GDNLOver the past couple of months, GameDev NL has been reaching out to various companies and organizations that are part of the interactive digital media sector, and they’ve been reaching back. After great, individual conversations about what can be achieved together, our future became much more realized this past week. Now, a new journey begins.
In the boardroom of NATI (Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Technology Industries), passionate leaders of the arts, business, technology, education, and innovation came together to discuss and begin shaping the possibilities of tomorrow. We shared how our talents contribute to the collaborative world of interactive media development and each participant represented their members and communities with excellence. Opportunity is in the air, and it begins with us … all of us.
Watching Business and Arts NL mingle and identify with shared interests of Virtual Marine and Bluedrop Learning Networks, awakens fantastic possibilities. Seeing Clockwork Fox discussing ed-tech possibilities with VR specialist, Will Durocher, and the Memorial Centre for Entrepreneurship opens doors for our potential. Hearing the collaborative experiences of Other Ocean Interactive, the Newfoundland Independent Filmmakers Co-Operative (NIFCO), and the Writers’ Alliance of Newfoundland and Labrador (WANL) lead by example of how we can work together. Hearing Sassy Tuna, Arts NL, Celsius Game Studios, and Genesis Centre discuss their vision, offerings, and experiences enlightened the group. And discussions with the Newfoundland and Labrador Film Development Corporation (NLFDC), NATI, MUN Computer Science, and CNA’s Information Technology and Video Game Art & Design programs launch initiatives of how we all move forward. These are just brief examples, but the entire group was engaged, unified, and open to possibilities at every level of the discussion.
With such an influential gathering of leaders, arranged in such a short time, it is understandable that some schedules for invitees didn’t align, and even more interested parties have since reached out to join this united voice. TCII (Department of Tourism, Culture, and Industry Innovation), Celtx, MusicNL, and many of the small interactive media developers are actively participating, and certainly contribute to this great initiative to grow and unite our community.
Some of these individuals, companies, and organizations have known each other for some time, even worked together. Yet, this feels like the end of a great prologue, and the real story is about to begin. Tomorrow is in wonderful hands.
