IGDATC June 2017 – “It’s A Little Weird, But We’ll Deal”

Wednesday, June 14, 2017 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Camping Games
Ryan Foss

If you go camping this year, Ryan has a few fun game suggestions.

“It’s A Little Weird, But We’ll Deal” – A GLITCHCON 2017 Post-Mortem
Evva Kraikul

GLITCH CONNECT is an arts and cultural festival celebrating digital games and play.

Attendees explored two packed days of powerful keynotes, panels, arcades, exhibits, and quests. The festival serves as a catalyst for digital innovation and attracts 700+ makers, doers, and thinkers in video games from all over U.S.

GLITCH’s Co-Founder and Executive Director, Evva Kraikul, will dive into developing and designing the festival in its 5th year. Evva will touch briefly on the history of the project as well as discuss the challenges, tools, and strategies that are used to build the longest running games conference in the region.

Plug My Thing!

In addition to informal verbal plugs, we’ll also show your trailer, user group, recruitment page, promo video, demo reel, etc. Grab the appropriate ticket – first come, first served.

Guidelines:

• Short and sweet. 3 minutes max!
• Related to games, gaming and or game development in some way. (Exceptions can be made, but please consult us first.)
• 1 short URL, Zero setup (Media is streamable from fast/reliable site like YouTube, Vimeo, etc.)
• Your Contact info is on page or in video.
• You were a part of this project, are attending the meeting, and will introduce it.
• Meet us in the auditorium at least 5-10 minutes early, so we can load your page.

Agenda (approximate)

6:00 Pizza and drinks (thanks to the Nerdery!) and socialize.
6:30 Meeting starts. Announcements and Plug My Thing!
6:45 Member Project
7:30 Main Presentation

We’ll be heading to Joe Sensers in Bloomington after the event. Come socialize with other local developers.

Many, many thanks to The Nerdery for hosting the IGDA Twin Cities events over the years.

This event is open to the public. An IGDA Membership not required.

Other Happenings and Announcements

Northern Spark is all night Sat 6/10.  Grab the free Green Line pass!

Eyeo Festival is the week of 6/26, still a few tickets left.

For Northern Spark, our own Martin Grider and Patrick Swinnea worked on Chaos on the Green Line (VR on a train!)  The team is handing out 2,000 Cardboard VR viewers, and is seeking volunteers for short shifts Sat night 6/10.  Contact Joanna at jj@joannajahn.com

Check out other local happenings at Ice Cold Games.

E3 2017 Keynotes and Hang Out

Monday, June 12, 2017 from 2:30 PM to 10:00 PM

IGDA Twin Cities and Glitch are hosting the 6th annual E3 Social at Glitch HQ near the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.

The conference schedule is more spread out than pervious years, so we’re doing things a little differently. We’ll watch the live press conferences from Ubisoft and Sony, and watch recorded press conferences between. Stop by any time. Bring your laptop and “work” (though space is limited), or just come to hang out, play some games, run some playtests, etc.

There isn’t food or drink service, but you can bring your own food and drinks. Or plan to order in or go to a nearby restauraunt for dinner. You may bring your own drinks if you want (alcohol is ok so long as you’re responsible and legal age).

Between 4 and 8 there are no live press conferences, so we’ll watch other recorded press conferences, go out for food (or order in), or play games.

This event is open to all, no memberships required.

Schedule

The schedule is a little complicated so check out this IGN Conference Schedule for times.

Agenda

2:30 pm – doors open at Glitch and coordinators coordinate and setup, come on by
3:00 pm – live stream of Ubisoft Press Conference
4:00 pm – recorded stream of EA or Bethesda press conference, games, whatever
6:00 pm – recorded stream of Microsoft press conference
8:00 pm – live stream of Sony Press Conference
9:30 pm – last keynote ends and we need to leave Glitch, but if enough people are intersted, we’ll move downstairs to the Viking Bar.

Transportation and Parking

You can get to GLITCH via the 2, 7, 22, Blue, and Green Lines. Check this useful Google map for parking and transit options.

A note about accessibility: This event takes place on the second floor and there is not an elevator in the building.

Meeting Date Changed Reminder

Monthly IGDATC meeting is next Wed., May 17th.

Meeting Date Reminder, Not our normal Wednesday. It’s May 17th 2017.

Joint IGDATC and MN VR&HCI May 2017 – Adaptive Audio

Note: this meeting is a joint meeting for both IGDATC and MN VR&HCI.  It’s a week later than the normal IGDATC monthly meeting.

Wednesday, May 17, 2017 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (CDT)

Game Design for HoloLens
Zach Wendt

The current HoloLens is aimed and priced only for business adoption.  So, a profitable game market doesn’t exist. But, the totally unique hardware capabilities (and limitations) have already given rise to game designs and interactions that aren’t possible in VR, or AR on devices like phones or Tango.  So, think of this more of a preview of the future – when these capabilities start showing up in more affordable devices late 2017 and 2018.

