Tag: Lift Off

Reference materials:

• Workplace Discrimination and Abuse: Ways to Cope and Prevent (Youtube)

This week, multi-talented Muse en Lystrala gave a very frank and honest talk for Lift Off Diversity Incubator attendees on workplace discrimination and abuse. Using examples she herself faced, she informed the audience when to recognize abuse, both online and offline, and what to do when you see one. As we split into our one-to-ones, each participant provided updates on how they’ve progressed with their initial prototype. The mentors, of course, helped solve the mentee’s specific problems, to better prepare for the play-testing events such as the monthly TVGS Interactive Showcase. At the end, each participant gave a brief demonstration of what they had.

Reference materials:

• How to Start a Business Presentation (Youtube)
• How to Start a Business Slides (PDF)

This week, TVGS’ own treasurer, Sarah Lauser provided a talk for the Lift Off Diversity Incubator attendees on how to start a business. She provided the advantages and disadvantages of having one, and how relatively simple it is to start one should one choose to develop their project to a larger endeavor. Midway through the program, everyone split up to discuss how they have been progressing, and whether they’ve managed to make their first playable prototype. At the end, each participant gave a brief demonstration of what they had. Fortunately, it’s been a relief for most people the progress even the most ambitious attendee made was to make their artworks move!

Reference materials:

• Project Management Presentation (Youtube)
• Project Management Slides (PPTX)

TVGS’ Lift Off Diversity Incubator continues with a presentation on project management, or the process of splitting up a large project into distinct and measurable tasks. Suzanne Dondero, professional project manager and the presenter for this week’s progress report, described the Agile Development process that encourages game makers to regularly re-evaluate their task list and adjust their goals to meet the deadline. After the presentation, everyone split up to discuss how to take their game design document and dividing it into simpler chunks on their favorite task management software like Trello.

Reference materials:

• Keynote video (Youtube)
• Lift Off Opening Ceremony Slides (PDF)
• Lift Off Handouts (PDF)
• Tips on Writing Your First Game Design Document (PDF)

The opening ceremony of TVGS’ inaugural Lift Off Diversity Incubator was a huge success! The
The keynote was given by game developer and International Game Developer Association’s Albany chapter head director, Amanda Kirk, who gave a keynote about combating impostor syndrome. Each participant was given a handout, listing resources to get started on making games.

After a brief review, everyone split with their own designated mentor, and discussed what their game ideas were, and what tools to look into to make it happen. Due next week, all participants are tasked to get their first documentation on their game — yes, that fabled game design document — started!