At Mytona, we believe that sharing knowledge and supporting young talent is just as important as creating games. That’s why we’re proud to partner with Westlake Boys High School to launch one of Auckland’s first structured, fully sponsored high school game development programmes.
The global video game market is now worth nearly $300 billion — larger than the combined film and music industries — and offers incredible opportunities for the next generation of creators. By working directly with students, we’re helping to open those doors early, providing them with the skills, guidance, and inspiration they need to take their first steps toward a career in the games industry.
This after-school course gives students practical experience in key areas of game creation — from coding and design to teamwork and project management. The interest was overwhelming: more than 130 students applied, and 27 were selected for the pilot year.
"We’re excited to partner with Mytona to bring real-world software and game development experience into Westlake Boys. This collaboration allows our students to showcase their creativity, build real-world skills, and learn from industry professionals — turning their interests into meaningful opportunities with future pathways,"
— Simon O’Brien, Westlake Boys High School
What makes this programme unique is the direct connection to industry. Our team provides mentorship, feedback, guest talks, and office visits, giving students a behind-the-scenes look at how games are made and the many disciplines involved.
Recently, our Finance Director Wade Kirkland (Class of 1995) and Game Designer Joseph Choi (Class of 2009) — both Westlake Boys alumni — visited the school to meet the students. They shared their career journeys and spoke about some of our most successful games, Cooking Diary and Seekers Notes — both ranked among the top 3 highest-grossing games in their genres worldwide.
Westlake Boys already had a strong foundation in game development, with students creating their own projects before our collaboration began. We’re building on that passion by adding structure, resources, and industry insight.
"Westlake Boys already has significant experience in game development education. After meeting with the school’s leadership, we learned that students have been creating their own games for several years, developing their skills through hands-on practice and laying a strong foundation for game development within the school. We truly value this practical approach and the enthusiasm shown by both students and teachers. We believe that our support — both financial and expert — can help these students fully unlock their creative and technical potential,"
— Sasha Baisheva, Executive Director, Mytona
This initiative is not just about teaching skills — it’s about helping young creatives see a real pathway from the classroom to the global games industry. It also contributes to Auckland’s broader ambition of becoming a world-leading hub for innovation and technology.