Computer games have not received attention in the broader context. This is a statement made by the Secretary of the Office of Cultural Technologies and the Deputy of Scientific Affairs of the President’s Office during his press conference. According to him, computer games are causing cognitive disruption in the governance sector, and the issue of computer gaming should be considered in the overall government agenda because the potential of individuals in this ecosystem has been overlooked, and these talents have remained untapped.
According to IDEA, the ninth Computer Game Festival of Fajr is being held in collaboration with the National Foundation for Computer Games, the Office for the Development of Cultural Technologies, and the Scientific Deputy of Technology Economy and Knowledge-Based Economy of the Presidency, as well as the Non-Governmental Research and Technology Fund for Creative Industries.
Masoud Hasanloo, the Secretary of the Office of Cultural Technologies and the Deputy of Scientific Affairs of the President’s Office, emphasized the importance of computer games in the country, stating: In terms of financial turnover, the number of audiences, and identity-building, computer games are of great importance. At the macro level and in the governance of this field, there has been cognitive disruption because, despite the capacities, computer games have not grown well.
Transforming the Network into a Main Community Function of Computer Game Festival
Hasanloo emphasized that the main goal is to create a suitable financial platform for game developers. He continued, “Independence in financial infrastructure can lead to the growth and development of this field. We are trying to assist businesses in shaping and growing through facilitation and investment in this festival. A significant portion of financial resources is in the hands of banks, which leads businesses to shy away from capital. We are strengthening the ecosystem through this festival. Transforming the network into a main community function is the primary purpose of the Fajr Festival.
Mohammad Amin Hajihashemi, the CEO of the National Foundation for Computer Games, spoke about the importance of this festival in the country. He said, “In the country, more than 100 games are produced annually, and some of these games have international audiences. Many games and activities have not been seen in recent years, and many game developers in provinces are interested in connecting with other developers in Tehran and investors. So far, there has been no significant connection among ecosystem players, which is why we organized a national event to facilitate networking and connections among ecosystem stakeholders.
Hajihashemi, highlighting the importance of subsidized games in cultural development, said, “Computer games contribute to cultural elevation and the growth of Islamic Iranian identity, fostering culture among the people. Since more than 50 games with over a million installations are available in domestic stores, we must capitalize on this potential. The foundation operates in two scientific and experimental aspects, which is why we are organizing this event nationally at the request of game developers after a four-year hiatus.
Hajihashemi continued by emphasizing the increase in the average age of game players: “Computer games are prevalent not only among children but also among young adults and teenagers. In general, we have 34 million gamers who play an average of 95 minutes per day. The average age of these individuals is 23 years. This medium is essential for citizens and is being used even more as the number of players and the average age of players continue to rise.
Hajihashemi stated that due to the importance of capital in revitalizing this festival, they are providing financial investment for game developers in addition to cultural and artistic awards.
The ninth Computer Game Festival aims to showcase the diverse advancements in the ecosystem of computer games and enhance the content and structure of productions in various fields. The deadline for submitting entries is from Mehr 17th to Aban 22nd, and the closing ceremony is scheduled for Dey 1402. It should be noted that in the first phase, the winner will receive 10 billion Tomans.
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