GameCamp! Prepares for the Future of the Gaming Industry

The Daily Advertiser has an expose on a new summer past time, gaming camp. This camp however is not just for playing games, but learning the technical skills needed to make it in the games industry. GameCamp! held at the CyborLAN gaming center in Lafayette, Louisiana has changed its focus to include video game design skills, animation experience and advice from industry veterans on how to break into the competitive video game job market.

GameCamp! is an excellent example of the positive force of cooperation between educators, politicians and the gaming industry. Sen. Mike Michot, R-Lafayette was instrumental in securing a $25,000 Workforce Development Grant for the camp.

Louisiana has passed tax incentives to promote the video gaming industry, Michot said, and this camp is a good way to develop the local workforce for future growth.

The goal of the camp is for kids to have fun learning how to take their love of gaming into a bright future.

Coordination between UL, high schools and AOIT, and local politicians is key, said Zuzulu, GameCamp! director.

“The mentor program (we’re creating) is a real pipeline for workforce training,” he said.