Games design meets quantum computing in Fishermans Bend
Earlier this month we supported Eigensystems to host the Australian node of the Global Quantum Game Jam, as part of an international event organised by the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) Finland.
This annual event brings together game developers and quantum physicists around the world to develop games using quantum coding. This year they had a recording breaking event, with over 1000 participants and over 30 games made, more than any quantum game jam or hackathon so far. And for the first time ever, there was over 60 Australians participating!
Thanks to the generous support of SAE University College, their campus in FIshermans Bend hosted the hub of in-person coding activity, with a number of other teams working online. Chris Ferrie, quantum physicist and education, and co-founder of Eigensystems was on hand to help teams adapt their games ideas to the world of quantum. Teams around the world used the Quokka, a low-cost, 30-qubit quantum computing system developed by Eigensystems, to develop and test their quantum game code. You can check out some of the final entries from the global event here.
Why quantum?
Quantum may seem daunting to many (including myself!), but it’s the basis of many critical modern technologies and will be key to all future technology. As Chris wrote in an article on LinkedIn:
“From semiconductors and lasers to MRI machines and GPS, quantum principles have driven nearly every major technological advancement of the past century. Example: every GPS satellite has multiple atomic clocks on board, which won’t lose a second of time before the sun dies. Without this accuracy, GPS would be off by 10km every day!
Quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing are set to revolutionize industries, solving complex problems that classical technologies cannot address. Example: quantum random number generators (QRNGs) produce unpredictable data bits crucial for security. Next-generation quantum technologies manipulate individual quantum systems and are commercially available today.”
From primary school students to industry, the quokka is designed to introduce quantum concepts in a fun and accessible way. With its easy-to-use platform, you can experiment with quantum algorithms and learn how quantum technology is poised to transform our future. If you are working in a Fishermans Bend based organisation and interested to find out more, and have a play with a quokka, reach out to us via the Contact page.
Learning creative technologies at SAE Melbourne - right here in Fishermans Bend
Gamers working at the SAE South Melbourne campus in Fishermans Bend also got to see the campuses impressive state-of-the-art facilities up close. After a $5 million expansion in 2016, SAE Melbourne is one of the largest SAE campuses globally and a thriving hub of digital creative technologies. Across Australia, SAE offers programs in audio and film production, games, animation, VFX, music and more - they are a launch pad for anyone looking for a future-focused career in the creative industries.
If you are interested in learning more about SAE's new technology courses in VFX & Virtual Production and Computer Science, then we’d encourage you to head along to the Technology Course Showcase and Info Night on Thursday 28 November. Specially designed in consultation with industry experts from Technicolor and Ubisoft, their VFX courses will nurture your creativity and empower you to experiment, while the Computer Science programs have been developed to prepare you for the collaborative and geographically diverse world of technology and creative media.
Check out the SAE Melbourne website for more info.
