S2: Episode 8

This podcast episode explores various aspects of the digital entertainment industry, such as gaming, arts, anime, music, and film. The hosts share their personal experiences and express their appreciation for classic games. They emphasize the need to support young people's interests in gaming and animation and discuss ways to empower them to become creators through avenues such as comic book creation and game design. The episode highlights the importance of diverse representation and technological advancements in these fields. Additionally, the hosts touch upon upcoming events and initiatives that aim to inspire and empower young individuals to shape their futures. They also address the challenges faced by the black community in obtaining funding for their businesses and stress the significance of investment and support. The episode covers a range of topics, including NFTs, the impact of COVID-19 on esports, the potential of digital experiences in education, and the evolution of Christmas movies. The hosts explore the role of technology in the entertainment industry and provide insights into possible venues for hosting esports events. Takeaways • The hosts discuss the various aspects of the digital entertainment industry, including gaming, arts, anime, music, and film. • They highlight their personal experiences and love for old-school games, emphasizing the appeal of 8-bit graphics and the use of retro style by indie game developers. • The importance of supporting young people's interests in gaming, animation, and anime is emphasized, along with the need for schools to provide arts and anime programs. • The hosts discuss the transformative power of empowering young people to become creators through avenues like comic book creation and game design. • The upcoming events and initiatives aimed at inspiring and empowering young people in the digital entertainment industry are highlighted, including Black Futures Month and programs like Level Up Academy and Camp Level Up. • The challenges faced by the black community in securing funding for their businesses are discussed, along with the importance of investment and support. • The role of art and computing in unlocking creativity and empowering young individuals is explored, with examples of teaching game design and utilizing computing as a tool for creative expression. • The hosts discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the entertainment industry, particularly in esports, and the potential of digital experiences in education. • The podcast touches on the evolution of Christmas movies, the representation of interracial couples, and the challenges they face. • The role of technology in the entertainment industry is highlighted, along with recommendations for durable and reliable devices. • Potential venues for hosting esports events are discussed, including movie theaters, breweries, and libraries.