Boston GameDev

 
 
 

Come and hang out with your neighborhood queer game devs, students, educators and artists in the interactive arts + game design space!

We want to build a safe community space for current devs and incoming devs of all kinds. We can't wait to meet you!

If you have any questions please reach out to [masked] or via our discord https://discord.gg/nua5Wb3UJ4

 
 
 

THE TALK
Deckbuilder games are an increasingly popular genre, and really fun to make. In this talk, Ezra walks through the opportunities and problems inherent to the genre, understandings gained from designing Hellscaper (an occult tiling deckbuilder) and conversations with other developers. While some of these lessons are specific to the deckbuilder genre, many are generalizable to any game with synergy as a core pillar.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Ezra Szanton is a prolific game designer and programmer. His games have been played by thousands and covered by streamers with millions of subscribers. He's currently interested in small experimental work, creepy crawling feelings and, most relevant for this talk, how to make a really excellent deckbuilder game.

 
 
 

Hello Friends!
Coffee Hour is a casual virtual chat for local game developers held every other Friday as folks are starting their day.
What to expect!

• Bring your own morning beverage and breakfast (coffee optional)!
• Meet & get to know local game developers!
• Introduce yourself and your interest in game design / development!
• Ask questions, pitch ideas, discuss game concepts, learn about narrative, audio, game engines, 3D art, UI/UX, marketing and all the other things that goes into game development!

The meeting will be held via Zoom and attendees must RSVP here to get the details. Feel free to share and spread the word -- This event is open to all who are interested. Drop in for any or all of the hour and discuss everything your latest design challenge, something cool you played, or anything else related to makin' games!

 
 
 

In June, Boston Indies is excited to present:

What's in the Box? Join Jackbox Game's Director of Production Rich Gallup for a peek at the production process for the Jackbox Party Pack and how it has evolved as it approaches its 10th iteration later this year!

About the Speaker:
Rich Gallup has been in video games for 20 years, starting as a QA tester at THQ and a producer/host for GameSpot during the infancy of streaming media. Upon returning to his native New England in 2008, Rich served as Lead Producer for the infamous 38 Studios, then as Executive Producer for Disruptor Beam and later OtherSide Entertainment. In the fall of 2022, Rich joined Jackbox Games as their Director of Production. He believes the key to making great games depends on an open, friendly, and fun team supported by flexible processes that allow for exploration, clarity, iteration, and a healthy work/life balance.

We have the space from 7 to 10, so prior to and following the talk, please feel free to hang out and meet other local game makers, and chat about what you're working on!

This season of Boston Indies is sponsored by Skymap Games, who are graciously helping us cover some venue costs! Thanks Skymap!

Skymap Games is a local, independent studio who've contributed to exciting titles like Don't Starve, Mario Kart: Home Circuit, Immortality, and more! Check 'em out! https://skymap.com/

June 20, 7 - 10 pm
MIT Open Space
292 Main St, Cambridge, MA 02142
(Outside, right behind the Kendall Sq T station and next to the MIT Museum)
Transportation/parking info: https://www.openspace.mit.edu/visit
Please use public transit! The parking at the Hayward lot is expensive!
By attending, you agree to adhere to the MIT Game Lab harassment policy visible here:
http://gamelab.mit.edu/harassment-policy/
If you experience any harassment or other disrespectful behavior, please report it to the primary organizer of this event, Chris Maire (either in person at the event, on the Boston Game Dev slack channel, or via the messaging feature on Meetup) or speak with any MIT staff at the event.