“Mom, Dad: I want to make video games when I grow up.”
Only a decade ago, a Louisiana parent might have balked at such a statement. Today, with more than a dozen independent game companies thriving in Louisiana, and nearly as many higher education programs devoted to teaching the skills needed for careers in video game design, digital effects, and other creative STEM fields, this aspiration is more attainable than ever. Louisiana’s newest convention, FifoCon, provides the perfect platform for those driven to pursue careers in video game development and beyond to link up with the many companies and educational programs already thriving throughout the state. In order to help as many interested students as possible attend this “Day of Discovery”, FifoCon founder Andre Chapoy has reached out to high schools throughout the state to invite them to attend free of cost.
Marc Aubanel, director of LSU’s Digital Media Arts and Engineering Master’s Program, is among the educators who hope to connect with potential future students during FifoCon’s Day of Discovery on Friday, October 27. As a local, he says he’s excited at the prospect of raising awareness for the growing video game/digital media community that many fail to realize is active in Louisiana, particularly Baton Rouge. “It’s primarily about raising awareness in the community. We want to do it here, and we don’t necessarily want to have to go to New Orleans or Florida or Texas,” said Aubanel. “I want to keep more industry professionals in town.”
Other programs, organizations, and companies that will be in attendance for the Friday event include the Digital Media Institute at InterTech in Shreveport, the Academy for Interactive Entertainment in Lafayette, Louisiana Tech Parks Indie Game Program, LSU E-Sports, Composite Effects Production Company, and more. Each will present briefly on the main stage, as well as having tables set up to interact with students and display what they do. “We’ve basically created a job fair for them to say, ‘Hey, bring your portfolio, Bring whatever it is that you’ve been working on, let’s take a look and see if we’re a good fit. These are the programs we offer, these are the opportunities that exist in Louisiana,” said Chapoy.
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