Learn programming through gaming

Like to play games? Want to know how to code them? An Australian game developer has secured funding for a project that will allow you to do both at the same time.

Brainworth, a company created in July 2010, plans to create an "educational online game world" for adults. The first game within that world - which is also called Brainworth - will teach a high-level programming language. From there, the company plans to branch out into teaching science and business.

Brainworth will "serve third-year college students looking to test and improve their skills in a rich online game world", the company said in a statement.

The company has secured AU$50,000 (around NZ$64,000) in funding for the project from the New South Wales government's Interactive Media Fund.

"We're thrilled the New South Wales government is backing a broad vision like ours," said Brainworth's founder and chief executive, Ben Sand.

"Brainworth will be the first online educational world to unify a completely personalised experience for each user with the social interaction of student clubs and the fun of an interactive game world."

New South Wales' Minister for Trade and Investment, Andrew Stoner, said Brainworth had "great potential".

"I hope the assistance offered under the Interactive Media Fund will help make this a reality," Stoner said.