Youth Week: Music and Character Making for 8Bit Retro Games

Explore the world of retro games through music and design in this hands on Youth Week workshop.

Participants can bring their own original game idea or respond to creative prompts inspired by the Japanese My Famicase exhibition. The session begins with designing a character using pixel art techniques, followed by listening to classic chiptune sounds and learning how 8-bit background music is created.

Using simple digital music software, participants will compose a short melody to match their game concept. No prior drawing or music experience is required.

Bookings are essential as places are limited.

About the facilitator:

Lu Towers is a zinester, illustrator and lover of retro games. She grew up playing Donkey Kong and Banjo Kazooie on her Nintendo 64 and now enjoys Nintendo Switch and learning about 1980s consoles such as the Famicom. Lu has participated in several Global Game Jams and is currently creating one 8-bit song a week as part of the Weekly Beats online challenge.