Creative Living

**No Diversity, No Games - How inclusion is no longer optional** The game industry has more talent, bigger budgets, and more powerful technology than ever before. Yet we’re stuck in sequels, safe bets, and recycled ideas. For decades, innovation was driven by hardware and graphics. That era is slowing down. Higher fidelity alone no longer creates novelty. Jack Gutmann argues that the next frontier of originality is perspective. Homogeneous teams create blind spots, predictable design, and cultural echo chambers, a form of creative inbreeding. With AI amplifying existing patterns, inclusion is no longer optional. It is creative infrastructure. If games are to remain innovative and culturally relevant, inclusion must be understood as creative infrastructure [Jack Gutmann](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-gutmann/) is a Real-Time VFX and Technical Artist based in Vienna. He specializes in building visually distinctive effects systems, bending technology to serve strong artistic direction. Best known for Path Out, created with Causa Creations, Jack has since led VFX pipelines on stylized and narrative-driven titles. He has collaborated with industry professionals such as Rami Ismail and Castpixel on projects including Australia Did It, translating ambitious creative visions into production-ready scalable effects. Beyond production, he hosts The Generalists, a podcast dedicated multidisciplinary thinking in game development. His work aims to demystify high-level craft and creative decision-making in an industry that often overemphasizes narrow specialization. His talks explore how team composition, cultural perspective, and technical infrastructure shape originality in games, and why diversity is the next driver of innovation. **After some announcement we will look at at least 2 games** \* [Canvas of Thoughts](https://store.steampowered.com/app/4348770/Canvas_of_Thoughts/) / Ronja \* World Tree Defender: Seedlings of Yggdrasil / Lukas Plazovnik Can‘t wait. The Gamedev Meetup is sponsored by the best Co-Working Space in Town Das Packhaus ( [https://www.daspackhaus.at/](https://www.daspackhaus.at/) ). Cannot wait to see you there Michael ( [https://bsky.app/profile/asebist.bsky.social](https://bsky.app/profile/asebist.bsky.social) )

Been putting something off for too long? Join us for our **Weekly** **Co-Working Session** in creative driven lounge **Jaz in the City** — and let’s finally get it done, together. **Want reminders or to connect with others before/after?** Join our [WhatsApp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/K6LidaoQhe16wZ0Se9pNM6), Keep contact via [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/nocrastinationclub/) This is a soft, safe, supportive in-person space to move through procrastination with presence and companionship. Whether you’re working on admin tasks, tax return, writing, creative projects, or simply clearing your inbox — bring whatever you’ve been avoiding and we’ll gently focus beside you. **Time**: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM **Location**: Jaz in the City – Ground Floor Lounge: Windmühlgasse 28, 1060 Vienna, Austria **Bring**: Your laptop, journal, creative tools, or anything you’ve been procrastinating on **Hosted by**: NoCrastination. See you in front of the ground floor bar ✨ you will see us sitting with our laptops ☕ Please do order something from the bar, so as to keep us in their good graces! Coffee price: Espresso: €3.5, Americano: €4.5, Latte: €5.5. Donations optional. **Seating information:** * If this is your first time joining us, please look for **Joanna Liu** when you arrive at the **Ground Floor Bar** (not at the hotel reception). * There is a **long table with 12 seats** for those joining the **peer accountability session** — please arrive on time if you’d like to sit here. * There are also **round tables nearby** for anyone who prefers a more flexible setup. * If you’d like to **work independently (without the Pomodoro arrangement)** but still be part of the group energy, just let Joanna know — we’ll make sure you’re comfortably included. **What to Expect** * **Drop in anytime** between **1:00–5:00 PM** — stay for a bit or settle in for the whole session * **Clarify your goals**: write down your measurable tasks for the day on a Post-it when you arrive * **Two spaces**: one for quiet focus, one for casual conversation. After each focus session, if you’re still in the flow, feel free to remain seated — no need to move. If you're up for a chat, join others in the social area for a relaxed break. * **Social start**: from **1:00 to 1:28 PM**, we mingle and get to know each other; our first focus session begins at **1:30 PM** * **Gentle structure**: we begin with a soft check-in and intention round * **Pomodoro-style rhythm**: We work in 45-minute focus blocks followed by 15-minute social breaks. If 45 minutes feels too long, feel free to break it into two 20-minute focus sessions with a short 5-minute reset in between. You’ll need to self-regulate these shorter cycles, just tune into your own flow and rejoin when ready. * **Quiet companionship**: no pressure to talk during focus time — just shared presence and support * **Welcoming space**: we meet in the creative, cozy lobby of the **Jaz in the City** **New to Pomodoro?** Don’t worry — we’ll guide you gently. No apps or timers needed. Why Join? * Beat procrastination with gentle accountability * Reclaim your momentum without doing it alone * Enjoy a change of scenery that boosts your focus * Be part of a community that shows up — without hustle Bring your project. Bring your presence. Let’s work side-by-side.

