Session Information
| Title | Growing the Game Industry in Michigan: 2012 Update |
| Presenter(s) | Brian Winn, Michigan State University (moderator)
Carrie Jones, Michigan Film Office Sean Hurwitz, Pixo Entertainment Nathaniel McClure, Scientifically Proven Entertainment Mike Rossi, Adventure Club Games Susan S. Dorris, Oakland County Film and Digital Media Economic Development & Community Affairs |
| Time | Thursday, October 18, 3:00p-4:00p |
| Location | Gold A |
| Format | Panel |
| Description | Michigan has long been known as the heart of the U.S. auto industry. Its fortunes are tied tightly to the ups and downs of this industry. In the last decade (or more), with rising fuel costs, outsourcing of autoworker jobs, and factories being moved overseas, the Michigan economy have suffered tremendously. In fact, by most accounts, Michigan is the state hit the hardest by the recent economic downturn.
In the last few years there have been efforts to reinvigorate the Michigan economy by diversifying and growing new high-tech, health, and entertainment industries. The game industry is one such industry that Michigan hopes to foster within the state. At Meaningful Play 2008 and 2010, this panel discussed the challenges and barriers that Michigan faced in terms of attracting and growing a local game industry. But what has happened since then? This dynamic panel of Michigan game industry veterans, state leaders, and academics will explore the successes and failures of the last two years, discuss the challenges that remain, and potential solutions to growing a strong game industry in the state. |