Jason - Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Game playing is Jason Heckman’s thing. The Communications Media major from Brookville, Pa., spends a good part of each day playing them. And, studying and creating them.

“My attraction to this medium comes from my interest in film,” Jason said. “I enjoy a great movie just like anyone else, but games add a way for you to be immersed in the story even further and even have a part in the decided outcome. When players are in a well-made game, the real world disappears, and they actually become a scientist, assassin, or plumber. All have complex goals, find the switch, avoid detection, or save the princess.”

As a volunteer in the Communications Media Department’s Applied Media and Simulation Games Center, Jason is active in IUP’s Second Life* presence, creating an archaeological dig that can be accessed in the virtual world by other Second Life users. His classwork has included producing several video programs that have been aired on WIUP-TV and honored with Telly Awards, an international competition for broadcast, electronic, and multimedia professionals.

“Communications Media faculty members are very approachable and incredibly helpful,” Jason said. “The curriculum is varied, so that you’re able to experience many areas of the field early on, before you make a decision to put emphasis on a given discipline. In simulation design, there are aspects of several fields of study that are vital to its creation. Computer science, graphic design, audio production, 3-D modeling all play their part in the successful execution of the simulation environment.

“Plus, being able to interact with your instructor is incredibly helpful when you are in need of assistance.”

*Second Life is a product of Linden Labs. Learn more about it by visiting the Applied Media and Simulation Games Center.

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