Dear artists, We will draw a new model See you there!

Komm am Dienstagabend von **18:00 bis 20:00 Uhr** zum English Café im Vienna Mosaik! In entspannter und freundlicher Atmosphäre kannst du kostenlos dein Englisch üben, neue Leute kennenlernen und gute Gespräche führen. Egal ob Anfänger:in oder ob du deine Englischkenntnisse verbessern möchtest – alle sind herzlich willkommen. Es gibt Gruppengespräche, Gesprächsimpulse und viel Raum für lockeren Austausch. Snacks und Getränke stehen bereit, also komm vorbei und genieße eine schöne gemeinsame Zeit. Wir freuen uns auf dich! \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Join us Tuesday evening from **18:00 to 20:00** for English Café at Vienna Mosaik! This is a relaxed and welcoming space to practice speaking English at no cost. Meet new people and enjoy meaningful conversations in a friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re a beginner or want to sharpen your English skills, everyone is welcome. We’ll have group discussions, conversation prompts, and plenty of space to chat naturally. Snacks and drinks are provided, so come as you are, grab a cup, and enjoy a fun time together. We’re looking forward to seeing you!

This is an event for ages 16 and up. Children are not allowed to participate. We cannot guarantee age-appropriate scenes and exercises. **Stop overthinking and start playing!** 🌿 This session is a soft, safe space to practice being present and letting go of perfectionism. Please note: The main part of this session will be held in **German**. **Raus aus dem Kopf, rein in den Moment!** 🎭 Hast du das Gefühl, oft festzustecken oder alles perfekt machen zu wollen? Improvisationstheater ist das perfekte Training gegen Procrastination und Perfektionismus. Hier lernst du, dem ersten Impuls zu vertrauen und mit dem zu arbeiten, was gerade da ist. **Was dich erwartet:** In einer wertschätzenden Atmosphäre nutzen wir einfache Spiele und Bewegung, um: * 🌱 **"Ja, genau!" zu sagen:** Impulse annehmen statt sie zu zerdenken. * ✨ **Fehler zu feiern:** Perfektionismus ablegen und spielerisch "scheitern". * 🧠 **Präsenz zu stärken:** Ganz im Hier und Jetzt reagieren. * 🤝 **Gemeinsam zu lachen:** Kurze, humorvolle Übungen ohne Leistungsdruck. **Der Ablauf:** Wir starten mit einer Stunde lockerer Gruppenspiele. Danach folgen sehr kurze, lustige Impro-Szenen. **Wichtig:** Du machst nur das, worauf du Lust hast. Es ist ein Safe Space – keine Vorkenntnisse nötig! Nach dem Impro-Training gehen wir mit allen die Lust haben noch etwas Trinken / Essen in ein Gasthaus. Üblicherweise Gasthaus Reinthaler, Gluckgasse 5. Kommt aber drauf an, wie viele Lust haben. **Eckdaten:** 📅 **Wann:** Samstag - 17 bis 20 Uhr 📍 **Wo:** GB Mitte, Max-Winter-Platz 23, 1020 Wien 👤 **Host:** Simon Brauner (über 70geleitete Trainings) Das Event ist kostenlos **Komm vorbei, lass den Planungsmodus hinter dir und entdecke die Freude am Moment. Wir freuen uns auf dich! 💚** WA-Gruppe: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JgmE1fAt7284tf0eIFlBtI This is a German-speaking improv session focused on mindfulness and overcoming mental blocks. No acting experience needed - just bring your presence and curiosity!

Weekly screenings from a large archive of many of the most significant, yet seldom seen and rarely accessible cinematic masterpieces in the history of film - from its earliest beginnings to the present day. Screenings are in original language, if English, or original language with English subtitles. Films are selected democratically on the inspiration of a brief pre-screening discussion. The selected title is typically a "neglected gem" that most of us discover together for the first time. Individual taste is not a criterion and all participants are expected to put the interests of the group as a whole above personal preference or prejudice. In this sense, the emphasis is on openness, exploration, and surprise. Each screening is followed by an in-depth group discussion, led and moderated by the curator. WARNNG: FilmStory is not just about watching movies! Rather, it's a socially responsible, intellectual engagement, involving an organic approach to group study of film language, philosophy, art, history, politics, and technology. In this sense, the film is always merely the current highlight in an explorative, ongoing group discussion. **FilmStory** is a members-only series that involves a closely knit community of cinephiles. Events take place every Sunday in a comfortable, private setting with limited capacity. Participation is reserved primarily for regular members, but we're always ready to make new friends! Non-regular members may request to meet the community and, upon acceptance as a "new joiner," are welcome to participate in one event, according to space availability. New joiners are asked to make a €6 member dues contribution in advance of the requested date. New members receive a message of confirmation and the address of the Living Room in 1080 Vienna upon receipt of their dues contribution. **FilmStory** is presented and hosted by **[KulturSalon Wien](https://www.meetup.com/kultursalon-wien/)**.

