Open Letter to Andy Beshear
Archived from occybyte.com/resources · 2019-01-04
Hello,
My name is Datorien Anderson and I’m a lifelong native of Kentucky. As of a couple of years ago, I decided to continue my education and now I am Game Designer. I’ve been following the election closely ”“ especially due to the promise of putting Kentucky on the map. Now ”“ being a Game Designer is essentially a Software Engineer who specializes in the making of games. This can be AR (Augmented Reality), VR (Virtual Reality) and digital games such as video games.
In a different country, such as Poland, various game dev companies such as CD Projekt Red and Techland received grants. From an article with gamesindustry.biz, “Poland’s biggest games developers have received hefty new grants from the nation’s National Center for Research of Development as part as an initiative to grow the local games scene.” (https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2016-12-19-cd-projekt-red-techland-receive-grants-from-polish-governments-usd27-4m-research-fund)
The reason why this is important is because ”“ as it turns out, there are no jobs available for a Game Designer in Kentucky, my home state. To pursue that, I would have to go out-of-state of California, Texas or Washington since those areas where that is clustered. The video game industry is worth more than both the movie and music industries combined. I believe we should put Kentucky on the map for making video games. There are game development studios for so many different genres and experiences around the globe. The Video Game market’s profits are expected to reach 180 billion in 2021, and it’s a number that’s only getting bigger as more people indulge in interactive entertainment.
The University of Louisville is one of the leading medical schools in the country and one of the top public research universities, for it’s innovations in the field of medicine. This could be combined with the prowess of game design. Making simulated programs to help students learn exactly what to do ”“ and how they should do it correctly. There are already extensive tools designed to allow pilots to learn how to fly before they get into an airplane that is just as methodical as receiving fly time outside of simulated environments.Â
When it comes to education ”“ the possibilities are limitless and enrichful. Virtual Labs used with VR Headsets that can give an accurate scale of the solar system. There is a normal game called RealLives that allows a person to experience human life in other areas of the world. To teach empathy and to learn. We could create historical simulations. Create games about the local legends and myths of Kentucky. In today’s society, video games are and can truly become a valuable resource. It’s turning into a huge part of STEM learning.
This is something that aligns with the goals of strengthening our public schools and building our economy. With a Game Development Studio, comes with a huge array of jobs. Good-paying jobs. If we create something like a virtual reality arcade. While it would be expensive ”“ it is something that can grow the tourism industries. While more catered towards a movie. The ALIEN: Descent VR Experience is a type of theme part where the guests can move around in VR and complete objectives with each other. It is a story driven experience. Using this technology, we could also work with Fort Knox to create training simulations.
This can go with the Expanded Gaming and Job Training issues that are also listed. Paid Internships that can grow into a full-time job. While it’s not sports bettings and casinos ”“ we can have youth continue to be entertained by having Gaming Cafes; and still obtain a revenue. We should make Kentucky competitive but also encourage creativity, critical thinking and technology awareness. Video Games are not just shooters ”“ nor are they just casinos and gambling entertainment. Microsoft and Epic Games could be a great start in learning how to do this and acquiring partnerships. Starting in the Nucleus Research Park. This is something that I want to be apart of and hope Kentucky is known for ”“ Quality Entertainment, Quality Games and Quality Education.Â
I strongly believe that if taken seriously ”“ even if not a lot of this will happen. This is something that can strongly point the way towards fulfilling quite a few campaign promises.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Sincerely,Â
Datorien Anderson