Empowering Future Game Developers: The Collegiate Games Competition
The nonprofit organization Gay Gaming Professionals (GGP) is on a mission to identify and elevate the next generation of talent in the video game industry through its newly established Collegiate Games Competition.
A Collaborative Effort with Raw Thrills
This initiative, developed in collaboration with Raw Thrills, a renowned arcade games company, comes with an impressive prize pool of $90,000. Gordon Bellamy, GGP’s CEO and a professor within USC’s Interactive Media & Games Division, articulated in an interview with GamesBeat that this competition aims to spotlight creativity and innovation in gaming while nurturing the field’s future leaders.
University Participation and Competitor Engagement
Participating universities from across the U.S., including esteemed programs like USC Games and DePaul University’s Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media, will nominate two student-developed video game projects for the competition. Student competitors will also have the chance to create engaging video game trailers alongside go-to-market strategies for additional cash rewards.
Your Future Game Designers
Bellamy emphasizes that incredible talent exists everywhere. “As I navigate my role as an educator,” he notes, “I encounter extraordinary skill on a daily basis.” He identifies core competencies within game development that include creation, monetization strategies, consumer experience tracking, as well as distribution methods.
“Each component is vital for meaningful growth in our industry,” Bellamy remarked. “To achieve sustainable business models moving forward requires synergy between these elements—understanding gameplay nuances as well as how user experiences are optimized.”
A Learning Experience Like No Other
The competitive landscape provides students hands-on experience while collaborating closely with industry experts from recognized organizations such as Ayzenberg Group. The event culminates in a livestreamed awards ceremony scheduled for July 2025 featuring various accolades based on quality assessment of games produced by contestants along with creative market strategies executed through their trailers. One notable prize includes an arcade machine generously supplied by Raw Thrills.
“There is untapped potential everywhere; we are constructing avenues to nurture emerging leaders,” added Bellamy regarding their array of initiatives which include GGP Scholars and CYSTEM — all designed around leadership skills development coupled with collaborative competition ethos.
A Legacy Supporting Future Innovators
The rich legacy behind GGP spans over two decades dedicated towards empowering aspiring game developers through opportunities offered via scholarship channels such as CYSTEM whilst fostering innovative creations amongst participants involved today!
Eugene Jarvis co-founder & creative director at Raw Thrills echoes similar sentiments asserting: “This generation stands poised at forefront shaping what lies ahead,” stating enthusiasm stemming from participatory support aligned alongside collaborative efforts made throughout educational foundations via developments initiated under CGC umbrella! Further animated activities planned during this year marks moments stimulating networking gatherings alongside thought-provoking Q&A discussions featuring seasoned veterans sharing insights into recruitment best practices ensuring connectivity overarching themes embodied!”
Overall participation promotes vibrant spirit showcasing community building endeavors while providing holistic views applicable across diverse domains integralities bolstering young individuals steadily engaged arts craft throughout ever-evolving entertainment industries witnessed globally! To discover more about ongoing updates related events hosted visit official pages regularly!
(Please note: Sign-up now available here if interested)
