Since the Game Development Club launched in 2005, we've been committed to being the hub of game development at the University of Waterloo. As we've grown, we've seen more and more UW members - undergrads, graduates, and yes, even one professor - learn the basics of making video games. The unfortunate side-effect of being solely learning based was that, once our members (maybe even you!) learned those basics, we had nothing left to offer. What's the point of being in this "club" if all I do is sit around listening to the same tutorials over and over again?
For the past two years we've dipped our toes in some new waters, hosting a few 24-hour Game Creation Competitions and a couple of Professional Developer Talks, to what turned out to be a very positive response. Based on that feedback, we took a break this summer to reboot the entire club. Now we're back, and as the main page says, more badass than ever!
We're focusing on getting the developers of UW to know one another, and give feedback on ideas and entire games. We're hoping we can teach the basics to newbies, and expand the minds of the more experienced. So what can you expect from our club in the months to come?
- Open Discussions
Present your idea or opinion in 30 minutes or less, and then hear the rebuttal from the UW community - Show and Tell
Made a game? How 'bout just a prototype? Come share it with us, and hear suggestions from other developers like yourself - Game Jam Nights
Sometimes, working on a game feels like... work! Come jam with us for a few hours. Work on your game, eat some pizza, and relax with fellow devs - 24-Hour Game Creation Competition
Make a game in 24 hours! Top 3 entries get special prizes - Professional Developer Talk
Being indie is cool n' all, but the pros have a lot of experience we don't. Come bask in their light of knowledge and awesomeness - Developer Podcast
That's right, everybody and their grandmother has a podcast now! Ours will be about getting developers to talk about relevant topics in the games industry today. We'll have guests from companies like EA and Ubisoft, as well as club members. If you're active, we'll have you on!
We're hoping to do all of this in the next semester (holy crap, that's a lot!). But what about further down the line, you ask?
- Online Video Tutorials
We're sick of presenting the same tutorials, so when we do them once, we'll record them and stick 'em up - More Tutorials
Well, if we don't present the same ones, we have to present something right? - Online Game Hosting
We actually don't know how much hosting space we have, but if you're a member and have a decent game up and running, we want to house it! - Online Featured Members
Shown us a few cool demos? Presented some really cool ideas? Been around for a few Game Jams? Then maybe you'll be featured in a special place in our hearts, and one day, on our website
As you can see, we've got a lot lined up, and our executive team has been working extra hard to make sure it all goes smoothly. Drop us a line at uw.gamedevclub[AT]gmail[DOT]com and we'll add you to the mailing list, or keep an eye on this website and around campus for club news and event details.
Personally, I hope to see everyone who has any interest in game development at the University of Waterloo join us. A strong community of young, smart people can create a compost of ideas where I know something special will blossom. Always Learn, Create, and Explore.
Sincerely,
Sherban Gaciu
UWGDC President
