Accelerating the growth of Minnesota’s digital games industry

by Nicolaas VanMeerten and Evva Kraikul | at MinneBar 10

According to LinkedIn’s insights team, approximately 6,550 people with game development skills have migrated from Minnesota in the past two years. This is a whopping -5% net loss of all individuals in our region with tech expertise making game development the #3 skill to leave our region.

We all know that there are few career opportunities for budding game creators here in Minnesota but what should be done to support the growth of this industry? What key players should be involved in these conversations?

This session will be an interactive discussion. Come prepared to share your thoughts, ideas, and potential action items.

All levels

Nicolaas VanMeerten

Nicolaas VanMeerten (@nicolaasvm) is the Co-founder and Research Director at GLITCH, where he uses a combination of analytics, research methods, and psychological principles to improve video games. He is also a fourth year Ph.D. student in the Educational Psychology program at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities where he is studying the impact of puzzle games on spatial reasoning.

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Evva Kraikul

Evva Kraikul (she/her/hers) is a systems designer, gameUX champion, and founder of GLITCH. GLITCH is an independent video game publishing label home to bold new voices and big ideas. With 10+ years of experience, Evva has worked alongside over 50 major technology and gaming industry partners such as Microsoft, Riot Games, Activision Blizzard, and PBS to develop games, design programming, and launch international initiatives.

Recent Releases
Optica, a mind-bending puzzle game of logic and illusion | Available on the Apple App Store & Google Play

Riddle Mia This, an award-winning augmented reality puzzle room experience at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts | Free download on Apple & Google Stores

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