In March, the Loyalist College Virtual World Design Centre participated in the Federal Virtual World’s Challenge at the Gametech conference in Orlando, Florida. Entrants were challenged to submit innovative applications in which the United States government could use virtual worlds for training or analysis purposes. Loyalist’s border simulation training program placed second in the Skill Building division. There to accept the award were Ken Hudson, Managing Director, Virtual World Design Centre, William Farr, Lead Animator and Liam Edwards, Lead Artist. William and Liam are both graduates of the Loyalist College Animation program.
“Our submission was strengthened by the fact that its effectiveness has already been tested and proven by the Canadian Border Services,” said Ken Hudson, Managing Director, Virtual World Design Centre, Loyalist College. “We adapted this training program to the United States border service, recreating the U.S. Mexican border in Tijuana, the busiest land border crossing in the world. The simulated environment enables new border recruits to rehearse primary interview skills. Our research has shown that new recruits retain the knowledge at an accelerated rate with this introduction. It was an honour to be evaluated by government contractors and agencies and to be chosen as a finalist. This affirmed the reputation of the Design Centre and our efforts on the international stage.”
“Ken has always told us how well respected the Centre is within the international community but this was our first opportunity to attend one of these conferences. It was unexpected to have virtual world and government people approaching us because they are familiar with our work,” said William Farr. “I have been working with the College since I graduated in 2008 and it has definitely been an exciting opportunity.”
Liam Edwards is proud to be a part of the advanced Loyalist Virtual World Design Centre. “It’s thrilling to be involved with this industry as it develops. We are helping to define it as we go.”
For more information about the Loyalist College Virtual World Design Centre contact Ken Hudson at kenhudson@infinitespaces.ca.
Media Contact: Marilyn Warren, Communications, Loyalist College (613) 969-1913, ext. 2332; e-mail: mwarren@loyalistc.on.ca