Interview with Advisory Board Member Emily Jacometti: 'With new technologies, we can tackle major societal challenges'
The Advisory Council of CIIIC consists of over 20 carefully selected members who provide solicited and unsolicited advice to our program team on substantive main lines. As representatives of the IX community and ambassadors of IX in the Netherlands, they are crucial for the connection with the industry. But who are these members, what do they do, and – most importantly – how do they view IX?
In part 15, Emily Jacometti, co-founder of HackShield, which uses a game to ensure that children can safely access the internet. "The gaming sector has already proven itself fantastically in the Netherlands. This fund should strengthen that power and stimulate collaboration."
Who are you, what do you do?
‘My name is Emily Jacometti. I am one of the co-founders of HackShield (we make children cyberproof now and in the future) and have been in the gaming industry for seventeen years. Within those companies, I mainly focus on the business and international side. Additionally, I dedicate my free time to encouraging more women in the tech/gaming sector. I have also always been a strong advocate for applied gaming, among other things, through the Dutch Games Association.
My personal goal is to build a bridge between CIIIC and the gaming industry, so that we not only develop beautiful creative concepts but also structurally contribute to sustainable models and a strong Game/IX sector.’
“For me, this fund is an investment that should yield returns in jobs, products, and creative companies”
Why 'immersive', what is your connection with new content/technology?
‘During my time in the gaming industry, I experienced that games are a fantastic medium. They are inherently immersive: you can lose yourself in a game, a story, a character, or an entire world. It doesn't need to be complicated or reliant on heavy technology. It's precisely through playfulness and engagement that people become more involved, making learning and experiencing much more effective.
On top of that, there are, of course, new technologies, such as virtual and augmented reality, that add extra layers of immersion. But for me, that's not a necessity. That's precisely why I find it important to bridge the gap between the CIIIIC and the gaming industry. If we harness that combined strength, or synergy, we can make sustainable steps both in content and business. Let's definitely build upon what already exists.’
Why did you want to join the Advisory Board, what specifically appealed to you about the program?
‘The reason for me to say “yes” to a role on the Advisory Board is that I am convinced that the CIIIIC fund should work well with the gaming industry. I noticed that initially there was little representation from the gaming sector, and I felt it was important for that voice to be present. Especially because there is already so much knowledge.
I have set myself the goal of translating the questions and concerns I hear from gaming companies to the Advisory Board. With this, I try to advocate for their interests so that the fund can better understand how it can collaborate with the gaming industry as efficiently as possible.’
“If in three years we have nothing left standing, then we have all failed. We need to look for sustainable models.”
What is your IX dream/mission?
‘I believe that this fund can be particularly successful if we, as mentioned, invest in initiatives that have already proven themselves and which we see can genuinely grow. For me, it's about investing in sustainable models and 'living' successes, rather than spreading money over many small individual subsidies that will have little effect.
My dream is that this fund strengthens the Dutch gaming sector and promotes collaboration. That it helps companies grow larger, participate internationally, and generate lasting success. Ultimately, I hope that together we build a healthy IX ecosystem where creators and companies have the space to grow, and where the Netherlands shows how strong we are in games and immersion.’
What developments in the field do you see that you find important to strengthen and why? Or: what is, in your opinion, the most important development in the IX field (as part of the creative industry)?
‘In games and immersion, I see an enormous wealth of applications. Of course, there's entertainment, but there are also wonderful games that actively solve social issues in a fun way. For me, that's where it all comes together: the versatility of games and immersive technology shows that there are so many colors and flavors that can enrich people's lives.
Additionally, I believe that with gaming technologies and applications, we can also tackle major societal challenges, as seen in successful examples from the applied gaming sector. HackShield is one of them, providing digital skills for all children, Grendel in Groningen creates applications for healthcare, etc.
This makes the field not only creative and inspiring but also vital for society. That is a development I would love to strengthen/reinforce.’
“Games are inherently immersive; you lose yourself in a game, a story, a character, or an entire world.”
Public values play an important role at CIIIC, how do you view this?
‘As far as I'm concerned, it is a prerequisite for how we spend public money and our responsibility to think carefully about it. We must constantly ask ourselves how we can strengthen initiatives that also contribute to society. How do we give companies the space to innovate while empowering them to build a sustainable business model?
For me, this fund is an investment that should yield returns in jobs, products, and companies. Not in subsidy confetti or one-off celebration trips. That’s why I find it so important that we listen to the field and don't formulate assignments in a vacuum. Only by collaborating with the growing sector can we truly connect public values to sustainable growth.’
Finally, the Advisory Board gives advice – what is your message to the community? And how can people find you and ‘leverage’ you to possibly share their ideas with the community?
‘My message to the community is simple: let’s ensure together that this fund truly becomes a boost for our sector. That means we need to be honest about what works and what doesn’t, and that we dare to invest in tools that have proven to make an impact. Only in this way can we avoid looking back in three years and realizing that nothing has remained standing.
I therefore invite companies, creators, and organizations to share their ideas and experiences. The more input from practice, the better we as the Advisory Board can direct the fund towards sustainable models and real scaling opportunities.
And how can people find me? Very easily: via Hero Center, HackShield, or just directly via LinkedIn or adviesraad@ciiic.nl. I am committed to bridging the gap with the experience of game companies, and I gladly include their voice in this.’
Interview: Nils Adriaans. Photography: Ben Houdijk