A software engineer with Orlando-based Engineering & Computer Simulations has been promoted into a leadership role for Serious Games Showcase & Challenge at this year’s I/ITSEC.
Matthew Becchio, who first worked with SGS&C as an intern, will now lead the effort to make sure submissions hit milestones and pre-I/ITSEC preparation runs smoothly.
“When you work your way up, you get to see how all the bricks are laid,” Becchio said. “As I go into subcommittees now as the [integrated product team] industry lead, I understand where certain puzzle pieces need to be placed.”
Becchio has been involved in Orlando’s tech and video game development scene for years.
In 2017, he led a team that built a video game for the local group Indienomicon’s game jam called “Tootin’ Pooches.”
The concept was dogs who moved using speed bursts generated by passing gas playing soccer.
The game, while silly in nature, was later awarded best student-developed game at SGS&C that year.
Becchio credits a good portion of his professional success to his involvement with SGS&C.
He had recently graduated college when he met ECS’ current chief technology officer, Shane Taber, who was serving on the same SGS&C committee. While working together, Becchio learned of a vacancy that ECS was looking to fill.
“Shane gave me his card, and within a couple weeks an interview was set up and I was hired,” Becchio said. “I’ve been working at ECS for the past five years.”
Taber, who is ECS’ chief technology officer, said he has seen Becchio evolve in a really short time.
“Matt’s love for serious games is clear in all his work,” said Shane Taber. “We’re really proud of what he’s done and how hard he’s worked to raise the standards and awareness for serious game development in our community.”
Becchio’s noted that his goal as IPT industry lead this year is to get more submissions from beyond the “government bubble.”
“A lot of the most interesting games come from the general public,” Becchio said. “The biggest thing I’d like to see is just getting the word out that if [any organization] has an educational game, then submit it. It could win multiple awards.”