The global video gaming industry is colossal, with revenue from the worldwide gaming market estimated at almost $455 billion in 2024, according to Statista.
Grand Canyon University's College of Arts and Media is on a quest to prepare students to excel in that world, showcasing its gaming community and industry-related academics and bringing industry experts to campus for its first G.A.M.E. Conference Feb. 20-21.
The two-day event – the name stands for gaming, arts, media and entertainment – will fuse esports, game design and game development to give students a glimpse into industry possibilities and pathways.
And as a plus, it will feature the debut of “Glitch’s Revenge,” an original retro video game created by the university’s student-driven, faculty-led creative agency, Canyon Creative. "Glitch's Revenge" features work by motion graphic designer Mica Paden, who graduated in December. The game features America’s favorite mascot, Thunder, battling a glitch while collecting basketballs and GCBC Stampede energy drinks.
“We are excited to see what conversations, collaborations and new ideas emerge, showing what careers in games truly look like, celebrating the creativity of our community and reinforcing GCU’s commitment to preparing students for industries they love,” Director of Esports Operations Jay DeShong said.
The college organized the conference to answer questions about how to turn students' gaming passion into a career.
The conference will include a packed schedule featuring educational workshops, networking opportunities with industry professionals, student showcases, friendly video gaming, tryouts for possible esports scholarships and a Cactus Cup competition between the GCU and Arizona State University esports teams.
“Bringing these voices to campus is central to our vision of bridging classroom learning with real-world practice,” DeShong said. “Through their stories and insights, our students gain not only inspiration but a clearer understanding of the pathways, challenges and opportunities that exist in the gaming industry.”
Workshops will highlight creative production, advertising and influence in gaming and esports, the business of gaming and entertainment, and alumni pathways.
Slated to speak at the event are:
– Blake Davis, events and hospitality specialist with the Arizona Cardinals. The GCU alumnus organizes fan experiences at State Farm Stadium through partnerships with businesses, schools and community groups.
– Jack Dixon, marketing and fan engagement associate with the Arizona Cardinals. Dixon develops creative marketing initiatives and fan experiences for nontraditional NFL audiences.
– Aram Howard, account executive for retail media management platform Xnurta. Howard specializes in consumer electronics and gaming that support major esports and advertising brands.
– Dani George, video content producer for Cloud9’s League of Legends and Valorant. George focuses on strengthening brand identity, fan experience and capturing the behind-the-scenes of esports.
– Alex Fouts, technical engineer contracting with Esports Foundry. Fouts supports large-scale events, including the Collegiate Esports Commissioners Cup, Gaming Community Expo and the Esports Awards.
– Alaire Chambers, campaign manager at Influential. Chambers organizes large-scale influencer campaigns with various creators and brands, including the NFL, YouTube and Google.
– Christine Fan, community and social manager at Klook, where she leads U.S. community and social growth strategy.
– Grace Gundacker, game animator at Light & Wonder. The GCU alumna produces 2D and 3D animations and VFX for high-impact titles.
– Jonathan Lopez, senior motion designer for the Phoenix Suns. Lopez creates high-impact motion systems for internal and external broadcasting and digital platforms.
– Ashley Denktas, content producer for Riot Games. Denktas leads distributed teams with experience in Wild Rift, Evil Geniuses and Immortals video games.
– Julia Shen, marketing writer for Riot Games. Shen crafts global campaigns, supporting a multidisciplinary creative team, and has contributed work to League of Legends and Wild Rift.
– Logan Threlkeld, senior brand manager at Rosewood Creative. Threlkeld organizes and produces social and video content for Valorant Esports. Before Rosewood Creative, he gained experience at Team Envy, Dallas Fuel and Dallas Empire.
– Malik Larkin, graphic designer at PlayStation Studios Creative Arts. Larkin spearheads marketing and game user interface for major titles, such as The Last of Us, God of War and Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls.
In between workshops, students will have a chance to connect with speakers; present their design, development and entertainment portfolios in the student showcase; and participate in a video game competition at the campus esports arena.
Admission to the conference is free, though organizers ask that you RSVP here.
GCU staff writer Izabela Fogarasi can be reached at [email protected].
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