Founded in 2004, Games for Change empowers game creators and social innovators to drive real-world change using games and technology that help people to learn, improve their communities, and contribute to make the world a better place. They inspire youth to explore civic issues and learn 21st-century and STEM skills through their STUDENT CHALLENGE and train educators to run game design classes on impact games. They incubate projects through their game design challenges and executive production expertise in coalition building.

the 16th Annual Games for Change Festival will take place from June 17 – 19, 2019 in New York City. Developers, creators, researchers, technologists, educators, policy makers, and non-profits will converge at this nexus of impact to share and learn how they can leverage the power of games and immersive media for social good.

How Some Colleges are Anticipating eSports as part of their Digital Sports Curriculum.

Written Informally By: Kimmiko

Helping you develop the skills you need to move from amateur to professional

LVL Up Academy is a platform designed to help asipring eSports professionals build their skills in eSports, or competitive video gaming.  

MomoCon was born from the hard work and dedication of a small group of committed people. Split between anime/manga, gaming, comics and cosplaying, they strive to bring the very best aspects of these fandoms to their fellow fans. MomoCon began through Anime O-Tekku, Georgia Tech’s anime club, and has grown over 50% in the following years. This year Momocon will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center on May 23th-26th.

A big congratulations goes to PCX Founder, Dr. Jakita Thomas, who has been awarded the 2019 Social Humanitarian Award by The Auburn Chapter of The National Society of Black Engineers and Auburn Black Girls Rock Selection Committee!

This award goes to someone who represents the best of Auburn—a woman of considerable achievement, that shows a relentless support for her Auburn and local community and whose efforts have impacted others within the Auburn community.

GHSEI: The 3rd Annual GHSeI will be held June 21, 2019, from 10am - 4pm at the DeKalb Conference Center at Georgia Piedmont Technical College in Clarkston, GA. Will Tucker High School 3-peat as Georgia high school state champs? Join us to find out! We have already engaged Chick-Fil-A, STEM Wars, and STEAMSport as partners for this year's GHSeI. More info

Pixeljam was created in 2005 as a creative outlet for low resolution art and animation. Shortly after its founding members, Rich Grillotti and Miles Tilmann, decided to fulfill a lifelong dream and make games instead, carried by the momentum of the flourishing scene at the time. After a lot of self-education and determination, the browser game “Gamma Bros” was born.

After being nominated in the 2007 Independent Game Festival for best web game, Miles and Rich decided to dive head first into game development and call it their full time job. The web classic Dino Run was released next, followed by a multitude of smaller games made for Adult Swim.

You can follow them on Twitter + Facebook or check out their website here!

For the first time there was an exclusive Metro Atlanta only meet and greet of the who's-who in the ATL esports industry. It was an amazing chance to have everyone involved in the ATL esports industry under one roof and discuss the growth and opportunity that exists in our city!

PCX was recently featured on 11Alive about how we are teaching young people of color how to think outside the "console" box. Research shows 68 percent of the people making the games are men -- most of them are white. However, Erich and Jakita Thomas are trying to change that.

"It actually gives them the opportunity to be exposed to things that will help get them out of those situations," Erich said. "To help them see what's on the other side of being a success. That's what we really want to do and that's really what we take heart in."

The Georgia Game Developers Association (GGDA)'s game audio shootout has always been a popular event, and this year ListenUp Audio has stepped up to host it. Bring your audio reel for pros from ListenUp, Wabi Sabi and others to review and give you feedback. If you are an indie dev, this is the best opportunity to find audio partners or develop your own game audio plan.

Open to (and free for) GGDA and TAG members ONLY.

Where: ListenUp Audio 514 Flat Shoals Rd SE, Atlanta GA 30316

WSB-TV Channel 2 Atlanta interviewed BluTactic of Wuntu Media, a rising star in the Gaming Industry, recently for a Prime time segment they were doing called Georgia Gamers. This segment explores the massive growth this industry has taken in Georgia and gives an insightful glimpse into the exciting world.

Georgia State University’s varsity esports program hosted PantherLAN Esports Tournament, with live, in-arena finals this past month at the Georgia State Sports Arena. Games in which the teams competed in include Smite, Brawlhalla, Paladins, Overwatch, League of Legends, Hearthstone and Dragon Ball FighterZ.