Adaptive Audio: What Video Games and The Performing Arts Can Learn From Each Other
Benji Inniger

Video games and the performing arts have a lot to offer audiences. One of the aspects that makes them unique is the use of adaptive audio and music. Video games have many strengths that could benefit theatre audiences and visa versa. This session will explore audio design strategies that can capitalize on the strengths of each of these art forms to create compelling and immersive audio design.

Benji Inniger is a composer and sound designer from North Mankato. His theatre design experience includes Des Moines Metro Opera, Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, The Guthrie Theater, The Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center, Trinity Repertory Company and Brown University. He also works as a a freelance video game and media composer and sound designer and Associate Professor of Theatre at Bethany Lutheran College.

Plug My Thing!

In addition to informal verbal plugs, we’ll also show your trailer, user group, recruitment page, promo video, demo reel, etc. Grab the appropriate ticket – first come, first served.

Guidelines:

• Short and sweet. 3 minutes max!
• Related to games, gaming and or game development in some way. (Exceptions can be made, but please consult us first.)
• 1 short URL, Zero setup (Media is streamable from fast/reliable site like YouTube, Vimeo, etc.)
• Your Contact info is on page or in video.
• You were a part of this project, are attending the meeting, and will introduce it.
• Meet us in the auditorium at least 5-10 minutes early, so we can load your page.

Agenda (approximate)

6:00 Pizza and drinks (thanks to the Nerdery!) and socialize.
6:30 Meeting starts. Announcements and Plug My Thing!
6:45 Member Project
7:30 Main Presentation

We’ll be heading to Joe Sensers in Bloomington after the event. Come socialize with other local developers.

Many, many thanks to The Nerdery for hosting the IGDA Twin Cities events over the years.

This event is open to the public. An IGDA Membership not required.

Other Happenings and Announcements

GLITCH is hosting GlitchCon for its fourth year this May 5 – 7, 2017!

Check out other local happenings at Ice Cold Games.

IGDATC Apr. 2017 – The Rift Between ZeniMax and Oculus

Wed, April 12, 2017 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

If you’re paying attention, this might look like a duplicate meeting announcement. Due to a scheduling mistake, last month’s main presenter was moved to this month.

Music Theory for Devs: Basics for Non-Composers
Troy Strand

Do you find yourself unable to express the musical ideas for your game? Want to save time and money when talking with your composer? Come listen to Troy Strand discuss the building blocks of music, helpful hints to get the exact sound you’re looking for, and how to communicate with the composer you’ve hired for your next big hit!.

The Rift Between ZeniMax and Oculus, and What It Means for the Future
Brent Lorentz

February’s jury decision ordering Oculus to pay half a billion dollars to game company ZeniMax finds developers, game executives and hardware designers wondering what could come next. Among charges of violating a non-disclosure agreement, misappropriating trade secrets, copyright infringement and other allegations, the lawsuit poses real implications for players in an industry that is as collaborative as it is secretive.

Join Brent Lorentz as he walks us through the details of the case, how the charges came about, and highlights how the case has the potential to significantly alter the VR gaming landscape.

Brent Lorentz is a litigation shareholder with Winthrop & Weinstine, representing clients in complex litigation matters. He has a personal passion for the video game, game development and gaming industry, especially where it intersects with intellectual property and business law. He also frequently blogs about gaming topics and the law via Winthrop & Weinstine’s award-winning DuetsBlog.

IGDATC Mar. 2017 – GDC Review

Wednesday, March 8, 2017 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (CST)

GDC Recap

It’s a few weeks after GDC and some talented, local game developes have volunteered to discuss some GDC topics. Additonally, if time permits, we will have an open forum for discussing some of the bigger news events. So bring your favorite stories from GDC – a favorite talk, demo, conversation, big announcement, experiences, hero sightings, questions, etc.

IGDATC Feb. 2017 – Global Game Jam Recap and Game Post-mortems

Register at Eventbrite

Global Game Jam Recap and Game Post-mortems

GameCraft, the Global Game Jam 2017, was a smashing success with 31 games submitted on our jam site. With the 2017 Global Game Jam still fresh in our minds, come join us for a review discussion and post-mortems. Some teams will talk about their game and their jam experience. What went wrong, what went right? Learned lessons and fun happenings. A great way to recap the Global Game Jam and see what everyone spent their 48 hours on.

If you participated in the jam and would like to talk about your game during the meeting, please register for the “I’ll talk about my game” ticket.

Due to the number of games and limited time and space, this is not a play event. Glitch is hosting a Gamecraft games play event called PLAY PARTY. It’s Saturday January 28th, 6pm – 10pm at Modist Brewing Company.

