Current goals for the group (Updated 10/3/11):
-Current specific activities/action items: Get familiar w/ Unity and git. First group project requirements are loosely defined. Group discussion boards setup and active. Continue to define requirements for first group project.
Eastern Iowa seems to have very little Video Game development activity. I started this group in the hopes of meeting some cool people passionate about Video Game development, whether it be art, programming, design, indie topics, etc.
Who should consider joining:
-Current Indie developers (Designers, Developers/programmers, Artists, musicians)
-Those in other industries looking to move to their passion of developing video games!
-Those looking to learn more about the industry of Indie games.
-Ideally you have some related skill (beginner to advanced) that relates to the industry (programming, music, art, design) but this is NOT required.
(Ie- If you just like to PLAY video games but haven't done ANYTHING related to creating them (previous programming experience, created art, written music) this may not be for you)
General group goals:
-Meet and develop great relationships w/ local passionate developers, artists and designers.
-Continuing learning for all individuals in the group.
Let's get together and talk about our passion and share some ideas, start a team or two and see how we can make this group a great and fun asset to all of us!
UPDATE:
Recently I was asked via email about more details for the group. I thought my reply might add a little more about how I envision the group so I have added it here:
Initially I hope for the meetup group to be a relaxed place/group for people interested/passionate in Game design to meet and expand their network of like minded people to bounce ideas off of or learn from, etc. I have spent some time trying to find others in the area with not much success. Hopefully this group will solve this problem.
As the group matures, I envision it to be a place to discuss problems, talk about using new/old tools (Programming/modelling/whatever), create teams, maybe have competitions (quick game creation, artwork, modelling) to keep things fun.
For me personally, I hope it to be a group I can constantly learn things from and meet some guys/gals that are passionate that are interested in making a team to start working on games.
Ideally everyone gets involved enough to start creating an actual portfolio of work that they can use if they decide they want to go work for a game developer vs. working as an Indie developer.
Getting a job the industry depends a lot more on actual work on a game project vs. any real education one might have.
Who the group is for:
Programmers: People that do the coding. People familiar with using game engines (Unity, Unreal, C4) fit here as well. (I fit here)
Concept artists: People that do the initial sketches and paints of the game world and game objects. (I can do a little bit of this but very, very crude. Would love to improve)
2D Artists: People that do pixel art, sprites, 2d animation. (I suck at this)
Modellers/3D artists: People that do 3D modelling/3D animation based on sketches/paints or just from their own heads! (I'd like to learn how to do this well)
Musicians/Composers/Sound Engineers: People that are interested in doing sound assets and music composition for a game! (I do a little of this too)
Designers: People that come up with the game, game rules, gameplay, etc. In my opinion, designers should have some experience in some other of the above spots. (I also am interested in design as well)
Video Game Entreprenuers and Indie Business Interest: Those that are interested in learning or talking about the business aspect of Video games and/or Independent game development.
I would say that skill levels can range from beginner (no experience) to advanced (had experience working on a AAA title at some dev company). If you're passionate in any aspect of game design/creation then this group is for you!
Who the group is NOT for:
Dudes that just like to play video games that really have no desire or passion to make them.
For now, as the meetup is newly created, I'd like to just see how much interest I can get. Hopefully there are more than one or two others passionate about making games in the area!
We'll pick a location as we get closer to the meeting! Have a great Christmas guys!
RSVPed 
