All Fun and Games? eMerge Americas TechWeek Explores Future of Gaming

Over 6,000 attendees flocked to the inaugural eMerge Americas TechWeek conference at the Miami Beach Convention Center on May 1-6 with the goal of establishing South Florida as the technology hub for the Americas. More than 150 speakers highlighted topics, from technology in healthcare to the future of finance. When the dust settled, one recurring theme turned out to be a big surprise: gaming.

Gaming is serious business

A number of panels discussed gaming as a key to better education, deeper human connections and more productivity at work and at home. The first panel, “The Future of Education = Technology + Mobility + Creative,” highlighted the niche market for games and applications that provide kids with educational development without sacrificing entertainment value. It covered the impact of gaming on the future of the classroom – from preschool to high school, in America and around the world, and introduced app development strategies for aspiring game developers.

“Making Human Connections in a Digital World”analyzed the impact of gaming on human relationships. Games help players to connect across cultural and geographic lines. Rather than separate us, this panel suggested that digital media is bringing us closer together by providing a platform for relationship building that never existed before.  A growing market for (and continued production of) more personalized gaming experiences will continue to push those boundaries further.

Opportunities and challenges for game developers

Multiple panels discussed the existing gaming market and provided tips for getting in on the ground floor.

“A World of Opportunity in the Business of Gaming” explained how the industry is taking over Hollywood’s market share, leaving the door wide open for cities like Miami to shake up the entertainment industry. “eMerging Markets: New Landscapes, New Rules, New Players” highlighted some of the greatest challenges faced by companies in the game and app development industry. A popular market, rapidly changing technology and the evolution of consumer wants and needs make jumping into the industry without a roadmap risky.

Future looks bright for Miami’s gaming industry

It turns out there’s a burgeoning gaming ecosystem in South Florida. Panelists included industry leaders such as gaming hardware co-founder Frank Azor from Alienware (purchased by Dell in 2008), James Vallord Costa, CEO of Hypernia, who specializes in hosting the world’s top media and entertainment companies, and John Schappert, CEO of Shiver Entertainment and former COO of Zynga and Electronic Arts (EA).  These executives are all leading South Florida-based companies that are competing on a national and international level.

The low price of app development and the high potential payout makes the gaming market one to watch as the future of technology is laid out. Game developers may hold one of the keys to accelerating South Florida’s transformation into the technology hub of the Americas.