Navigating Uncertainty with Community
It's better to go together than go alone
Hi friend!
February feels like a transition, with winter giving away to spring soon enough. (At least according to that groundhog up in Pennsylvania!) Many of us and our friends are hit with industry layoffs and the uncertainty that invokes. This, on top of the world moving in ways we hadn’t anticipated.
What does it mean to be a game developer in 2024? An interactive artist? How can we reimagine the craft and community? Something to ponder on and discuss.
What to expect in this month’s newsletter:
A special announcement
A game that em-barks on new ways of living in harmony with the changing natural world
A recap of post Global Game Jam events
And quiet moments of focus at the coworking space
Triangle Interactive is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit!
We announced during February’s monthly playtest that we are now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization! 🎉
Want to partner with us in 2024? Reach out and support our efforts to provide game jams, workshops, study groups, coworking, and mentorship to the community.
And one-time donations by individuals are always welcomed.
Thanks for supporting us as we support you!
Spotlight: Waves of Jeju
Waves of Jeju follows Haenyeo and Jindo as they navigate the effects of the changing climate on their home, Jeju Island.
One of a small, but mighty team, Karen Stritzinger (she/her), is the XR Developer & Technical Artist behind the charming VR game. She and her team at Old Hara Studios aim to foster cross-cultural awareness, educate about environmental justice, and tell a fun, hopeful story to inspire change. It’s in early development, yet has already received great, actionable feedback from convention goers.
I mean, look at it! How can you not want to play it for yourself?
The team plans to contribute the game’s revenue towards funding the work of the Haenyeo divers on Jeju Island and to protect their traditions of environmental stewardship.
When asked what she hopes for the game development community, Karen would like to see more worker owned cooperatives in the space.
“Old Hara Studios plans to become a worker owned cooperative as it grows. It will enable us to create a long term impact by reinvesting surplus profit into workers and communities,” Karen wrote to us. “This will also provide much better career stability and living wages for creatives, not just a handful of wealthy individuals.”
Curious for more about Waves of Jeju or Old Hara Studios? Reach out to Karen Stritzinger on the Triangle Interactive Discord (@karen).
Upcoming Events
Triangle Interactive Events
Mar 8: Playtest Night + Open-Mic. IGDA NC-Triangle and Triangle Interactive are partnering for this event. Have a topic to share? Tell us about it on this night!
Every Thursday: Community Coworking at Frontier RTP.
For Feb 22 (TODAY), we’re making arts & crafts after coworking hours. Come on by!
For Feb 29 (Next Thursday), we’re playing board games after coworking. RSVP today!
Other Community Events
Feb 28: Raleigh Unreal Engine Meetup
Every Monday: Raleigh GameDev Coworking.
Every Wednesday: Boxyard RTP’s Game Night.
Going to GDC 2024 in San Francisco? Connect with other attendees in the gdc channel on our Discord!
Past Events Recap
Feb 17: Indie Showcase Megastream
We streamed Global Game Jam submissions as a part of the Indie Showcase Megastream with Indie City Games (Chicago) and PIGSquad (Portland)!
Check out the replays here:
Triangle Interactive - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjoHErPF3io
Indie City Games - https://www.twitch.tv/indiecitygames/video/2065738099
Thanks for everyone coming out. We enjoyed talking about your amazing games!
Feb 2: Playtest Night - Global Game Jam 2024 Edition
This was our most attended playtest night yet! We wrapped up Global Game Jam with providing jam teams the opportunity to get feedback from the community.
Although we had to reschedule Ernesto’s talk due unforeseen circumstances, it was great to hear from each team about their experience with Global Game Jam. For many participants, this was their first game jam ever!
The camaraderie, humor, and joy was apparent in the room. Goes to show you that it may be worth putting your work out there, no matter the development stage!
Coworking Highlights
Everyone’s focused on polishing their games and prepping for the fast-approaching convention season. Brendan (Discord Handle: ash.holder) captured the mood with these life drawings.
However, all work and no play can lead to creative burnout. Our after-hours events, such as arts & crafts night and playing board games, serve as a well-needed reprieve.
Interested about our coworking membership space and hang out with devs all week long? Email us: hello@triangleinteractivearts.org.
Until next time, be well.
- Magz
Have a friend who would love to hear about the local interactive scene?
Do us a favor and share this newsletter with them!
We love making new friends.
Thanks so much for featuring Waves of Jeju! So happy to be a part of this community <3