2024 Speakers

SGC 2024 Keynote Speaker Ben Kvalo is an entertainment and video games industry leader, most recently supporting the build-out of films and games at Netflix. Prior to Netflix, Ben has worked at two of the largest global video game companies, 2K and Blizzard, working across various roles in the publishing, marketing, and technology end of games and Esports.

SGC 2024 Keynote Speaker Renee Gittins leads Stumbling Cat, an indie studio based in Seattle, and is a multi-disciplinary leader with expertise in business operations, software engineering, and creative direction.

SGC 2024 Keynote Speaker, Benjamin Carcich! Ben spent time on League of Legends post-launch (2011-2017) and was on VALORANT while it was in R&D. Ben is a certified co-active coach and official ICAgile trainer. He’s been teaching concepts around Agility, Production, and Game Development Leadership since 2015. He co-hosts the Building Better Games podcast and newsletter and has spoken at multiple events including GDC 2024.

Hugh is an experienced entrepreneur with 15 years in the entertainment industry, spanning film production, video games, hardware, software and VFX.

Michael Reynolds is an Illustrator and Concept artist based in Columbus, Ohio. His work showcases themes involving punchy colors, force, and intensity within semi-grounded Sci-fi settings.

Charles was one of the youngest participants to complete BUD's training and become a Navy SEAL. After serving 1 enlistment he exited to become a family man. He then took a role serving as private security for some of the wealthiest billionaires in the world. Then he opened a CrossFit Gym in the garage of his home, grew it, and sold it 7 years and 7 months later.

Lily Gresham is a Sculptor, 3D Modeler, Game Designer, and Shawnee alumna currently finishing up her final year in graduate school at East Tennessee State University.

The Shrouded Ascent Team is the 2025 senior project group representing Shawnee State University.

Saritdikhun Somasa, also known as Sarit, has a solid educational background in Art Education, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Design and a Master of Fine Arts in Multimedia Design.

Experienced Advanced/Staff Software Engineer with a demonstrated history of working in the mobile software industry. Skilled in full stack, cross platform mobile, and game development. Strong engineering professional with a BS focused in Games & Simulation from Shawnee State University.

Andrew Polanco is an ambitious individual that peruses the unknown to help those that may follow similar paths.

Service above self.

Academic, Civil Servant, Game Developer, and whatever Andrew feel like that today.

Chris Volpe is the co-founder of Multivarious Games, the leading game development company in Columbus, Ohio. The President and Co-Founder of the Ohio Game Developer Association, leading a dynamic team of dedicated individuals to create novel gaming experiences and further the game development industry within Ohio. He is also the Director of Operations for Game-U, an educational company where industry professionals teach kids how to develop video games using industry software, STEM learning techniques, and soft skill development. Lastly, Chris is a co-founder of GDEX, the Midwest’s largest gaming expo that brings together people from across the country, to learn, connect, and share, at a Weekend Celebration of Games!

George Ziets has been a narrative designer and writer since 2001. He spent the first part of his career on MMOs like Lord of the Rings Online and D&D Online before running off to make more traditional RPGs.

Marcus Cenci has spent 17 + years in the games industry where he’s worked on multiple projects as an Art Director and Lead Artist including the Saints Row and Madden NFL franchises. He’s currently working at Lost Boys Interactive as the Studio Art Director.