Building a Thriving Gaming Community Through Ed Tech Games
In this episode of Player Engage Podcast, Greg Posner sits down with Jennifer Javornik, the Chief Partnerships Officer at Filament Games. They discuss how Filament Games uses education technology (ed tech games) to create a positive impact on the gaming community, Jennifer’s unique career path, and how the Midwest is emerging as a powerhouse in game development.
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The Mission Behind Filament Games
Creating Games that Transform Players
Filament Games is a mission-driven studio that goes beyond traditional gaming, focusing on creating engaging educational games that transform players’ understanding of the world. Jennifer explains that their goal is to design games that are not only fun but also capable of making a real-world impact, whether through teaching new skills or fostering a love for learning.
Why Ed Tech Games Matter in Today’s Gaming Community
Educational games have become an essential part of the gaming community, providing a space where players can explore, experiment, and learn at their own pace. Filament Games takes this a step further by designing experiences that encourage critical thinking and problem-solving, offering players a chance to delve into real-world concepts through interactive gameplay.
Adapting to Post-COVID Education Needs
Shifting Focus to Remote and Hybrid Learning
The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped how we think about education, making remote and hybrid learning the new norm. Jennifer discusses how Filament Games adapted their approach to support both virtual and in-classroom learning, emphasizing the role of multiplayer and collaborative gameplay in maintaining a sense of community among students.
Community Building in the Ed Tech Space
Jennifer emphasizes that community-building is central to Filament’s mission, particularly as schools and students adapt to new learning environments. The company’s games are designed to foster collaboration and engagement, helping students feel connected even when learning remotely.
The Midwest: A Rising Hub for Game Development
The Role of the Wisconsin Games Alliance
As a founding member of the Wisconsin Games Alliance, Jennifer has played a key role in establishing the Midwest as a growing hub for game development. She shares how initiatives like MDev (Midwest Game Developers Conference) have helped draw attention to the region’s talent and fostered a sense of community among developers.
Why the Midwest is Ideal for Indie Game Studios
Jennifer points out that the Midwest offers a unique environment for game studios, with a lower cost of living and a collaborative spirit that makes it easier for indie developers to thrive. She believes that the Midwest’s commitment to community-building has made it a fertile ground for studios like Filament Games to grow and innovate.
Innovating Across Platforms for Better Accessibility
Ed Tech Games Beyond Traditional Platforms
Filament Games has expanded beyond traditional gaming platforms like Unity and Unreal, developing for platforms like Roblox and even creating specialized games for unique use cases like pediatric MRI machines. Jennifer explains how this versatility helps them reach a broader audience and ensure their games are accessible to students from all walks of life.
Accessibility in Gaming Community Development
One of the key challenges in education technology is making sure games are accessible on a variety of devices, especially in underserved communities. Jennifer highlights Filament’s commitment to optimizing games for older devices and varying internet speeds, ensuring that their educational games can be enjoyed by as many players as possible.
Jennifer’s Journey: From Theater to Ed Tech Leadership
A Career Built on Passion and Adaptability
Jennifer’s career path is anything but conventional. Starting in theater, she transitioned into coding during the Y2K era and eventually found her calling in game development. Her diverse background has given her unique insights into leadership, creativity, and the importance of storytelling in both theater and gaming.
How Theater Skills Enhance Game Development
Jennifer shares how skills like communication, team-building, and creative problem-solving learned in theater have helped her navigate the complexities of the gaming industry. These skills are particularly valuable when working with partners to create engaging educational experiences.
Podcast Recap: Quick Highlights
- Mission-Driven Ed Tech Games: Filament Games aims to create games that are not just fun but transformative, making a lasting impact on players.
- Adapting to Virtual Learning: How Filament Games adjusted their design approach post-COVID to better serve the needs of remote and hybrid learners.
- Community Building in the Midwest: Jennifer discusses the growth of the Midwest game development scene and the collaborative nature of the Wisconsin Games Alliance.
- Innovative Platforms: Filament Games’ work extends to Roblox, HTML5, and even MRI machines, making their games accessible to a wide range of players.
- Career Insights: Jennifer’s transition from theater to game development offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to enter the industry.
Conclusion: The Power of Community and Ed Tech Games
Jennifer Javornik’s insights shed light on how games can make a difference, not just in the world of entertainment but in education technology as well. As Filament Games continues to expand its reach, it’s clear that community and innovation will remain at the heart of their mission. Whether you’re a game developer, educator, or a member of the gaming community, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge on the future of ed tech games.
Listen to the Full Episode: https://zencastr.com/z/K0OVytxN
