Our team at Longview Independent School District (LISD) in Texas, a longtime partner of Gearbox Entertainment, recently co-hosted the 2023 Longview Lobo Game Fest and had a great day of fun along with 268 other attendees!
Lobo Game Fest celebrates the innovation and ingenuity of the video game industry while promoting the creative talents of Longview ISD students. The event featured a variety of hands-on activities for parents and students to participate in, including a vendor hall with the latest gaming gear, collectibles, and merchandise, and a Hall of Gamers showcasing some of the most impressive games by independent game studios.
This event, as well as the work during the school year Longview ISD and Gearbox Entertainment team up on, helps parents and students truly learn about everything the gaming and entertainment industry has to offer, including career paths and educational opportunities.
With support from Longview ISD, Gearbox is committed to ensuring the next generation of developers has hands-on experience with hardware and software, and can explore other elements of STEM fields without compromise. The Lobo Game Fest provided attendees the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the industry that extends far beyond just playing games. Students were invited to:
- Sample breakout sessions/mock classes
- Speak to colleges and college gaming students
- Listen to a gaming collegiate panel
- Talk to the Texas Film Commission
- Showcase their games
- Sample games via vendors
- Participate in a cosplay contest
- Participate in gaming tournaments
Longview ISD Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox shared,
“We were very excited to host an event like Game Fest so we educate our families regarding the various opportunities in the gaming industry. So many people focus on playing the game and not what it takes to create an interactive work of art. Game Fest gave our families the opportunity to see that live and in person. We are so grateful for the support we have received from Gearbox and our collegiate partners; Texas A&M, Prairie View A&M, and LETU. Without those partnerships, we would not be able to provide this educational pathway for our students.”
None of what we do today would be possible without the Gearbox community and the students at Longview ISD, and we can’t wait to see where they land. The next generation of developers will lay the foundation for the future of entertainment. Through Gearbox’s partnership with LISD, we aim to continue to increase students’ access to STEM education, both in and out of the classroom.
Image provided by Longview Independent School District.