The Computer Game Design program hosts the Virginia Serious Game Institute that concentrates on game-related applied research, incubation of new innovative companies, and offers outreach to teach and educate students of all ages.
VSGI acts as a business incubator accepting pitches from students and game designers, offering student internships, access to office space, and the support of the VSGI staff and team to help companies establish themselves and cultivate success in the Washington D.C. metro area.
VSGI supports Mason’s Entrepreneurial and Innovation goals by cultivating and supporting Mason-founded startups, rapid prototype development, high-value knowledge job creation, and regional economic development through serious game technology discovery to improve the human condition.
Dr. Scott Martin, founding director of VSGI, is an inventor, mentor, educator, entrepreneur, and author. He is a professor in the Computer Game Design program, where he was also the founding director.
The VSGI Speaker Series
The Game Design program, often in collaboration with the VSGI, hosts opportunities for notable speakers to share their insights and their work. Each semester, we are proud to welcome journalists, studio founders, musicians, developers, and business leaders to Mason and offer our students exclusive access to their presentations. Some past VSGI speakers have included: Nolan Bushnell, Thomas Dolby, Chris Kohler, and Derek Brinkmann. Learn more and meet some of our past speakers.
Launching Your Own Board Game
Catherine Croft, PhD, Co-Founder/Chief Executive Officer of Catlilli Games was a recent presenter at the VSGI Speaker Series.