Quantcast


Louisiana-based nonprofit funds student game design project photo

As a proud native, I can say with all surety that the state of Louisiana has a lot more to offer than just Mardi Gras and Bourbon Street (although those two things are kind of awesome in their own right). For instance, Gamepolitics reports that 24 students in the Zachary Community School District, along with another group in the Lafayette area, participated in a project to learn about video game design. The bill for the program was footed by 3D Squared, a non-profit with a focus on the "digital workforce". From their website:

"With 97% of teenagers playing, games are the future of learning, work and human collaboration. "

It's nice to hear something positive for a change, isn't it? You can read more about the project over at the 2theadvocate website. As the kids have worked on their projects, they've been able to receive feedback from game industry professionals as well. Here comes the Louisiana in-joke: they've designed a game called Whac-A-Nutria that's based on Whac-A-Mole, but of course, with the furry rats that one grows accustomed to seeing if you've grown up in Louisiana. My home state is awesome!

[Photo via 2theadvocate]








More gaming stories around the web. Got news? Submit yours to tips@destructoid.com

Colette Bennett is a Destructoid features editor from New Orleans, Louisiana. She is also a founding member of Destructoid's sister sites Tomopop, a toy lover's blog and Japanator, our anime site. Likes Nintendo DS, NES, Silent Hill series, Rhythm games, RPGs Meet the rest of the team



Post a comment! You can also post a photo below:

Comment with Facebook





Click connect and comment instantly!

Comment with Dtoid





New? SIGN UP - it takes 5 seconds

18 comments | showing # 1 to 18
prev next

Luke Barnard's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/01/2009 12:08
Luke Barnard
this is cool.
Maurice Tan's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/01/2009 12:12
Maurice Tan
Hope they won't wash away!
SnakeDude4Life's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/01/2009 12:35
SnakeDude4Life
First game is a Urban Surfing called "Riding the Juice".

The juice being all the thing that was in the water after katrina came through (debris, crap, bodies and cars)
bunnymud's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/01/2009 12:48
bunnymud
N.O. is a rot hole. I suggest that if you ever think about visiting the French Quarter, DON'T.


Unless you wish to be murdered/robbed/raped/spit on
nilcam's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/01/2009 13:01
nilcam
It's about time Louisiana does something right. I'm soooo glad I moved away from there.

Still, it's always good to hear about progress.
smackifilia's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/01/2009 13:15
smackifilia
N.O. is a rat hole. It's as dirty as they come. But I live in Louisiana, and I maintain a level of pride and love for this state despite our most famous city being the most shitty.
Neonie's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/01/2009 13:25
Neonie
I am also from that state and you have waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more respect from it then I do. Having lived their 18 years, I still consider it one of the trashiest, litter filled places I've ever been. (This is Marrero/JeffersonParish and New Orleans though, I don't know about the rest of it).
Hammersmith's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/01/2009 13:30
Hammersmith
That is some pretty effeminate hand holding in the topic pic.
Holyetheline's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/01/2009 13:31
Holyetheline
Well I live in Montana where you always find Deer/Antelope in the trash. haha
Neonie's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/01/2009 14:13
Neonie
@Nitex

I seriously doubt she was being sarcastic. But Colette is someone who I've always picture is someone that can find positives in just about anything. just look at Wiiware: Postive: The Names.
Colette Bennett's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/01/2009 14:23
Colette Bennett
@Nitex -- No, I love my home. I know a lot of people dislike New Orleans, but having lived in multiple other states that are cleaner and "better run", I can say they far lack the spirit and soul of my hometown.
Neonie's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/01/2009 14:27
Neonie
@colette

I suppose I can see what you mean. I mean despite my above comment there are a few things I do like about LA. Mostly it involves King Cake the fact I can't stand calling things a "county". Parish is so much more badass :P
RonBurgandy2010's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/01/2009 16:29
RonBurgandy2010
I was the group leader for the team, and I just want to make clear that the game we made wasn't Whack a Nutria, that was the game the kids in my group made in Spring. If you want, I can walk Dtoid through a live demo of our game, which deals with cleaner sources of energy.
KrazyKraut's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/01/2009 19:33
KrazyKraut
ehm....if the dudes on the picture will ever see a real vagina?
Colette Bennett's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/01/2009 20:25
Colette Bennett
@RonBurgandy2010 -- If you're serious, dude....let us know!
RonBurgandy2010's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/01/2009 22:25
RonBurgandy2010
@Colette Bennett
I am serious, and e-mail me at spyke20102001@yahoo.com (which is also the email my Dtoid account is linked to......not sure why that's important) and we could figure out a way I can do a demo that Rey could record or something.

I think I may just do a cblog article tomorrow on our game now that there is a small amount of interest abound.

and [url=http://www.destructoid.com/blogs/RonBurgandy2010/10-things-about-mr-burgandy-because-everyone-else-is-doing-it--120037.phtmlhere's a pic of me you can cross-reference.[/url] (I let my hair grow)
mobab's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/02/2009 15:24
mobab
I was there as a college intern for both intensives helping them with scripting and general needs. I also handled most of the IT work including setup the computers and conferencing. It's been a blast working with these guys.

If you like the idea, please let our Louisiana government officials know of your support. We greatly appreciate it.
Volgin13's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/06/2009 21:31
Volgin13
hey i was there too! I helped work on a different project. Actually RonBurgandy2010 worked with me on the project.
prev next

Comment with Facebook





Click connect and comment instantly!

Comment with Dtoid





New? SIGN UP - it takes 5 seconds

Comments policy

Destructoid is an open discussion community. You don't need to "audition" to post a comment - just speak your mind. We respect differing opinions on the site, so have at it. Be smart, funny, insightful, clueless, or cute -- but back it up with substance. Keep your cool, keep it fun. We only ask that you act respectfully and above all: don't be a troll and ruin it for everyone else. Don't bring down gamers or we'll, you know, gently shoot you in the face and stuff you into a flaming mailbox. Each comment is your opportuntity to make this community awesomer. Is that even a word?

Avoiding the banhammer only requires common sense: spamming, trolling, racism, NSFW stuff, and other forms of sucking will not be tolerated. If anyone is griefing please report abuse. Be good. Don't suck!