Townsville's best young computer game programmers are working together to create the first game for a life-sized console in Flinders Square.
Townsville City Council has enlisted the help of mentors from CoderDojo, a global organisation that offers free programming training to young people.
Division 3 Councillor, Ann-Maree Greaney, says it is a great opportunity for Townsville kids to make their mark in the city.
"Children as young as seven have been developing their ideas at CoderDojo's workshops and the goal is to create the first game on the big screen at Flinders Square," Cr Greaney said.
"CoderDojo offers opportunities to coders in 106 countries so these kids have a wonderful opportunity to learn from leading programmers."
Cr Greaney said the life-sized joystick will arrive in Townsville next month.
"Council has searched far and wide for the best product and we found it in Christchurch," Cr Greaney said.
"It's worked well in New Zealand so we're confident it will be popular here as well."
Cr Greaney said New Zealand-based organisation Gap Filler is designing a large joystick with over-sized buttons.
"We already have the screen in place so the joystick will attract more people to the CBD," Cr Greaney said.
"Kids and teenagers love computer games so it will great to see people in the city playing a game designed by young local coders.
"I'm sure the kids from the workshop will be excited when they see their game on the big screen."
