WordPlay is the inaugural games writing mentorship program from GamesHub and Melbourne International Games Week. The program gives six emerging writers who have an interest in games the opportunity to write a games-related article inspired or informed by Melbourne International Games Week 2021 (October 2-10), to be published on GamesHub.
[UPDATE: Applications for WordPlay 2021 are now closed. Congratulations to our six successful WordPlay mentees, and thank you to all who applied. We hope to be able to continue the program in future years.]
To help the participants get the best start possible, we’re enlisting some of Australia’s most experienced writers in games media to mentor the cohort and hone their voices. Each participant will receive one-on-one mentoring sessions with a well-established games writer before and during Melbourne International Games Week.
And, of course, all participants will be paid a fee of AUD$300 for their work.
Applications are open to all residents of Victoria. MIGW and GamesHub especially encourage submissions from gender diverse, culturally diverse, and First Nations applicants.
In partnership with Melbourne International Games Week 2021, which plays host to Games Connect Asia Pacific, PAX Australia Online, and a host of other events around the city of Melbourne, GamesHub is seeking to elevate new, diverse perspectives from aspiring Victorian writers who love games with WordPlay.
Applying for WordPlay
To apply, tell us why you are interested in applying in an email to editor@screenhub.com.au with the subject line, ‘WordPlay Application‘.
Please include in your application:
- A short personal introduction describing yourself, your aspirations for writing, and your relationship to video games.
2a. An existing piece of writing about games that you feel best demonstrates your capabilities.
OR
2b. An original, short piece of writing about games, that ranges from 600-1000 words.
(These pieces can take the form of a review, feature, audio or video essay that either demonstrates your writing style or your ability for reporting or critical engagement.)
Applications for the WordPlay mentorship program will close 11:59pm, 12 September 2021
Successful applicants will be contacted the week of 20 September 2021, and will be announced publicly the same week.
The list of mentors will be announced in the coming weeks.
Please email any queries to editor@screenhub.com.au
About GamesHub
In September 2021, the ArtsHub group will launch GamesHub, a video game news, reviews, and features site dedicated to creating approachable games coverage for anyone. With a focus on recognising games as creative works first and foremost, and a commitment to comprehensive coverage of the Australian industry, GamesHub aims to expand how people think about and appreciate games from all over the world.
Most importantly, GamesHub will encourage and foster new voices and perspectives in Australian games writing.
