That's why space organizations like NASA, SpaceX and Space Florida are paying close attention to an upcoming gaming event focused on creating space-themed games within 48 hours.
Indie Galactic Space Jam, which will be held at the Melrose Center inside the Orlando Public Library Aug. 14-16, will feature more than 100 game developers breaking into teams to create the games. The event will draw aerospace leaders and engineers to mentor teams developing the games.
While this is the second year for Indie Galactic Space Jam, it's shaping up to beat its attendance from last year. Patel, who is also the organizer for the event, said last year there were 100 developers that split into 13 teams to create 20 games. Space Florida was a sponsor for the event last year but is taking a bigger role in the event's promotion by hooking it up with a few contacts in the space industry.
Dale Ketcham, Space Florida's chief of strategic alliances, said video games help promote space exploration and could have a big influence on how the industry is perceived.
"Gaming is such a massive cultural influence nowadays," Ketcham said. "It dwarfs Hollywood and television. It's such a powerful source."
Kunal said he is expecting at least 10 engineers from NASA to attend the event, as well as engineers from SpaceX and other small and medium-size aerospace companies. Frank DiBello, CEO of Space Florida, will kick off the event on Aug. 13 at the Orlando Science Center to explain the importance of gaming and the space industry teaming up.
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