Frank Lantz

Frank Lantz - Director of NYU's Game Center and Creator of Universal Paperclips

Frank Lantz, Craig Cannon, Benedict Fritz

The speaker argues that games derive their value from the "gap" between virtual and real worlds, creating a unique space for agency that transcends the often overhyped pursuit of immersion in Virtual Reality. Drawing on examples like *Universal Paperclips* and the organic rise of the Battle Royale genre, the discussion highlights how successful design blends technical rigor with artistic taste to explore profound themes while navigating a hit-driven indie market. Ultimately, the presentation advocates for an educational approach that fuses coding skills with cultural awareness, predicting that future sports and esports will evolve through institutional frameworks rather than mere invention.