Portland / SW WA - Gaming & Entertainment Regional Committee
Why Portland, OR and Southwest WA are a Key Hub for AI in Gaming & Entertainment
Portland, Oregon and Southwest Washington are a key hub for AI in gaming and entertainment due to a robust ecosystem of established studios, indie developers, and startups focused on integrating AI into game design, storytelling, and interactive media. The region benefits from a strong AI engineering community, active collaboration with local universities, and investment from major tech companies piloting advanced AI solutions. Proximity to Seattle enhances access to talent and resources, while a vibrant entertainment scene and regular industry events foster innovation and networking. This synergy supports the ongoing development of AI-driven gaming and entertainment experiences.
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Gaming & Entertainment Regional Committee Leadership
Nathan Stahlman
Ric Neil
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Regional Committee Co-chair
A seasoned entrepreneur and lifelong storyteller, Nathan is passionate about leveraging the power of AI and interactive gaming to create groundbreaking entertainment experiences that spark imagination and emotion. At Noctua, Nathan combines his deep understanding of immersive technologies, including AR/VR/RT3D training and simulation, with his passion for storytelling to transform original worlds into captivating interactive games. A thought leader in AI and emerging technologies, Nathan played a key role in the formation of the Committee for Applied AI Association on Gaming and Entertainment, demonstrating his commitment to shaping the future of the industry.
Nathan has a proven track record of success, having led three startups—that collaborated with industry giants like Lockheed Martin, Ryder, and Walmart. He has successfully raised capital, navigated multiple M&A transactions (including the recent sale of Instructional Technologies, Inc. to SambaSafety), and achieved significant shareholder gains. His experience also includes advising on M&A activities in eLearning and transportation, and advising Advanced Training Systems on simulation for commercial and emergency vehicles. He holds multiple patents in design and process. Nathan's entrepreneurial vision and successful track record, combined with his dedication to crafting engaging narratives and immersive experiences, makes him a driving force in the interactive entertainment industry.
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Regional Committee Co-chair
Ric Neil is a visionary leader in the video game industry, renowned for his innovative approach to integrating emerging technologies into captivating game experiences. With over three decades of experience at leading companies such as Microsoft, Glu, EA Sports, Disney, Konami, Outfit7, Amazon, AMD, and Unity, Ric has left an indelible mark on the gaming world. His leadership roles include spearheading the EA Madden NFL and NFL Fever franchises, developing titles like Glu's Blood & Glory and Amazon's The Grand Tour Game, and driving revenue growth at Amazon Game Studios and AWS. Ric's expertise spans game development, market analysis, strategic partnerships, and team leadership, establishing him as a prominent industry voice.
Whether leading AAA studios, large corporations, or agile startups, Ric consistently builds and inspires high-performing teams. He possesses deep knowledge of games-as-a-service, monetization strategies, live services, advertising, analytics, game design, and agile development. Beyond gaming, his understanding of cross-platform development and emerging technologies positions him as a forward-thinking leader, guiding companies through the evolving digital landscape. Through his company, Noctua Interactive, Ric leverages AI tools to create cutting-edge AAA games. A recognized thought leader on AI, featured in the Amazon Prime documentary ""It's in the Game,"" Ric offers invaluable insights and guidance to organizations navigating the gaming market, optimizing development processes, and exploring new technologies. His engaging presentations are designed to inspire and elevate gaming excellence.