Kavin Bachus, one of the original creators of the Xbox console, and Chanel Summers, who designed its audio capabilities and created one of the first support teams for content creators in the industry, both former employees at Microsoft, have created The Bachus-Summers Fund for Innovation in Interactive Entertainment at the USC School of Cinematic Arts Interactive Media & Games Division, which will award students who showcase innovative iniatitives in the field of interactive media.
Bachus stated that, “There has never been a greater opportunity than there is today for talented and passionate individuals to come together and create the legendary game studios of tomorrow.
“The Bachus-Summers Fund for Innovation in Interactive Entertainment is meant to do two things: to recognize and reward the most innovative work by a student in the Interactive Media & Games Division and to encourage that student to build their own future, for themselves and for others, after leaving school. It is our expectation that the recipients of this Fund will be provided with the tools to build lasting creative and commercial success.”
Summers added that, “I’ve seen first-hand that the most meaningful work is always achieved when visionaries take risks and break boundaries. Creative and talented individuals must be allowed to realize their dreams, regardless of resources.
“When thinking about this Fund, it was critical to us that it be used directly to support the efforts of tomorrow’s creative and entrepreneurial leaders.”