BUILD-A-WORLD
Are You The Next BIG SHOT Indie Game Designer?
Turn your creative vision into a real indie game! At Build-A-World, we provide a safe, supportive space for neurodivergent creators to build the worlds they imagine and empower them to share their vision with the world.
✓ Tell Your Story
We guide you through the entire design process, from concept to playable game.
✓ Learn Pro Tools
Get hands-on experience with powerful software whether it be Godot, Unity, Game Maker or Roblox!
✓ Build Your Future
Gain confidence, technical abilities, and lifelong skills, all aligned with NDIS capacity-building goals.
What's an "Indie Game"?
The Power of a Single Idea
Some of the world's most successful games weren't made in corporate boardrooms. They were built and self-published by one person with a powerful vision. The market for unique, creative games is not just real—it's explosive.
Consider the proof:
Minecraft: Initially created by one developer. The result? A global phenomenon sold to Microsoft for $2.5 billion.
Stardew Valley: A passion project built entirely by one person. The result? Over 41 million copies sold, earning an estimated $500 million+ in revenue.
Undertale: The brainchild of almost-exclusively one person, funded by a small online campaign. The result? A beloved pop-culture icon that has earned well over $100 million.
These creators proved that a personal vision can become a viable, world-changing career. The Indie Game market continues to grow to this day with demand for games from creators with true passion and vision ever-increasing.
Empowering Growth Through Creative Game Development
From Creator to Entrepreneur, with Phoenix Entrepreneurs
A finished game isn't just a portfolio piece; it's a potential business. To truly empower our creators, we've partnered with the NDIS small business development experts and coaches at Phoenix Entrepreneurs.
Once a game is ready, our coaching expands. Through this partnership, we provide expert guidance and hands-on assistance to help participants:
✓ Market their game to find a real audience.
✓ Build a unique brand around their creative vision.
✓ Navigate the self-publishing process on global platforms like Steam, itch.io and Roblox.
✓ Understand the basics of commerce and online business.
Our Path: From First Idea to Published Creator
Our unique, end-to-end coaching model ensures participants don't just learn a skill, they learn how to use it in the real world.
✓ We help you CREATE.
Master the design, art, and coding skills to build your game from the ground up.
✓ We help you LAUNCH.
In partnership with Phoenix Entrepreneurs, we guide you through the business of marketing and self-publishing.
✓ We help you THRIVE.
You gain a powerful portfolio and NDIS-aligned skills in creativity, commerce, and communication, empowering you in virtual spaces and real-world interactions.
MEET YOUR GUIDE
Kyle 'KJ' Jensen
A lifelong enthusiast, KJ has been immersed in the world of games since winning his first design competition in Total Gamer magazine at just 11 years old. Having majored in Game Design and been involved in a diverse range of projects since, KJ combines formal knowledge with an infectious love for creative and self-expressive game design in his coaching.
He is deeply passionate about the power of games as a unique platform for self-expression and meaningful storytelling. At Build-A-World Coaching, KJ is dedicated to guiding participants through every stage of their indie game development journey. He thrives on helping individuals transform their unique concepts and creative ideas into engaging, playable realities.
FAQs
Got Questions? Find Your Answers Here!
1. What is Indie Game Development Coaching and how does it work at Build-A-World?
Gaming Therapy at Build-A-World is a skills-based and therapeutic approach that uses game design, development, and play to support personal growth, social connection, and skill-building. Participants engage in structured coaching sessions focused on game design & development. Beginning with an industry-standard Game Design Document participants are then coached through various aspects of game design such as storytelling, coding, art, and project planning - while also developing communication, problem-solving, self-expression and emotional regulation skills in a supportive and creative environment.
2. Who can participate in Build-A-World programs?
Build-A-World is designed for individuals of all abilities, including NDIS participants aged 10 and up, who are interested in games and creative digital expression. Whether you're new to gaming or have experience, our sessions are tailored to suit your goals, needs, and skill levels. We support neurodiverse participants, people with social anxiety, and anyone looking to build life skills in an engaging and empowering way.
3. Do I need to have any previous experience in game development or coding?
No prior experience is necessary! Our programs are beginner-friendly and fully guided by experienced coaches. We introduce each element step-by-step, ensuring that participants feel supported and confident whether they are learning to code and using game engines, creating digital art, or exploring video game sound design.
