Unwinnable

On November 9-11, the New York University Game Center hosted its 2nd PRACTICE games conference. Much like the idea that has been growing in the indie game scene of playing to your niche, the NYU Game Center created PRACTICE for a very specific audience in the game space – the designers. PRACTICE purposely avoids the vast array of topics covered by other conferences, ranging from AI, effects, UI design, etc., and instead focuses only on creating an intimate gathering to foster high-level game design discussion featuring panels and lectures where no influence, nomenclature or other jargon is too obscure to be shared. Only the most foreign terminology, such as naval and military acronyms, is given any sort of deeper explanation. Like the best foreign language programs, designers are encouraged to speak purely in their own design language by the PRACTICE organizers. (more…)

Yesterday, I hopped a flight to Culver City, California for my first IndieCade, an international festival and professional conference for independent games. I couldn’t be more excited. I have also been equally terrified lately, because I have had some key financial situations arise. These usually mean the difference between me having a meager amount of money that will primarily pay bills or no personal income at all, as I watch my finances spiral out of control and risk ending up on several collections agencies’ call lists. I’ve also had to keep my cool and stay focused on creating art, playtesting, reworking mechanics and designing my current game project, hoping that in the end, the finances work out long enough for it to all be worth it. Oh, so this is what being an indie game creator is like. (more…)