Industry Video Games Headquarters Durham | Website www.joysticklabs.com | |
Key people John Austin
Juan Benito
Glen Caplan
Justyn Kasierski
Lawrence Steffann | ||
Joystick labs north carolina s video game development infrastructure
Joystick Labs was a mentorship-driven accelerator program focused on identifying and launching digitally distributed video game companies. The company provided independent game developers early-stage seed funding, mentoring, education and networking. In return, Joystick Labs took equity in the companies, but studios retained some creative control and ownership of the intellectual property.
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The video game industry shifting to digitally distributed games has lowered the barriers to entry and required funding for an independent studio. Joystick Labs helps studios develop their digitally distributed game and enter the market with knowledge of the industry. Teams at Joystick Labs took part in a three month session where they work to maximize their chances for commercial success by learning from mentors with video game industry experience. Mentors that have worked with teams at Joystick Labs include individuals from Triangle area video game companies, such as Epic Games and Red Storm Entertainment.
Based in Durham, N.C., Joystick Labs teams worked at offices located in the American Tobacco Campus.
History
Founded in 2010, Joystick Labs hosted its five inaugural studios in the fall of that year. Two of the initial teams released games, others dissolved and Joystick Labs started working with new studios.