The Georgia Esports League announced that Greenberg Traurig LLP would be sponsoring scholarships for the winners of GEL's Southeast Regional championship April 6 at Georgia State University. Greenberg Traurig’s Video Game & Esports Group is at the forefront of the rapidly converging worlds of video games, esports, virtual and augmented reality, entertainment, mobile media, music, and social networking. Led by David I. Schulman, a technology and corporate shareholder in the firm's Atlanta office, the group currently represents multiple video game studios, esports teams, publishers, content and rights owners, and hardware developers.

The event also included panels and workshops by GEL and the GGDA, featuring talent and producers from multiple companies and esports organizations in the Atlanta area, including Pharaoh's Conclave. PCX owner, Erich Thomas, sat on panels discussing 'Tools of the Trade: How the Experts Plan Their Rig.', 'Esports Team Formation' and they opportunities that exist for esports teams, and 'Your Esports Fitness Regimen,' and the fitness challenges and injuries that can result from esports.

The Overwatch League's Philadelphia Fusion will build a $50 million esports arena to host its matches and is expected to be playing in the new building by early 2021. The 3,500 seat arena will be notable as it's the first dedicated, purpose-built stadium for esports in the Western Hemisphere. 

The 60,000 square foot building will house a training facility, broadcast studio, and Philadelphia Fusion team offices. Players for the first time will be able to benefit from training opportunities and other experiences in their own dedicated esports arena.

Be My Player Two?

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day this past month, I wanted to focus on couple gamers and those who game with their significant other. What could be better than sharing your favorite hobby with your favorite person?! For me, this is a relatively new experience. In all my previous relationships I was the gamer and none of my past boyfriends expressed the slightest interest in gaming. Crazy-- I know! Which is why I love that in my current relationship I am able to share my love of gaming with my boyfriend, who’s just as a big of a gamer as me! Whether he’s eating my dust in Mario Kart or dragging me through Aperture Labs in Portal 2 at speed that would even make GLaDOS mildly amused, being able to share our love of gaming has allowed us to connect in a way I have never experienced before. Other than just helping me collect all the Wumpa fruit in Crash, playing together has strengthened our relationship in unexpected ways.

Finji Co is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan and their mission is to make new games and create new opportunities. 

Rebekah (Bekah) and Adam have been together since 1998, married since 2006, and started their company Finji Co the same year. The creators of Overland, they went on to publish other indie games like Night in the Woods and Tunic. 

The Esports Bowl was a unique event hosted by PCX and STEMWars that brought together educators and exhibiting companies to use the spirit of competition to help introduce S.T.E.M. education and careers to students. Attendees engaged in head to head competitions, hands-on simulations, workshops, and activities – while making new friends and enjoying unforgettable adventures.

The goal was to host organized middle & high school level esports leagues, in comfortable environments that promote healthy competition. Esports will inspire the next generation of S.T.E.M. leaders by developing a passion for S.T.E.M. careers in middle & high school and maintaining interest through continued engagement. Esports provides students with an experiential education that excites, engages, and enriches through a unique, learn-by-doing curriculum. 

History of Black Video Game Characters

In honor of Black History Month, we take a look at the history of Black video game characters!

Kimberly Bryant: Black Girls Code

History of Black Video Game Characters

In honor of Black History Month, we take a look at the history of Black video game characters!

Kimberly Bryant: Black Girls Code

Esports production company, Skillshot Media, is partnering with the Northside Hospital Sports Medicine Network to create “a comprehensive esports medical program for SMITE and Paladins esports athletes.”

“In discussions with the Northside Hospital Sports Medicine Network, it became clear that they are not only taking early notice of the rising trend of esports injuries, but also aspire to serve our pro players just like athletes in traditional sports – benefiting from nutrition, exercise, rest, and best practices for optimizing performance and prolonging careers,” said Todd Harris, president of Skillshot Media. “We are thrilled to partner with Northside to provide complementary injury-prevention services for our players and also share ongoing research with the broader esports community.”

Esports production company, Skillshot Media, is partnering with the Northside Hospital Sports Medicine Network to create “a comprehensive esports medical program for SMITE and Paladins esports athletes.”

“In discussions with the Northside Hospital Sports Medicine Network, it became clear that they are not only taking early notice of the rising trend of esports injuries, but also aspire to serve our pro players just like athletes in traditional sports – benefiting from nutrition, exercise, rest, and best practices for optimizing performance and prolonging careers,” said Todd Harris, president of Skillshot Media. “We are thrilled to partner with Northside to provide complementary injury-prevention services for our players and also share ongoing research with the broader esports community.”