VIENNA GAME DEV

ARE WE GROWING OR WHAT?

Yesterday the Austrian indie scene got enriched by yet another event to strengthen and support the local indie developers: The Vienna Game Dev App - I don't know about the "app"... but that's what it said on the screen... :) - How about just "VGD"?

@asebist, the famous "orchestrator" behind Bloody Irony's debut game Shooting Stars (a game which you should totally check out btw. because it has a cat as a weapon!!) took the initiative and invited to this first meet-up including short talks and discussions, indie game presentations and the opportunity to comfortably hangout, socialize and play the games.

Initially anticipating about only a handful of participants everybody seemed quite happy the event attracted easily about 40 people from the vicinity. Applications to show games went through the roof and unfortunately only a few indies were able to present their ideas, prototypes or even final games. From CCTV Nation, an ambitious and promising augmented reality, massive online project, dealing with the crucial topic of surveillance and privacy (about to launch on kickstarter), over the apparently #1 genre for student developers - the puzzle platformer, represented by Introducing Sword and MADchen, to Bleed Off, FPS-Horror game, and even a crazy, seemingly self-soldered praying game about absolution, the evening featured quite some diversity and there surely was something for everybody.

Obviously the event needs a bit more structure but since this was the first time and nobody expected that much of a reception no harm was done. - On the contrary, as mentioned before, it's gatherings and initiatives like this, that really build and bring a community forward! So: Engines check positive, the board is green and Vienna Game Dev (.app) is cleared for departure... allegedly every first Tuesday of the month from now on at the Stockwerk (Peter-Schwartzgasse 11, Wien). Hope to see you there next time!

Play more! Gather more!