While most retailers choose to spotlight the thrill of video games themselves, Microsoft's flagship store in Sydney, Australia is now launching the 'Xbox Academy' to teach kids game development and other components of gaming that often go overlooked behind the scenes.
The course for high school students ages 14 and up will be running for a short period that coincides with the Eater school holidays. Xbox Academy, which was developed in partnership with Sydney's Academy of Interactive Entertainment, features three classes that cover programming, design and development.
Considering that there is set to be an extremely high demand for computer programming jobs in the future, many toys and workshops for kids are being specifically designed to impart skills that will help with schooling and potentially, even a child's career choice down the line.
In-Store Game Development Classes
Microsoft's Xbox Academy Teaches Game Development and More
Trend Themes
1. Game Development Education - Opportunity to meet the demand for computer programming jobs by providing in-store game development classes.
2. Youth Skill Development - Focus on imparting skills to kids through specialized workshops to prepare them for future career opportunities.
3. Interactive Entertainment Collaboration - Partnerships between gaming companies and educational institutions to offer comprehensive gaming education.
Industry Implications
1. Retail - Opportunity for retailers to offer in-store game development classes as an educational and experiential service.
2. Education - Opportunity for educational institutions to collaborate with gaming companies and offer specialized gaming education.
3. Technology - Opportunity for technology companies to develop innovative tools and platforms for game development education.