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February 2007 |
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This issue home | Past issues | MTBC home Gaming and Animation Industry growing in North Texas
The North Texas reputation for leading edge technology has grown substantially in recent years. Nanotechnology and RFID have been among the applications recently added to the long list of the more recognized technologies such as telecom and semiconductors. The fast growing entertainment based simulation and gaming industry can now be added to the list. According to the University of Texas at Dallas, 12 of the 50 Texas companies that produce video games, robotics and digital animation gaming reside in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex. And, the market is converging in a number of new directions. The entertainment-oriented gaming companies and the traditional governmental contractors in modeling and simulation are opening new market potential, says Dr. Thomas Linehan, Director of Interactive Arts and Engineering at UTD. The Departments of Defense, State and Justice are all beginning to incorporate “Commercial Off-the-Shelf” gaming software for training and preparedness applications. The commercial gaming companies are moving into the areas of “Serious Games” for audiences that are more diverse with broad applications. Traditional simulations are incorporating interactive gaming engines as a “front-end” to large process simulation models. Modeling and simulation is moving toward an entertainment-focused interactivity and commercial gaming is moving toward research-based modeling and simulation. “North Texas has a significant advantage in this market as the convergence takes place,” said Dr. Linehan. “The region has expertise in both M & S and in commercial gaming. The federal budget for M & S applications continues to significantly increase each year. UTD is developing a talent pool of creative/technical professionals who can work at this point of convergence.” The UTD Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship featured the research and practical applications of the local industry in a day-long seminar on January 19. The Research and New Venture Showcase: “Virtual Worlds and Game Technologies brought together all of the elements of this convergence. The event was highlighted by the 3rd Friday Technical Luncheon which featured 2006 Academy Award nominee and Blue Sky Productions Technical Director John Donkin. Known for his work as the producer of feature films Ice Age: The Meltdown, Donkin described the process of developing computer animated film using his award winning animated character Scrat. Tech Link is a monthly publication of the Metroplex Technology Business Council Communications Department. |
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