About Roots & Pixels

Roots & Pixels is an initiative designed to bring together female game developers from Belgium and Africa; specifically within Africa, devs from the countries of South Africa, Uganda and Kenya.  Though there are several initiatives in these countries to reinforce women in games and tech/digital entertainment, a gender gap remains -- and we've noticed a lack of collaboration between these initiatives across Belgium/Europe and Africa.

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In 2022, the project was first submitted for funding (VLIR-UOS) by Allie Weis (Ethics Coordinator, Howest DAE), with the greater mission in mind to:

• Empower awesome female game devs (and awesome human beings)

• Increase collaboration between European and African game developers

• Shrink the digital divide

• Encourage participants to reflect on how they can use elements from their own identities/stories to tell meaningful & unique stories through games made during
  a game jam

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In 2024, the project funding was APPROVED. And, here we are, preparing for our FIRST edition in March 2026. 

 

​This is the space where we'll be sharing our journey, the challenges we aim to address, and our commitment to inclusivity and diversity in games & storytelling.

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Join us and let's see what we can make together!

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You have questions.

We have answers!

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WHAT is the project? 
Roots & Pixels is a 2-week training for female game developers (juniors and above), focusing on storytelling, narrative design, worldbuilding, game design (focusing primarily on designing games for impact), business development/marketing. The training will also offer a visit to a local games studio in Flanders (Dutch-speaking region of Belgium), and will end with a game jam -- in which participants will work together in internationally-comprised teams to create a fully-functioning game based on a societally-relevant topic chosen by our friends at Games for Change. 

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WHEN is the training? 

The training will take place in both 2026 and 2027.
The dates for 2026 have already been determined: 23 March-3 April 2026.

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FOR WHOM is the training? Should I apply?

(2026 TRAINING APPLICATIONS CLOSED FOR SOUTH AFRICAN, KENYAN, & UGANDAN APPLICANTS)

The training is for female game developers (junior level and up) from Belgium, South Africa, Kenya, and/or Uganda. (**Key note: If you do not have extensive experience in game development, don't let this keep you from applying! Experience from game jams joined in the past, or experience from self-teaching or engaging in game development as a hobby, is also very valid. Remember that creativity comes in many different shapes and sizes, and games need multiple different profiles to succeed). 

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We have 17 maximum spots per project cycle: 9 spots for intercontinental participants* (from South Africa, Kenya, and Uganda) and 8 spots for Belgian participants**.

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*Funding covers travel (flight ticket), accomodation (hotel), daily food costs, and hardware/software for intercontinental participants. 

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**For Belgian participants, travel, accomodation, and hardware are not provided.
   Costs for the training and for catering (200 euro) have been generously covered by the

   Flemish Audiovisual Fund (VAF).

 

WHAT DOES THE APPLICATION PROCESS LOOK LIKE? 

Candidate participants should hold a recognized degree and/or certficiate in an adjacent/related field of study, including but not limited to: Computer Science, Game Development, Interactive Media, Digital Arts, Animation, Visual Effects, Sound Design, Game Design. Candidates chosen will be female-identifying, given the mission of the project.

 

Candidate-participants should hold the following skills:

• Proficiency in the English language, minimum B2 level

• Previous experience with developing a game and/or assets of a game is highly recommended

• 1+ year in the industry (supporting junior developers, though senior developers are welcome to apply!)

• Previous knowledge (not necessary, but helpful):

  • For technical artists: Previous knowledge of/ experience with the following engines, tools and software: Autodesk Maya, Blender, 3DS Max, Z-Brush, Adobe Photoshop CC, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe After Effects, Unity, Unreal Engine, etc.

  • For programmers: Previous knowledge of the following languages (not all necessary but helpful): Java, Python, C++, C#

• Cooperative attitude and eager to work with others from other personal and professional backgrounds

 

The selection commission will consist of six members: the Project Lead of Roots & Pixels, one Howest Digital Arts & Entertainment (DAE) academic colleague, one game development professional in the Flemish ecosystem, and one representative from the games industry of each of the following countries: South Africa, Uganda and Kenya.

 

The selection criteria will be based on the following: Validity of provided documents, CV, portfolio submission, a motivational statement, and an online interview. The interview will be scored on the following: a) Motivation, b) Professional Excellence, c) Opportunity, d) Social Engagement, and e) Multiplier factor (capacity of the scholar to ‘multiply’ forth the message of the training within her local ecosystem).

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A pre-selection of candidates will occur (on the basis of validity of submitted materials) before final-round candidates are invited for a virtual interview. Decisions will be made on the basis of submitted documents and the interview process. 

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WHEN CAN I APPLY?

For South Africa, Kenyan, and Ugandan participants: The call for applications opened on Monday, 14 April 2025. 

For Belgian participants: The call for applications opened on Friday, 24 October 2025.

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WHEN DO APPLICATIONS CLOSE?
The call for applications for South African, Kenyan, and Ugandan participants closed on Friday, 15 August 2025. 

The call for Belgian participants will close on Friday, 28 November 2025.

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WHEN WILL I BE NOTIFIED?
For South Africa, Kenyan, and Ugandan applicants: First selections were made by early September. Finalists were chosen in mid-October.

For Belgian applicants: Finalists will be chosen by early-December.

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WHERE is the training?

The training will take place in Kortrijk, Belgium at the campuses of Howest University of Applied Sciences: Digital Arts & Entertainment. There are three campuses of Howest Digital Arts & Entertainment (DAE) that can be used for the training sessions: The Level, The Penta, and The Square. Further location details to follow.

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DO I HAVE TO PAY for the training?

• For intercontinental participants: No! Many thanks to VLIRUOS. 

• For Belgian participants: No! Many thanks to the VAF. (The 200 euro training fee has been sponsored!)

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DO I NEED A VISA if I am an intercontinental participant? 

Yes, you will need a visa. Once you have been selected as a participant, we will inform you further about the visa process. We will help you with this process, no worries!

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WHAT SHOULD I BRING for the training?

• Comfortable clothes for 2 weeks (if arriving the weekend before the training, 15-16 days worth of clothing)​

  • Belgian participants will commute to the training, so no need to pack clothes if commuting :-)​

• Rain jacket/umbrella (you never know when the sky will open here in Belgium)

• For Week 1 (Masterclasses week):
  A notebook & pen or other tools to take notes. You are more than welcome to take notes using a laptop as well. During some workshops, it might be extra interesting to bring your laptop (more masterclass/workshop-specific information will be provided closer to the training).

• For Week 2 (Game Jam week): 
  Notebook & pen (optional), laptop and laptop charger & other accessories (i.e. mouse, keyboard, drawing tablet).

• IMPORTANT: Hardware (laptops) will be provided for intercontinental participants (Belgian participants are asked to bring their laptop for the training. We can safely store your laptop at our campus over the days if desired.)

• A screen/monitor will be provided for each participant.

• Any additional accessories (keyboard, mouse, drawing tablet) will not be provided and should be brought with you.

• Note: Please do not use any software provided by your employer/workplace during the jam.​

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     ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? ​

Email Allie Weis (allie.weis@howest.be) for further information!

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