Summer 2023 cohort posing for photo 
The Summer 2023 cohort develops a game inspired by self-esteem and personal worth themes.
They had a dream for their students. After months of planning in 2022, Game Design Professor Marcelo Viana Neto, Lecturer Matthew Balousek, and the rest of the Game Design faculty were able to start running the Hostos Media Incubator at 610 Exterior Street in the South Bronx, now fully functional through the “Other Possible Games” student-run game development studio, which offers a paid internship that equips students with the necessary skills to thrive in the gaming industry.
 
“As far as we know, this is the only game development paid internship at any university in the entire country. Although this is a popular field, there are very few well-paid opportunities for trainees, even at large media incubators or senior colleges, so that was non-negotiable for my team and me: we would have a paid internship no matter what,” said Viana Neto, who directs the efforts. During the first year, they applied for funding through the ADELANTE (ADvancing Excellence in Liberal Arts, scieNces, Technology and Engineering) initiative, managed by the Hostos Research Center and the Committee on Sponsored Programs and Grants; and a donation from Microsoft Xbox.
 
ADELANTE, specifically, addresses research, need-based, and creative/transformative interventions in all disciplines, including the Arts and Humanities, Behavioral and Social Sciences, and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). In addition, the Mentor/Mentee Jobs on Campus program has partially supported students' salaries, funded by the generous Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s gift to the College.
 
Once Viana Neto and his colleagues received the needed financial support and found a suitable Hostos-owned space to develop their ideas, they put out an open call for applications.
 
“We received many applications since the opening of the studio, and it has been difficult to turn students away because they are just too good! As we keep applying for more funding and are supported by initiatives on campus, more students will benefit and have the chance to come to the studio,” he added.
 
Manny Vivas, student, works on his craft
Manny Vivas took a leap of faith and started his game design journey at Hostos after a journalism degree and multiple jobs.
The first cohort of this student-led, in-house studio designed the game “Terminal Station,” a 2-D psychological horror video game in which gamers play as the protagonist’s 10-year-old inner child stuck in a scary subway station. In order to find a way out, they must navigate life’s obstacles and face off against different facets of the protagonist’s trauma. 
 
This summer, all participants from last year were sponsored to continue developing their game. They shared some insights about the benefits of participating in the Hostos Media Incubator.
 Summer 2022 cohort poses for photo
The Summer 2022 cohort received a development stipend to polish their game “Terminal Station.”
“I didn’t realize this was a field I could work in. I didn’t have a portfolio, but Hostos gave me my first chance. I learned so much about many things, especially coding. It’s just fascinating, and I want to keep doing it,” said Class of 2023 Game Design graduate Luis Lopez.
 
“Programming is something that stood out to me, as I like to solve problems. This is something I want to continue pursuing that goes hand-in-hand with being a gamer myself,” said Julius Pizarro.
 
Inspired by themes of self-esteem and worth and fighting for one’s place in society, the Summer 2023 cohort is developing the game temporarily-named “Project Doll House,” which follows the story of a highly-priced vintage Barbie doll.
 
“In the story, the main character, Barb, is trying to help save the toy store that she lives in because it is going bankrupt. During this process, Barb figures out that she is worth a million dollars, and if she can get to the storefront and get bought, she could save the store with how much she’s priced for. The game is about having her surpass the challenges to get to the front shelf where a villain will do everything in his power for her not to succeed,” shared Art Director and Character Designer Raven Aguilar.
 
For his part, programmer Manny Vivas has found in the internship a second chance at defining his career path.
 
“I love this. I worked a couple of jobs prior to coming here. I did some things in communications and social media after getting my journalism bachelor. But I had always been interested in computers and computer stuff and how they worked. At the time, I looked for Computer Science programs, and during my research, I found the Game Design program here,” he said. “I knew that I liked games but had no idea that such a program existed… I didn’t even know about Hostos, but I applied. I simply quit my job, and here I am, learning how to make games.”
 
The job is challenging, and the Game Design program needs to continue attracting attention to receive more external financial support. That is why they created a new Community Manager position, currently held by Game Design student Jaden Torres.
 
“I interact with a lot of students and keep them engaged with our program through events and providing advising, as I’ve been in the industry as a junior developer for a little while. I want to get people to know more about us via networking with a bunch of people,” he noted.
 
 Jaden Torres, student, poses for photo
Community Manager Jaden Torres leads all initiatives to make the Hostos Game Design program visible in the gaming industry.
 
Torres will work on enhancing the program’s visibility in Fall 2023 by participating more in Hostos Admissions events and will start hosting mixers among students and alumni.
 
“I am extremely passionate about this and we will get what we need,” he concluded.
 
To learn more about the Hostos Game Design program, go here: hostos.itch.io or www.otherpossiblegames.com.