Just as the chill of autumn sets in and everyone’s lovely sweaters come out of storage, GAMERella emerges into the world for another year and another amazing game jam! As per usual, TAG is proud to invite self-identified women, gender non conforming game makers, as well as anyone who feels they haven’t had a chance to make a (video or board) game in a city ruled by industry giants. TAG welcomes everyone, not just women, to join them in November and change the scene of indie game-making. If that sounds like your jam (puns!) then

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON GAMERELLA!

 

“But website,” you might say, “as much as GAMERella sounds great, I’d be a lot more comfortable attending if I had some hands-on experience with game-making software or hardware say, in a workshop-esque setting. Some time to talk to game-making experts would be nice too.”

Well, you’re in luck, friend! In the weeks leading up to GAMERella, TAG and Pixelles will be holding no less than SIX workshops about how to use several amazing pieces of free or almost-free software! As with GAMERella, itself, attendance is open to anyone!

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE WORKSHOPS!

 

Here’s everything you need to know about them:

Workshop #1: Become a Master Game Jammer (Off-site)

Tuesday, October 18th from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm at 3rd floor of Notman House / Cafe OSMOS (51 Sherbrooke Ouest – rue Clark entrance, 3rd floor)

Facilitator: Elaine Gusella (Game Designer and Storyteller)

This workshop is being held outside of Concordia by Pixelles. For more information and registration, please visit the event page on the Pixelles website. Please note that no laptop is required for this workshop!

 

Workshop #2: Pixel Art

Friday, October 21th from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at TAP (Concordia University, SGW Campus, EV 11.425)

Facilitator: Carolyn Jong (PhD Humanities)

This hands-on workshop will cover the basics of creating and animating simple pixel art characters. We’ll be using PyxelEdit, which is available here for $9. Feel free to use other tools such as GraphicsGale, Photoshop, or MS Paint, but make sure to install whatever program you want to use before the workshop starts to save on time.

 

Workshop #3: Twine

Tuesday, October 25th from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at TAP (Concordia University, SGW Campus, EV 11.425)
Facilitator: Squinky (Writer, Programmer, Musician, Artist)

In this workshop you will explore the possibilities of interactive fiction by writing multi-linear stories and  choose-your-own-adventure games in Twine. Come learn the program and experiment with writing your own interactive stories, poetry, and adventures.

 

Workshop #4: Alternative Controllers with Makey-Makey

Monday, October 28th from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at TAP (Concordia University, SGW Campus, EV 11.425)

Facilitator: Ana Tavera Mendoza (BFA Computation Arts)

Turn everyday household items into buttons and touchpads with Makey Makey! It’s a simple and accessible kit, ideal for both quick prototypes and long-term projects.  Software and drivers will be sent in advance of the workshop, so be sure to register!

 

Workshop #5: Game Design 101

Tuesday, November 1st from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm at TAP (Concordia University, SGW Campus, EV 11.425)

Facilitator: Tanya Short (Pixelles Coordinator and Creative Director of Kitfox Games)

NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED. Jams can be intense and intimidating, but there are ways to make it easier, more efficient, and make a better game! Plan ahead to make the most of your jam with these tips and tricks on scoping, production processes, and game design from a veteran developer. Bring your notebook and questions.

 

Workshop #6: Construct 2

Friday, November 4th from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at TAP (Concordia University, SGW Campus, EV 11.425)

Facilitator: Alicia Fortier (Game Designer)

Learn to make 2D games without needing to writing a single line of code Construct 2! Construct 2 is an easy to use visual programming game engine: all you need is to bring a laptop with the latest version of Construct2 installed (PC Only, sorry!). No prior programming knowledge required! The workshop is compatible with the free version.

 

Not in Montreal?

You can still participate by watching the Concordia-based workshops LIVE at www.twitch.tv/tag_lab_tv/

This set of GAMERella workshops is kicking of this year’s LEVEL UP! series. Keep an ear to the ground for more workshops in the future!

For more information about GAMERella or to sign up, please visit: https://tag.hexagram.ca/gamerella/