Plug My Thing!

In addition to informal verbal plugs, we’ll also show your trailer, user group, recruitment page, promo video, demo reel, etc. Grab the appropriate ticket – first come, first served.

Guidelines:

• Short and sweet. 3 minutes max!
• Related to games, gaming and or game development in some way. (Exceptions can be made, but please consult us first.)
• 1 short URL, Zero setup (Media is streamable from fast/reliable site like YouTube, Vimeo, etc.)
• Your Contact info is on page or in video.
• You were a part of this project, are attending the meeting, and will introduce it.
• Meet us in the auditorium at least 5-10 minutes early, so we can load your page.

Agenda (approximate)

6:00 Pizza and drinks (thanks to the Nerdery!) and socialize.
6:30 Meeting starts. Announcements and Plug My Thing!
6:45 Member Project
7:15 Main Presentation

We’ll be heading to Joe Sensers in Bloomington after the event. Come socialize with other local developers.

Many, many thanks to The Nerdery for hosting the IGDA Twin Cities events over the years.

This event is open to the public. An IGDA Membership not required.

Other Happenings and Announcements

Game Dev Day An event for parents and kids to explore making game design, art, code, sound, game testing, and more. February 11, 2017 1pm – 4pm at The Works Museum

IGDATC Jan. 2017 – 25 Years of Game Development in Fly Over Land

Wednesday, January 11, 2017 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (CST)

The Global Game Jam Is Coming, Jan 20-22!

Let’s talk about the Global Game Jam, and the local site Gamecraft. We’ll give a quick synopsis of the GGJ and discuss the upcoming event. We’re happy to be partnering with GLITCH again this year at the second annual Gamecraft, GLITCH’s locally hosted site for the 48-hour Global Game Jam. Registration is open now. We hope to see you there!

25 Years of Game Development in Fly Over Land
Ken Paterson

Ken Patterson, President of Big John Games will be discussing his involvement in game development. Starting as a hobby in 1981 making games for the Apple II then making the big move to full time game development in 1991. Taking on console development in 2006.

Ken will be sharing experiences in the early years of game development 1980’s, building a development studio in the 1990’s, struggles of the early 2000’s, focusing on consoles (Nintendo, XBOX) in 2006. Self publishing on consoles starting in 2008 and continuing self publishing.

Ken and his studio have created properties for Disney, Activision, Mattel, Marvel, Viacom, GT Interactive, Scholastic, and many more companies. Games created by Big John Games are sold in North America, Europe and Japan. Big John Games has forged a lasting partnership with Arc System Works of Japan, allowing BJG to sell it’s game Japan.

Come ready for a fun history lesson in how a little studio in Fly Over land, designed and built games for the big boys of the video game industry and is now competing head to head with them.

Plug My Thing!

In addition to informal verbal plugs, we’ll also show your trailer, user group, recruitment page, promo video, demo reel, etc. Grab the appropriate ticket – first come, first served.

Guidelines:

• Short and sweet. 3 minutes max!
• Related to games, gaming and or game development in some way. (Exceptions can be made, but please consult us first.)
• 1 short URL, Zero setup (Media is streamable from fast/reliable site like YouTube, Vimeo, etc.)
• Your Contact info is on page or in video.
• You were a part of this project, are attending the meeting, and will introduce it.
• Meet us in the auditorium at least 5-10 minutes early, so we can load your page.

Agenda (approximate)

6:00 Pizza and drinks (thanks to the Nerdery!) and socialize.
6:30 Meeting starts. Announcements and Plug My Thing!
6:45 Member Project
7:15 Main Presentation

We’ll be heading to Joe Sensers in Bloomington after the event. Come socialize with other local developers.

Many, many thanks to The Nerdery for hosting the IGDA Twin Cities events over the years.

This event is open to the public. An IGDA Membership not required.

IGDATC and MN VR and HCI Dec 2016 – Winter Social at Republic Bar

MN VR and HCI Nov 2016: Mixed Reality Recording, UX in VR

Two shorter talks this month!  Matt Summers and Tommy Sunders from Pixel Farm share their recent learnings successes, and fun failures with Mixed Reality video recording and User Interface/Interaction design for VR.

Mixed Reality Video Production

How do yo show Virtual Reality to someone who’s never experienced it? MR becoming a very popular way to sell VR, but there’s still a major lack of tools. Learn about Pixel Farm’s early experiments and new/upcoming techniques looking to make MR more accessible to developers and streamers.

UX in Virtual Reality

Eatable interfaces, teleportation, flying cats, and magic helmets – Welcome to the wild west of virtual reality, where traditional menus are usually the worst option and there are no established best practices. Less that a year into commercially available VR, what are the emerging trends in UX and interaction design?

Schedule: