The Future of Gaming and Immersive Technologies

On Wednesday, February 15th, 2023, the Future of Gaming and Immersive Technologies event was held, and it was an insightful exploration into the future of gaming and immersive technologies. The event, hosted by Innovate Moreton Bay, delved into the profound impact of digital gaming on our lives, showcasing the evolution from co-op multiplayer online experiences to the emergence of the metaverse.

Karen Sanders, Co-Founder of Real Serious Games and CEO of QLD XR Hub, delivered a captivating keynote. A visionary strategist with over 25 years of experience in engineering and construction, Karen discussed the transformative potential of Extended Reality (XR) solutions. Her expertise in spatial gamification and innovative solutions has positioned RSG as a global leader.

Moderated by Emma Murtagh, Operations Manager of QLD XR Hub, the panel featured Jed Dawson, Director of Games and SQhub at Screen QLD. Together, they explored how the booming advancement of gaming can be leveraged by other industries through 'gamification' and 'serious games' to reshape workflows and upskill workforces.

This event provided valuable insights into the intersection of technology, innovation, and industry, shedding light on the possibilities that gaming and immersive technologies bring. We appreciate your participation and look forward to future engagements as we continue to navigate the dynamic landscape of XR and gaming advancements.

Innovate Moreton Bay remains committed to fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration in the ever-evolving realm of immersive technologies.

Meet the Panellists

Karen Sanders

Co-Founder Real Serious Games & CEO QLD XR Hub

Karen is a visionary and strategist with a keen eye for detail. Having worked as a technical expert in the engineering and construction industry for more than 25 years, she led the design of innovative, cutting-edge solutions for complex projects adopting new materials, software and processes to solve significant constructability challenges.

Building on her passion for innovation, Karen co-founded Real Serious Games (RSG) in 2009 and has built the company to be a world leading XR (Extended Reality) solutions provider, gaining extensive experience in both domestic and international markets.

Emma Murtagh

Operations Manager QLD XR Hub

Emma is passionate about applying extended reality technologies to solve real-world problems and wants to share this excitement with those new to XR.

After graduating with a Civil Engineering degree from QUT, Emma worked in the construction industry before spending two years working as the General Manager of a youth leadership organisation. She joined Real Serious Games in 2010, working cross-functionally with developers, 3D artists and production staff to deliver products for clients. She oversees the coordination and management of projects and handles client interactions by virtue of her technical knowledge and communication skills

Jed Dawson

Games & SQhub Director Screen QLD

Jed is Screen Queensland’s Director of Games and SQhub. He began his career at Halfbrick Studios as a designer with team lead and product manager roles following. Jed then co-founded indie games studio Affable Games, where he worked for over four years. He has designed and launched titles for iOS, Google Play, Steam, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 4.

His experience ranges from pitching and securing angel investment, competitive government grants, and tax incentive programs. Plus, Jed has orchestrated partnerships with local and international publishers to launch games to new markets and led multiple international marketing campaigns.

Keynote Speaker - Karen Sanders

Karen is a visionary and strategist with a keen eye for detail. Having worked as a technical expert in the engineering and construction industry for more than 25 years, she led the design of innovative, cutting-edge solutions for complex projects adopting new materials, software and processes to solve significant constructability challenges.

Building on her passion for innovation, Karen co-founded Real Serious Games (RSG) in 2009 and has built the company to be a world leading XR (Extended Reality) solutions provider, gaining extensive experience in both domestic and international markets.

Karen has a Bachelor of Civil Engineering and has been involved in national research on the use of “Spatial Gamification” for BIM (Building Information Modelling). She was published at the G2014 Leaders’ Summit and is the recipient of the “Sue Wickenden Entrepreneurial Award” sponsored by the Queensland Government, awarded to exceptional women entrepreneurs in technology.

Karen is also the CEO of The Queensland XR Hub, a membership-based company whose strategy is to supercharge the XR sector, creating a world-leading XR cluster in Queensland, Australia.

Outside RSG, she carries the same principles of change and is vocal about social issues, especially those relating to climate change and women. She has previously served as a Director for the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC).

Connect with Karen on LinkedIn.

Would you like to be invited to events like this?

Innovate Moreton Bay is dedicated to connecting individuals and organisations from throughout the Moreton Bay Region with opportunities to advance innovation in our community. We regularly host events and workshops like this, as well as promote events hosted by other organisations that align with our mission. Not only this, but we highlight opportunities for funding, awards & recognition, education, and more that stands to benefit you and the rest of #TeamMoretonBay.

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This speaker event was a part of a suite of innovation programs being delivered by Innovate Moreton Bay, as part of the Council’s commitment to the Regional Economic Development Strategy (REDS) which includes the objective of becoming a top 10 regional innovation hub. For more information about Council’s innovation programs see: www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/innovation