Going Live (ft. Catherine Warren)

Jul 26

The Episode

In this episode of Good Game Edmonton, host Cory Sellar interviews Catherine Warren, a leader and innovator in the tech and media industries. They discuss Catherine's career journey, the emergence of esports and interactive digital media, and the role of AI in gaming and esports. They also explore the strategies and opportunities for cities like Edmonton to become hubs for esports and game development.

The conversation highlights the importance of community collaboration, equity, diversity, and inclusion in esports, and the potential for AI to enhance the streaming and broadcasting experience. The conversation covers various topics related to funding options for game development and esports. It highlights the challenges faced in securing funding and the need for adaptation to new channels and storytelling methods. The conversation also explores the blurring lines between marketing and programming in esports and the difficulties in obtaining funding for esports content. It emphasizes the importance of lobbying for funding and the role of the private sector in leading the way. The conversation concludes with discussions on the potential of esports in Edmonton and the opportunities for community building and job growth.

Takeaways

Esports and interactive digital media have emerged as high-growth industries, with a strong focus on fan engagement and monetization.
Cities like Edmonton have the potential to become hubs for esports and game development, leveraging their existing resources and community collaboration.
Equity, diversity, and inclusion are important considerations in the esports industry, and cities can play a role in promoting these values.
AI has the potential to enhance the streaming and broadcasting experience in esports, improving the quality of content and expanding the reach of streamers.
The success of esports strategies and initiatives relies on multi-stakeholder collaboration and accountability. Securing funding for game development and esports is challenging and there is a need for better funding options.
The lines between marketing and programming in esports are blurred, making it difficult to obtain funding for esports content.
Lobbying for funding and being specific about the industry's needs is important.
The private sector often leads in funding initiatives, and collaboration between the private sector and government funding bodies is crucial.
Esports has the potential to create job opportunities and contribute to economic development.
Edmonton is well-positioned to capitalize on the growth of esports and leverage its unique strengths, such as partnerships with rural communities and Indigenous esports.
AI and responsible AI practices will play a significant role in the future of esports and fandom.
Community building and job growth are key aspects of the esports industry.
Recommended reads: 'Moonshot: What Landing a Man on the Moon Teaches Us About Collaboration, Creativity, and the Mindset for Success' by Dan Parry.