All info and registration: [https://www.iicv.at/community-event](https://www.iicv.at/community-event) Join us for a night of socialising with your favourite improv-people Bring your own drinks and some snacks to share, and meet some old and new faces of the improv community in Vienna. There may or may not be some improv games, depending on the mood, but the primary goal is just getting to know each other and networking in a chill environment :) If you can no longer make it, please update your attendance so we know how many people to expect!

**Every Second Wednesday · 16:00–18:00 · Free Entry · Villa Vida Café** No sign-up needed-just show up! **Lavender Lounge** is Villa Vida’s cozy, community-centered **queer arts-and-crafts hangout** — a free creative space for anyone who wants to make art, relax, and connect with other queer people in Vienna. Every second Wednesday, you can bring your own supplies, settle into a calm corner, and work on whatever brings you joy: painting, knitting, sketching, journaling, crochet, collage, or any DIY craft you love. No experience needed, no pressure, no expectations. This is a soft, introvert-friendly space where newcomers and regulars mix easily. If you’re looking for a low-stress queer social event, this is it. ### **What to expect** * A quiet, cozy environment * Free entry, all identities welcome * Bring-your-own-supplies arts & crafts * Mix of regulars and newcomers * Zero-pressure, introvert-friendly socializing * A chance to share your work or simply unwind * Creative freedom in a safe, queer space ### **Who’s welcome** Lavender Lounge is open to: * Queer people of all identities * Questioning folks * Trans and nonbinary creatives * Allies who respect queer spaces * Beginners, hobbyists, and experienced artists * Anyone 18+ wanting a gentle queer community hang ### **Languages** This is a multilingual group. English is common, but participants also speak German, Spanish, Portuguese, Turkish, Serbian/Croatian/Bosnian, French, and more. No specific language skills required — people naturally accommodate. ### **Come as you are** Bring your craft. Find your corner. Soak in the calm. Leave with inspiration — and maybe a new friend.

**About the Meetup** This meetup is for people who want to learn more about Product Discovery & Delivery. It is a mix of open discussions and a track for learning and development. You will meet others who share your interest in creating better products, solving problems, and learning new ways to work. **What to Expect** * **Talks:** This track will have prepared talks and/or workshops. These sessions will teach methods and ideas to help with product discovery and delivery. Speakers will share practical advice, real-world examples and practical methods. * **Networking:** This time we want to enhance the networking activities and make sure that people have an easier time talking with each other. \*\* Agenda\*\* * **18:30-19:00: Arriving, Networking, Food & Drinks** * **19:00-19:15: Welcome & Sponsor Intro** * **19:15-20:30: Talks á 30min (15min break between talks)** * **20:30-22:30: Networking** **️Talk 1** **[Christoph Bodenstein](https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophbodenstein/)** **The Optimistic Case for PMs in the Age of Coding Agents** *Head of Product at Finmatics \(Visma\) \| Founder at DocReady \| Co\-Host at The Hotfix Podcast* **Talk 2** **[Ia Mgvdliashvil](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ia-mgvdliashvili-0b459768/)** **Redefining the Product–Engineering Contract for Agent Assisted Development** *Sr\. Full\-Stack Engineer at Anyline \| Engineer Blogger [https://iyamg.com/](https://iyamg.com/) \| Speaker* **Why Join?** * Share your experiences and learn from others. * Improve your skills with clear steps and useful examples. * Hear new ideas that can help you in your work. * Meet others who care about making great products. **We are happy to see you there in person :)** \*\* Get in touch\*\* **If you want to host us or give a talk yourself, just send us a message here on[ [meetup.com](http://meetup.com/)](http://meetup.com/)**

