Former Xbox staff create games fund for innovation

Former Microsoft staff Kevin Bachus and Chanel Summers have donated funds to the USC School of Cinematic Arts Interactive Media & Games Division (IMGD) to create a fund to encourage innovation in interactive entertainment.

The Bachus-Summers Fund for Innovation in Interactive Entertainment will be awarded to students that showing initiative in interactive media.

Bachus was one of the original Xbox creators, while Summers was involved with the design and audio capabilities of the system, having already been a designer and producer on Microsoft-developed games.

“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,” said Bachus.

“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: “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.”