We’re very excited to help Pixelles organize in this year’s MIT QUILTBAG Jam! If you’re new to the concept of game jams, they’re events where people get together to create games, usually on a theme or topic. The aim of the QUILTBAG Jam, as created by MIT’s Game Lab, is to encourage creating games that feature queer identities, experiences, and themes. It is a safe space for people of all kinds to explore those ideas in game design.
TAG and Pixelles will provide workspace, lunch, and mentors to help you out of tricky bugs or just to give great feedback. We will also conveniently be holding a Twine workshop February 1st.
Board games or card games more your thing? Go ahead, make one! There’s an incredible range of games that can be made during a jam.
If you’re a lone wolf programmer, bring your skills and consider asking around for an artist or writer! It’s a great way to meet new collaborators!
Join us for a day of game creation and fun. No game-making experience or wizardry necessary: all you need is enthusiasm and a desire to participate.
Everyone is welcome!
Sign Up to Jam @ http://pixelles-quiltbagjam.eventbrite.ca
Who, What, Where, When, Why!
WHEN?
Saturday, February 8th, 2014
10:00AM – 7:00PM
Followed by casual playtesting
WHERE?
Concordia University, Engineering and Visual Arts Building
1515 Ste Catherine St. W.,
EV 11.705
WHAT?
The theme this year is LABELS ARE FOR CLOTHES.
Being queer means often having to label yourself — or be labeled by others — so you fit into easy categories, but that’s not always what you want. We encourage participants to make games about rejecting labels and being put into boxes against their will.
IMPORTANT
Please bring your own computer/equipment/materials!
FEATURING
Lunch and refreshments
Power and internet access
Mentors
ORGANISERS
Charlotte Fisher
charlotte.a.fisher@gmail.com
Nicolas Barrière
barriereknicolas@gmail.com
QUILTBAG Jam FAQ
Official FAQ from MIT’s Game Lab website):
Do I need to identify as queer to participate?
Not at all! Everyone who wants to take part is welcome. All identities, kinds, and persuasions are welcome.
Okay so I can’t program or draw or compose music. I’m not sure I should come.
Not at all! Game jams are all about turning your game ideas into reality. All you really need is some inspiration and the energy to give it a try.
Do I have to follow the theme? I have a game idea but it’s pretty different.
Not at all! The theme is a suggestion and an inspiration — not a rule. The jam is a place for you to express yourself and your creativity in a safe and supportive space.
What should I bring?
A laptop if you’d like to make a digital game, some paper or index cards if you’d like to make a non-digital game. Markers, crayons, play-doh, a camera — anything you think might help your creative process!
Safe Space Policy
TAG is dedicated to fostering a safe-space environment at all events: this means creating a space where all people, of any orientation, gender identity, and race, are respected and accepted. Harassment is not tolerated.
Harassment includes offensive verbal comments — related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, language, or otherwise — sexual images in public spaces, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention. Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.
If a participant engages in harassing behavior, TAG staff may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender or expulsion from meetups, conferences, and other TAG-run events. No refunds will be offered in the case of expulsion from a paid event.
If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact an organizer. Organizers or volunteers will be happy to help participants contact venue security or local law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the events. We value your attendance.
[Local law enforcement] [Emergency] 911 [local] 514 848-3717 – Dial 1 for urgent situations
[Local sexual assault hot line] 514 398-8500 sacomss.org
[Local emergency and non-emergency medical] 911
[Local taxi company] Taxi Diamond 514 273-6331
Attendance at TAG and Concordia University venues and social events implies that the participants agree to, and will abide by, these rules.
***Note for safe/anonymous reports of harassment***
We believe people should feel safe in reporting issues of harassment and have set up an independently-managed, anonymous, mixed-gender group of ombudspeople who can be contacted to report incidents of harassment, including those involving event organizers and volunteers themselves. Your privacy is of utmost importance and will be protected when contacting our ombudspeople.
They can be reached at: tag.coordinator@concordia.ca