iGame Radio

Jeffrey Lin, a University of Washington PhD student, has been awarded the 2010 Penny Arcade Scholarship. The PAS is given yearly to college students interested in pursuing careers that contribute to the advancement of the game industry. Lin plans to use the award to further his research into applying vision science to solve practical problems in game design.

Lin impressed the selection committee with his interest in crossing traditional boundaries between game development and other academic disciplines. He plans to study how vision scientists can bring methods and insights developed in their field and apply them as members of game development teams.

One of his recent publications, entitled “Evidence against a speed limit in multiple-object tracking“, dealt with the theory that overcrowding in an environment lead to a decrease in the ability of a person to track multiple objects, so speed limits might increase crashes as people lost track of the multiple vehicles around them. Interesting idea to apply to a racing game!

Penny Arcade’s scholarship program was established in 2006. The annual winner is selected based on service, leadership, character, financial need and the potential to make a positive impact. Application information for the 2011 scholarship will be available in spring 2011.