Always Be Open to Opportunity
Developing Ourselves as Game Devs + Indie Artists
Greetings, buddies!
What do we say to our friends interested in getting a job in the games industry; especially those just starting out? We could lie and tell them how fun and easy it is, and how all they need to do is work hard to gain skills and build things of value. Network. Should they say, “Oh… really?” with a big happy smile, we would have to tell them the truth: this industry is a game itself in which we, as game devs and indie artists, are forced to play on hard mode. Anecdotes aside, there is no cozy version. Medium mode is working a full-time job and developing when you can to make a break. In this game, sweeping changes are a standard of business.
The much splendid news is that our community is here to help keep us going through these tumultuous times. This month we have:
Important updates to Thursday coworking sessions at Frontier RTP
An announcement for a regular show-n-tell event (virtual)
A priceless feature for those working on working in the games industry
Upcoming events (official + otherwise)
Events retrospective [including the popup arcade in Charlotte]
Update to Thursday Coworking - Now TIAC Weekly Hangouts 5-7pm
Starting next week, we’re going to phase out the 2:00pm-4:30pm part of coworking.
The fantastic news is that we'll remain hosting community office hangouts, which will remain a great time to show off some work or ask for help! While sessions on the bridge have been a boon for many since August, our aim with this change is to have more social events after hours, more time in the office.
Stay tuned for exact activities on our coworking channel.
FEATURE
The Priceless Advice of Timm Johnson: Building up to success must require a deep appreciation of the process itself. We must have fun and be open to opportunity.
Timm is someone indie devs can turn to for great advice. He’s started businesses, finished a racing board game, and has completed tens of game jams, just to name a few notable achievements. He develops Unreal Engine plugins and is working on making and producing a racing video game right now.
According to Timm, the games industry is challenging because it encompasses art, business, and technical skills. Art is essential, but games are ultimately a business. Technical skills are crucial for advancement, and not just programming - although that is often a better ticket. The important thing to consider early on is that, even if you have to work a crappy or unrelated job in order to sustain your projects; you’re in the industry. Tough mode is just what it’s like, but that doesn’t mean it’s hopeless. Even after finding success, for most, the chances of a company shakeup is always there.
You have to really like the work you’re involved with to keep going, so find a way to have fun. Do your best to enjoy the journey and remain open to new opportunities. You never know where your efforts might lead if you stick around and put in the work.
You can find Timm on the TIAC Discord (of course) as sonictimm. Check out his portfolio and Unreal assets profile.
TRI-INTERACTIVE EVENTS
June 21: Our monthly playtest night. RSVP here ^-^
OTHER EVENTS
May 27: GameDev Coworking at Brecotea in Cary. RSVP here
May 29: Raleigh Unreal Engine Meetup. RSVP here
May 30: Game Industry Gathering by Potions&Pixels in Charlotte. RSVP here
June 4: Hang Out at the Tavern with IGDA NC Triangle. RSVP here
A RETROSPECTIVE
Three Tri-Interactive organizers (bottom left) attended the 1st Game Industry Gathering in Charlotte on 4/27. Congratulations to team Potions&Pixels for hosting this marvelous event and building the machines. Michael Zytkow (center top row) announced that this will be a monthly event now. Hurray (ﾉ´ヮ`)ﾉ*: ･ﾟ
New Show & Tell Events
After much thought and discussion, we are replacing the study group with a virtual show & tell format. We believe that this change will better serve the diverse interests of our community. Members are still encouraged to self-study and pursue their own areas of interest, but we will no longer be following a mandatory course format. Instead, people are encouraged to share their game dev projects, art, writing, homebrew, mods, etc.
Due to fluctuating schedules, this virtual event series will more formally be announced on the server soon. Join the TIAC Discord to stay tuned to updates!
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Curious about our membership coworking space? We'd love to share more details with you! Email us at hello@triangleinteractivearts.org. Spots are filling up, but we still have some available!
Hope to hear from you soon!
-Crystina Halcyon