Ross Symons

Symons was first published in the 1970's when he authored books on the subjects of computer programming and video games for the BBC Micro, TRS80 and Commodore 64[2] and also collaborated with Tim Hartnell on a series of video game code books for early-era computers.[3]

Symons founded Big Ant Studios in 2001. Based in Melbourne, Victoria, the company was initially focused on contract development for third party publishers, including The Legend of Spyro for Vivendi Games and racing titles such as World of Outlaws: Sprint Cars for THQ. Big Ant would later focus on creating simulations for sports such as Rugby League, Australian Football League, Cricket and Tennis.[4]

In January 2021 Ross sold Big Ant Studios to French publisher Nacon for €35m[5], with an agreement for him to stay on as CEO.[6]

Symons was a board member of the Game Developers Association of Australia[7] and provided the original office space and funding for The Arcade, a not for profit office sharing space for video game developers, which resided in the Big Ant Studios offices in Melbourne.[8]

Symons has also been vocal in the media in support of the promotion of the video games industry as an employer and employee rights.[9] Symons has appeared on Australian news television[10] and has contributed columns on games industry trends and opportunities to national newspapers.[11] Symons is also a frequent participant in panels at consumer events in Australia, such as PAX Australia[12]

In January 2021, Symons was elected to the board of the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (IGEA), the industry association for computer and video games in Australia and New Zealand.[13]

Acting as the industry representative for IGEA, Symons made a presentation on the games industry challenges and opportunities to the inaugural meeting of the Australian government's Parliamentary Friends of Video Games group.[14]