Students make valuable industry connections at game conference

Friday, April 28, 2023

Photos provided by Alicia L. McNett, assistant professor and club adviser

Members of Penn College's Wildcat Games Studio club traveled to Raleigh, North Carolina, in April to attend the annual East Coast Game Conference hosted by the Triangle Game Initiative.

Game & simulation programming students stand in front of the "Raleigh" sign at the Raleigh Convention Center.

From left: Steven B. Motz, of Reading; Hunter B. Hockman, of Accident, Md.; AJ Maggio, of State College; Theresa B. Hunsberger, of Williamsport; David M. Waldron, of West Chester; and Ethan T. Lehutsky, of Honesdale – all of them game & simulation programming students – stand in front of the "Raleigh" sign at the Raleigh Convention Center.

The conference – one of the largest gatherings of game developers on the East Coast – spanned three days and included a variety of sessions covering just about everything related to the development of games and simulations. Talks this year included a wide range of topics from coding to narrative design to virtual reality, including many opportunities for attendees to network with developers. The conference was packed with sessions, and included two keynote speakers and an expo hall for checking out tech and meeting industry representatives.

“I found this to be a high-energy event where I talked with people with similar interests," said Steven B. Motz, a game & simulation programming student and WGS vice president. “It was really cool to meet the developer of a game I play and to make LinkedIn connections.”

WGS treasurer Ethan T. Lehutsky, a game & simulation programming student, echoed that sentiment with his thoughts about attending the conference: “I enjoyed being able to talk with other developers about projects they were passionate about and making new connections with cool people.”

“The sessions were great,” added club President Hunter B. Hockman, a game & simulation programming student. He also commented that the conference allowed him to learn about additional opportunities after college and helped to prepare him to attend other conferences in the future.

“This event is a great opportunity for students on the East Coast to not only expand their understanding of the industry and pick up some new knowledge, but it also very helpful in helping students make industry connections," stated Alicia L. McNett, assistant professor of computer information technology and adviser for WGS, who also attended the conference. ECGC is one of the largest gatherings of game developers on the east coast.

“The conference has a great laid-back vibe, but with a serious understanding of the future potential of gaming and growth expected in this industry," she said. "It is hard to not leave this event inspired by the various speakers, and motivated and excited for what comes next.”

WGS is a Penn College club open to all students, not just those pursuing a game & simulation programming degree. Interested in attending WGS meetings next year? Want to participate in a game jam or just learn more about game development? Contact the club by email!