It’s been too long since my last post.
If you were wondering how Toronto was a few weeks ago (my last post said I was in three places at once), it was… ok. TCAF was awesome, easily the best of the three. And I think I’ve learned my lesson about promising to be at three places at once. Of course, this is coming from a student who secured funds to book a table at PAX 2014.
Oh, I was also at Ottawa’s International Game Conference (http://oigconf.com) last week too. That was fun, and a useful pool of experts and hobbyists to talk with. I missed out on a chance to have a table there (it was explained at the conference that the organizer only began working a few weeks before the event, the organization should be much better next year), but it was nice to be on the other side for once. Although, I wondered if it was better to pay for a table at these types of events or just to wander and network with people for free. After this one example, paying for a booth/table it probably very worth while (I talked to a couple dozen people VS a table getting up to a hundred wanting to hear what you’ve brought). On the other hand, certain events are more fun to go to then to promote at. Anyway, I was in Ottawa, my Twitter feed is easier to update than my blog.
Next on my trip schedule: I’m showing off “Unfinished – An Artist’s Lament” at Stage Select Gaming Expo on Saturday, June 6 in Toronto! See the website here for details: http://stageselect.ca/
I don’t know what to expect from SSGE… it’s pay-to-enter, the list of indie developers is small (although up to 16 are now registered). The talks might be fun to go to if I can get away from my table. Overall, I need to be in the area anyway for an unrelated academic endeavor, so it conveniently works out.
It may sound like I’m going to a lot of events this year. That’s the plan. Most people argue there are no good gaming events for indie developers in Ontario, despite the giant pool of creative talent that exists. There are several events for comics, boardgames, films and geekery, but there’s nothing comparable to PAX, E3, or GDC. So far, my exploits tell me that these events not focused directly on games are still great resources for promoting yourself, and I hope by the end of the summer to have a general summary of available outlets in this part of Canada that other developers can find useful.
If you are actually in Toronto this weekend, this will be the first chance to publically play the first level of adventure game “Unfinished – An Artist’s Lament”. Yes, I planned to have it at TCAF, DigiFest and Bit Bazaar, but it was still unfinished. But I have a demo in front of me now, so there should be no issues this time. Hopefully. As proof, here’s a couple new screenshots for you. I also hope to have a gameplay video up soon.
