A well filled room for the NEO Gaming Initiative. Attendees include educators, game entrepreneurs, technology
console games thousands of games on the market
China emerging large market; certain country requirements with advancing local requirements such as the display/not of blood, customization
Machinima - using a game engine to create films; George Lucas have used game visualization to play out sets and story
The NEO Game Initiative is focused on education and especially for high school level. Dan is working on a proposal to support game incubators and game desing in the schols. There are 2 (?) companies in town who supply game camps teaching game design. Many contacts are offered with connections in Collinwood...and various community centers
Dan also started a game development centers/labs
Talk with Kristen Baumlier and Knut - what about assigning faculty with these labs to work with the students?
Another large project has involved the Third Frontier project for pre-seed early stage funds. Require a min $500,000 matching funds for work over a 10 year period. The RFP is due Nov 7th.
"Simulation" is a word that is accepted better by investors than "gaming".
Events: Winter Game Expo (December 2) to show off some of the projects currently being done in town; simulations; student projects and FUTURE incubator entrepreneurs. Summer Game Festival offered in conjuction with Ingenuity 07'. Projected 5000 people attending - this is a successful model offered in other parts of the country and Europe; including game events, boot camp, provider expos, and concerts/rock band .
With funding of the Civic Innovation Lab...what is the best company structure: non-profit or non-profit?
What will happen if pre-seed funds are not awarded?
What can be done to move this initiative forward? Questions and brainstorming...
Company Structure
-Non profit of For Profit? Hybrid?
Pre-seed Alternatives
-Intermeidary/Consultant
Other Local Partners
-Hyland
-American Greetings
-NASA
-Others?
What about seeking funds from NorTech? They are into clusters...and should be addressed.
What about new language? What is the definition of gaming: the 30 -40 year old definition is casinos. Today, teaching how to use computers, etc. is all a part of the gaming industry.
[Many contacts are offered in private industry who might be helpful to gaming entrepreneurs]
Q: Are game designers very collaborative? A: Game palyers are!
When approaching schools, get the instructors on board first, put together a formal presentation, and schedule far in advance...the schools have lost more good ideas die to scheduling...what about forming/connecting with School Clubs? You need a good contact to develop good relationships....put labs in the community schools for use during the day and open access for the school kids in the evening.
Focus on the available lab space.
End of E 4th space is being held for gaming labs space. Mentor on the Lake...David Buster's is getting more involved in providing gaming abilities. ISP, computer vendor and equipment supplied. This is not a sustainable model...what about building a partnership with vendors?
We encourage strengthening these new industries in NEO. What
