MassDigi Summer Innovation Program Sees Unprecedented Success, Bridging Local and Global Talent

MassDigi Summer Innovation Program Sees Unprecedented Success, Bridging Local and Global Talent

The summer of 2024 marked a significant milestone for the MassDigi Summer Innovation Program(SIP) a highly prestigious and competitive program for student game developers. This year's SIP, the largest to date, brought together an impressive cohort of 42 budding game developers. Sixteen students from various colleges and universities across the United States joined forces with 26 students from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), creating a diverse and dynamic environment that fueled creativity and innovation.

Hosted at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and Northeastern University, the program provided these aspiring developers with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a real-world game development environment. Over 11 weeks, the students worked in teams to take video game concepts from the initial idea stage to public release on iOS and Google Play stores. The hands-on experience not only honed their technical skills but also gave them invaluable insights into professional practices in the game development industry, such as time management, problem solving, and communication, especially in a hybrid environment. This year, three of the games were released by teams that worked hybrid, with students at WPI and Northeastern.

"The collaboration between students from the U.S. and the UAE this summer was truly inspiring," said Gillian Smith, Director of IMGDand MassDigi. "The diversity of perspectives and ideas enriched the creative process, and the games that emerged from this program are a testament to the power of international collaboration in the field of game development."

The UAE students were hosted at WPI as part of an ongoing relationship with Endless Studios, an organization committed to fostering creative talent in the gaming world and highlighting the value of game creation as a vehicle for learning. The UAE students in the program were tasked

with developing games that represent unique aspects of Emirati culture, and the resulting games highlight elements such as Bedouin heritage, falconry, and aspirations for space science and travel. The corporate partnership between WPI and Endless Studios played a crucial role in ensuring that the students developed the game production, teamwork, and development skills needed to bring their current and future game development projects to life.

"The team at Endless Studios was a true partner in making this initiative happen," said David Ortendahl, executive director of corporate partnerships for WPI. "Their care in crafting an impactful game design experience and continuous communication with the WPI Office of Corporate Partnerships and the MassDigi team generated a collaborative environment focused on student experiences and success in publishing great new games."

This summer marked the fourth consecutive year that the MassDigi Summer Innovation Program was held at WPI, which is the institutional home of MassDigi. The program is a perfect fit within WPI's renowned Interactive Media & Game Development(IMGD) program, one of the strongest game development departments in the country. WPI's focus on project-based learningaligns seamlessly with MassDigi's mission to provide students with hands-on experience in game development.

"Working on my game prepared me for how work outside college, encouraged both personal growth and cross-team communication," said Raeda Baird, WPI '25. "In addition, the speakers and mentors gave me valuable insights and information into the games industry, allowing me to better prepare my path toward the future."

MassDigi'ssuccess extends well beyond the boundaries of WPI. Since its inception more than 15 years ago, when it was originally housed at Becker College, MassDigi has played a pivotal role in establishing a thriving ecosystem of game development companies throughout Massachusetts. Several of these companies are in Central Massachusetts, further cementing the region's reputation as a hub for game development.

"The New England games community is an important regional asset," said Tim Loew, a senior advisor and co-founder at MassDigi. "From students and faculty to startups and established studios, the opportunity to connect with so many creative and inspiring people, institutions, and companies is its own reward."

As MassDigi continues to grow and evolve, its impact on the games and interactive media industries and the academic community remains profound. The program not only nurtures the next generation of game developers but also strengthens the global connections that drive innovation in the industry.