Bundaberg children build games with AI as organisers eye regional hub

Children aged eight to 13 in Bundaberg have used AI to create racing, quest and trivia games at workshops that prioritised creativity over coding knowledge. About 20 young people participated, using spoken or typed instructions to develop their ideas. They also used 3D printing to produce a console and learned to wire a controller.

Organisers Don Meadows and David Quarrell want to build a regional game development hub so young people can pursue industry careers without leaving their hometown. Meadows grew up in Bundaberg but moved overseas to work in game development. Quarrell said AI removes technical barriers and makes it easier for participants to express their imagination.

The initiative grew from Quarrell’s experience with his son Oscar, who cannot read or write but could give spoken prompts to AI. The system extracted the substance of his ideas despite pauses and verbal fillers, demonstrating how voice-based tools could broaden participation.

Queensland University of Technology senior lecturer Cody Phillips said Australia’s games industry generates about $600 million in revenue each year, but relatively few titles come from regional areas. He welcomed initiatives that encourage participation and described AI as opening opportunities, while warning that stronger safeguards and unresolved copyright legislation still need attention.