4. What outcomes can participants expect from the program?
Participants can expect to gain a wide range of outcomes including improved communication and collaboration skills, increased confidence, enhanced digital and creative abilities, a deeper understanding of project management, and knowledge and guidance on how to market and self-publish their own indie game. Most importantly, they’ll experience the joy and pride of creating something uniquely their own - while being supported in a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment.
5. Can this program be funded through my NDIS plan?
Yes, Build-A-World's services can be funded under NDIS plans, often under categories like Capacity Building, Increased Social and Community Participation, or Improved Daily Living Skills. We can provide tailored service agreements and assist with paperwork to ensure a smooth process for self-managed and plan-managed participants.
6. What tools and software do you use in the sessions?
We use accessible and industry-recognized tools such as Unity, Godot, Unreal Engine and RPG Maker for development, along with various platforms for art creation, sound design, and project planning. Sessions can be tailored based on individual needs and preferences, ensuring that the tools we use are both engaging and appropriate for the participant’s ability level. If there's a particular type of tool you want to learn, our coaches will make it happen!
7. Do you use AI in the game creation process?
Only if you want to! Build-A-World encourages participants to be open about their perspectives and opinions when it comes to the use of AI technology when creating games. We believe in a world where creatives and computers ETHICALLY co-exist so that the little guy also benefits and not just the large software development firms that can afford it. While our coaches are knowledgeable of how to leverage these powerful tools to the advantage of independent creators, Build-A-World respects the right of the individual to take a hard stance against using them to assist the design, development and creation processes and will work with the client to their preferences.
8. The Big One: What's in it for you? Who owns the game, the IP, and (potential) earnings?
This is one of the most important questions to ask, and I'm so glad you're asking it. It shows you’re looking out for your or your child’s best interests.
My answer on this is simple and absolute:
THE CLIENT OWNS EVERYTHING. 100%.
Let me be crystal clear: The client, the participant - the creator - owns 100% of the Intellectual Property (IP) for everything they create in our sessions.
This includes: The game concept, story, and world. The character designs and artwork. The sound and music they produce. The code and programming they write.
Think of me as a specialty tutor crossed with a freelance game developer. I'm the mentor and "silent partner" on the journey; the client is the hero of the story. We Never Take Royalties or a Percentage of Sales. PERIOD. Build-A-World Coaching is a fee-for-service business. Our fees cover my time, expertise, guidance, and the resources we provide during our sessions. That is the beginning and the end of our financial relationship. Whether a game goes on to earn $0 or $10 million like Stardew Valley, our arrangement doesn't change. The participant's success is their success to celebrate and benefit from, entirely.
So, What’s In It For Me and Build-A-World? This is the other part of the question, and my answer is what drives me to do this work. My 'win' isn't financial; it's seeing the growth and empowerment of diverse individuals in the global game development space and being able to "open a new door" to self-expression that someone may not have thought about before. My passion, ever since I was a kid winning my first design competition, has been about the joy of creation and connecting with the world through fiction. My goal is to be a launchpad, not a gatekeeper. My job is simply to give YOU the tools and confidence to share your vision with the world.
Phone: +61 434128400
Email: admin@phoenixentrepreneurs.com.au
Address: 117 Mooloolah Meadows Dve Sunshine Coast QLD
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land where we work and live.
We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
We celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities who also work and live on this land.
Disclaimer for Coaching Process
Our business coaching process is designed to provide structured guidance and support to help you achieve your entrepreneurial goals. We understand that each individual has unique needs and experiences, especially when living with disabilities such as PTSD or Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD).
Important Notice:
Nature of Coaching: Our coaching sessions will involve providing specific instructions and tasks that are essential for your business development.
Potential Triggers: We recognise that being told what to do can be challenging or triggering for some individuals. If you have any conditions, such as PTSD or ODD, that make it difficult to receive direct instructions, please inform us in advance. This information will help us tailor our approach to better suit your needs.
Communication and Support: We are committed to creating a supportive and understanding environment. If at any point you feel uncomfortable or triggered during a session, please communicate this to your coach. We will work together to find a more suitable approach for your comfort and progress.
Mutual Understanding: Our goal is to help you succeed in your business endeavours while respecting your personal boundaries and mental health. Open and honest communication is key to ensuring a productive and positive coaching experience.
Financial Responsibility: Phoenix Entrepreneurs are not financial managers of your business and are not responsible for your financial decisions. Our role is to provide guidance and support, but all financial decisions and actions are ultimately your responsibility. It is important to consult with a qualified financial advisor for specific financial advice.
By participating in our coaching program, you acknowledge and accept the nature of our process and agree to communicate any concerns or triggers you may have.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.