This weekend Murdoch University hosts a new worldwide phenomenon, the Global Game Jam, which will see Perth participants create video games in small teams.
The Global Game Jam is the first of its kind and sees teams all over the world building games over the same 48 hour period.
Murdoch Games, Art and Design lecturer Josh Whitkin said that in 2007, the $18 billion international games industry grew by 40 per cent, creating a shortage of skilled games employees.
"Events such as the Global Game Jam are important because they spark an interest in game building," Mr Whitkin said.
"It was the skills shortage in the games industry that led to Murdoch University launching the first Western Australian Games, Art and Design degree last year."
Global Game Jam will bring together the entire Perth gaming community, including other universities and developers such as Interzone.
Programmers, artists, designers, sound people and those non professionals interested in building games will participate.
Mr Whitkin said the event gives Murdoch students the opportunity to work with local professional game developers and enjoy game building.