Southeast Asia and further cement RMIT's relationship with Infinite Learning.
It will be delivered by Infinite Learning in partnership with the Indonesian Ministry of Education's Kampus Merdeka program.
RMIT Deputy Vice Chancellor Vocational Education and Vice President, Mish Eastman said the course was the latest example of providing learning partnerships in the region to help organisations and sectors upskill and address skill shortages.
"This new course will not only open the door to new students discovering the world of games design but also play an integral role in the economic development of the region," said Eastman.
"RMIT has played an active role in the Asia-Pacific region for more than three decades and it's exciting to continue to add to our 50,000-strong alumni cohort."
"Working with Infinite Learning further positions RMIT in the digital home of the Asia-Pacific, as we continue to work with partner institutions in response to ongoing government and workforce needs," she said.
Batam's strategic location has attracted a large number of games businesses, developers and entrepreneurs in recent years.
Marco Bardelli, Executive Director, Infinite Studios and Nongsa Digital Park, said these kinds of partnerships are helping to build a burgeoning games sector in Southeast Asia.
"The availability of skilled talent and tech-savvy individuals, combined with backing from local Government initiatives, is fuelling the games sector's expansion in Southeast Asia," Bardelli said.
"Additionally, Batam's strong gaming community of enthusiasts and professionals actively contributes to the development of new games, supporting creativity and innovation."
"Infinite Learning sees this as an important step towards its goal to consolidate in Nongsa Digital Park a Centre of Excellence which will drive the growth of the digital gaming industry in Indonesia."
Out of 1,300 applicants from leading universities in Indonesia, 300 participants were successfully selected to join the five month course that is scheduled to begin this month.
Infinite Learning has been active in the Digital Game Development space since 2022 with a project focused on developing Virtual Reality (VR) games in collaboration with Polytechnic of Batam, aiming to establish a Metaverse laboratory in Nongsa Digital Park in Batam, Indonesia.
Infinite Learning is the Educational Division of Infinite Studios (IS), a global media leader in TV, film and animation, which works with international giants such as Warner Media, Disney and Netflix.