🎊 2026 – such an astrologically momentous year! With significant planetary shifts and super rare cosmic alignments on the horizon, there's no better time to deepen your connection with yourself and understand what this unbelievable year has in store. **Why Astrology?** Astrology is a symbolic language 🌌 and, as such, it is the ideal method for understanding and connecting with our unconscious. If you want to get to know yourself better and strengthen the connection to your inner wisdom and creativity, then this session is for you. 💫 **What Makes This Different:** This is not a classical teaching event. Rather, what you can expect here is a fun, guided experience, mixing astrology with **creative journaling** ✍️ and **meditative reflection** 🧘. You will get a chance to flex your intuitive muscles and also meet some like-minded seekers and thinkers. After this session, you will understand how astrology can be used to forge a deeper connection with yourself and access more of the magic you carry. **What to Expect:** This cozy session will give you the chance to connect with peers and become more mindful of your astrology journey through deeper understanding and perspectives. Every week we are working on a different topic, question, chart placement, etc. Feel free to become a regular, or drop by whenever you wish. 🌙 We will begin the session with an introduction of all participants ⭐ We will then guide you through various exercises in small groups, meant to help you to explore the wealth that astrology has in store for you. 💬 The session will conclude with an open discussion, and a chance to ask any questions. **Who Should Attend:** This session is open to complete beginners 🌱 as well as those who have experience with astrology. It is recommended to have your birth chart available. To generate your chart, I recommend using the website ***astro.com*** 💰This event is offered COMPLETELY FREE OF CHARGE but donations are more than welcome. You can donate using **PayPal** (paypal.me/furtunadincarpati) or **Revolut** (revolut.me/misterclarity). Last, but not least, if you wish to delve fully into astrology, I offer free tools at **lunarium.co.uk**, as well as training and consultations at **misterclarity.com**

**Confidence in Bloom: How Creativity Builds Confidence** What happens when creativity becomes an intentional practice? In this month’s Confidence Lab, we’ll gather at **Petals That Inspire: The Flourish Studio** for an evening exploring the connection between creativity and confidence. How making with our hands, engaging our senses, and allowing space for expression can shift how we see ourselves and what we believe is possible. Our featured speaker, **Amanda Lorenzetti**, owner of Petals That Inspire, will share how creativity has shaped her own confidence journey and why creative environments play such a powerful role in well-being, resilience, and personal growth. Drawing from her work leading an experience-driven floral studio and a community-centered workforce development program, Amanda will reflect on creativity as both a personal and collective catalyst. Amanda will also guide us through a **hands-on floral design experience**, creating a fresh arrangement in a wide mouth mason jar. No prior floral experience is needed, just curiosity and a willingness to engage the process. This evening is an invitation to slow down, create, and reconnect with the part of yourself that grows through care, attention, and imagination. You’ll leave with a floral arrangement to take home, and a deeper understanding of how confidence can be cultivated through creative practices. **Featured Speaker: Amanda Lorenzetti** Amanda Lorenzetti is the owner and founder of [Petals That Inspire](https://www.petalsthatinspire.com/) and The Flourish Studio, a social enterprise florist based in Columbus, Ohio. She brings more than a decade of experience in wedding and event sales, paired with hands-on expertise in floral and event design. Amanda’s connection to the floral industry began early, spending time alongside her godmother, a professional florist on the East Coast. After earning her business degree, she returned to her hometown in Connecticut to work as a floral and event designer, blending creative artistry with strong operational and client-focused skills. In 2020, Amanda returned to the floral industry with a renewed purpose, driven by a desire to build a business rooted in creativity, community impact, and sustainability. During this pivotal time, she founded Petals That Inspire—an innovative floral concept that reimagines the traditional florist model by combining event florals, workshops, and experiential offerings with a mission-centered approach to workforce development. Today, Petals That Inspire is a thriving social enterprise known for its thoughtful design, educational experiences, and commitment to empowering young adults facing barriers to entry in the workforce. Amanda is deeply passionate about building businesses that are both profitable and purpose-driven, and she leverages her strong business acumen to create a scalable & sustainable model that inspires creativity while giving back to the community. **What is Confidence Lab?** Confidence Lab is a monthly community experience for bold, thoughtful leaders building confidence from the inside out. Whether you’re launching a business, leading a team, navigating change, or simply striving to show up more fully—you belong here. Our work demands clarity, courage, and conviction—but the pace of daily life can erode our sense of self. Confidence Lab creates space to reflect, reconnect, and grow with others doing purpose-driven work. It’s designed for entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, creatives, corporate professionals, activists, and anyone ready to lead with authenticity and impact. ***Please note:*** *All are welcome! If cost is a concern, please use promo code PUBLIC to access a free ticket—we want you to join us.*

NFT's are here to stay folks! This is a group for like minded people interested in understanding, leveraging, using, creating for, profiting from, trading too i suppose, NFT's.. everything around them, complexity, fear and exploits, best practices and more. **PLUS** This group will talk AI ART tools, techniques, artists, video, audio, prototypes and more in the AI assisted production space- ART specifically, but we can get into any aspect of some of the cooler things happening in AI in general.

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Sunday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at noon on Sundays. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 12:00 - quick intros. 12:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 1:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 1-1:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Sunday!

[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).