The region’s first gaming meeting between faculty and businesses kicked off in June, as the SSGX group (simulation and serious games) met at JPL in Harrisburg. A lively clan from across South Central PA came together to discuss several important topics around creating a gaming hub and raising awareness of the talent in this region.

With the growth of gaming across the country, several issues were raised between attendees. How do we define gaming in this region? What are the current projects underway in the group? What challenges does the region face in terms of growth in this sector? One topic bantered about was the need to educate businesses that “gaming” does not equate to “playing.” New technology and the influx of a younger generation has created the opportunity for more effective, engaging, learning tools. The ability to interact with a scenario, while learning new material, decision-making skills or “how to” accomplish a task is an important element to employee training and growth.

As you might expect, the group is a tech savvy bunch and plans to communicate between meetings using Ning.com (http://ssgx-cpa.ning.com)  Join the group virtually, or network in person at the next meeting slated for September 8th, tentatively set at Millersville University. (email ITN directly at itnwk@psu.edu)