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Scott M. Martin - Applied Research and Economic Development Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Higher Education-based Se

Scott M. Martin, Dean, Virginia Serious Game Institute (VSGI), George Mason University James Casey, Virginia Serious Game Institute (VSGI) Higher education institutions struggle with establishing new models of innovation and entrepreneurship. A typical research funding model is for a faculty member or two (co-PIs) to apply for a federal or private grant to conduct research, and when funded, reduce their teaching load, hire a few GRAs or post-docs to help conducts said research, publish a few papers and/or a book, and writes a final report to the funder. In most cases, the short and long-term impact on the institution, besides the counting of research dollars toward their R-1 status, is negligible at best. The Virginia Serious Game Institute (VSGI) is a new applied research, innovation, and entrepreneurship model for higher education, and in this case, focused on serious games technology discovery to improve the human condition. This presentation will outline the three major interconnected and inter-related subdivisions of the VSGI: Applied research, community outreach, and startup incubation & acceleration, and their combined impact on the GMU campus, the Prince William County community, Commonwealth of Virginia, and globally.

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Scott M. Martin - Applied Research and Economic Development Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Higher Education-based Se

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  1. Integrating Academic Programs and an Applied-Research Institute into an Undergraduate Overall Educational Experience The Computer Game Design Programs & Virginia Serious Game Institute George Mason University | Serious Play Conference Computer Game Design

  2. As Virginia’s largest university, with three campuses, and with 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, George Mason University is setting the gold standard for the modern, public university. Its dynamic culture and innovative academic programs prepare Mason’s hard-working students for 21stcentury careers. Its commitment to teaching excellence combines with cutting-edge research that enriches the academic experience and is literally changing the world. 2

  3. ▪ Founded in 2009; ▪ 11 FT Faculty, 3 FT Staff (2017); ▪ 260+ Undergraduate Majors (2017). Computer Game Design The Mission of the Computer Game Design Program at George Mason University is to prepare students for employment and further study in the computer game design and development field, doing so with a curriculum designed to reflect the gaming industry's demand for an academically rigorous technical program coupled with an understanding of the artistic and creative elements of the evolving field of study. ▪ One of Fastest Growing Academic Programs at GMU; ▪ Only Computer Game Design Major in the Commonwealth of Virginia; ▪ NASAD Accredited with Distinction. 3

  4. Computer Game Program Undergraduate and Graduate Curriculum Overview ▪ Revolving-role, team-based, project-based unique pedagogical environment; ▪ Students study both the sciences and the arts (design), and all must take Calculus, Physics, and Programming, but also Foundation of Visual Art, Sound/Music, and Writing; ▪ Senior Project/Thesis (Research or Project based for Grad Students), and and Internship is required of all students. 4

  5. Computer Game Programs Student Opportunities Internal: ▪ Mason Game & Technology Academy (MGTA) as a Teaching Assistant, Classroom Assistant Resident Assistant, Curriculum Developer, or Primary Instructor; ▪ Virginia Serious Game Institute (VSGI) Quality Assurance (QA) Intern, Intern for VSGI resident startups, PT employment as an artist, programmer, sound designer, writer for VSGI startups, found their own startup; External: Current students intern at Bethesda Softworks (20 students currently), EA Studios, Activision, Schell Games, GovCon Companies, Fed. Agencies, and Grad Schools. 5

  6. ▪ Founded in 2012; ▪ Opened in 2014; ▪ 5-10 resident companies; • Applied Research • Community Outreach • Incubator/Accelerator VSGI offers Commonwealth schools, businesses and universities hands-on training, certification, research and development assistance, emerging game company incubation, rapid prototype development, as well as links into leading edge commercialization outputs and technologies that will provide market advantage in the areas of simulation, modeling, and game design for the Commonwealth of Virginia. 6

  7. The VSGI welcomes a number of corporate, government, or individual clients that are seeking out solutions to serious gaming needs and we help them develop their ideas and provide solutions and/or teams to help them develop these solutions. • Interactive Educational Engagement Platform • Interactive Inter-Professional Education Game Engine • Interactive Virtual Incident Simulator • Scenario Based UAV Training Engine • Multi-user Security Training Environment

  8. Scriyb is an example of an applied research project that has taken off, become a resident company, and exceeded expectations. Launched to fulfill a need in expanding our community outreach program, in conjunction with Amazon and MGTA, it sprang in to it’s own company, attracted investors and clients and stands to be our breakout success. Key Areas: Amazon Web Services PHP/HTML Angular/JS MySQL HLA/RTMP LMI LTI STEM Curriculum

  9. IVIS was commissioned by Fairfax Fire and Rescue as a method to transform their command competency training. IVIS has been a huge success internally for the client and they are currently taking the project to other counties. Little Arms Studios and VSGI received a Fire Chief’s Commendation Award for their work as it will save lives and has already improved their training and processes in it’s short time in use. Designed as a team based virtual experience, it simulates a fire call from start to finish and allows the instructor to modify and set up scenarios at will. Key to the simulation was the development of fire and smoke physics that accurately reflected real world demands. Key Areas: Unity/3DS Max Networking/MP Mobile/Web Development

  10. Currently in development, Viper is a multiplayer simulation being researched for the Department of State as a method to supplement training for embassy security forces. Key Areas: Game Engine (Unity/Unreal/VBS) Modeling 3DS Max Animation Networking/Multi-player After Action Assessment/Review The goal here is to research and create a replica of embassy and security training assets for 24 players with up to 24 additional opfor as part of the simulation.

  11. • • • • • • • 1000+ young adults (ages 6-18) per Year STEM/Game Design with state of art curriculum Fairfax, Prince William, and Loudoun Campuses Seminars and Workshops in DMV tri-state area Online live synchronous classes held via Scriyb Partnership with Envision Experience Certificate and adult / corporate classes Game Technology Teacher Training Workshops • • • Fairfax Public Schools Prince William County Schools Fauquier County Public Schools

  12. VSGI Hosts Emerging Serious Gaming Companies • Can host 10-12 start-ups • Variety of services and office amenities • Quality Assurance provided to companies • Mentorships available: • Production / Design • Business / Legal • • • • Graduates looking for a place to start their business and mitigate risks. Undergraduates seeking a place to intern and learn while earning. Alumni looking to share in our vibrant lean and agile environment. Companies or individuals looking to take their idea to the next level. Who Can Take Advantage?

  13. Students start learning about STEM via the MGTA, get a college degree in Game Design from GMU, and then intern at a VSGI startup or start their own at the VSGI. Students from 8-80! K12 focus on STEM College Students BFA / MA Graduates, Alumni, Startups Student Entrepreneurs then give back to the community and teach/provide jobs for the younger generation, creating a self-sustaining creative economic ecosystem!

  14. Computer Game Design Summary ▪ The Computer Game Design Program at Mason is one of most transformational areas of study in higher education today, where students study both the sciences and the arts, all in a revolving-role team-based, project-based new pedagogical environment; ▪ The Computer Game Design Program at Mason educates students not just about recent tech and tools, but teaches STEM and the Arts with the proven best practices of Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Skills. 15

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