Here’s a detailed recap of the exciting May Oxford Video Game (OXVG) meetup.
It was a fantastic event, attracting many familiar faces and an impressive number of new attendees. Here’s a breakdown of what happened!
Kicking Off with Interactive Learning
The evening started with an engaging presentation by Antonina Kalinina, a Freelance Motion Designer who also works in academia and illustration. Her talk, “Creating Interactive Assets for Language Learning Mini-Games in Rive.app,” was incredibly insightful. Antonina explained how she designs captivating motion graphics for educational games aimed at children, using the powerful Rive.app platform. Her presentation provided a fascinating look into her creative process, highlighting how Rive.app helps in creating interactive and educational content that keeps young learners engaged.
Pitching Your Indie Dream
After a brief networking break, we welcomed Andrew Smith, the Managing Director of Spilt Milk Studios, to the stage. His talk, “Find Your Goblins!” took us on a journey through the challenges and triumphs of independent game development. Andrew shared Spilt Milk Studios’ experience pitching their game, Trash Goblin, to an astounding 75 publishers in 2023. Despite facing numerous rejections, their determination led them to Kickstarter, where they successfully funded their project. Andrew’s presentation was both humorous and educational, offering valuable lessons for aspiring indie developers. He highlighted the importance of perseverance and adaptability in the competitive gaming industry.
More Than Just Talks…
The evening wasn’t solely about presentations. We also enjoyed lively networking sessions filled with drinks and conversations, providing the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow game enthusiasts. These informal interactions allowed attendees to share their own experiences, ideas, and advice. To add a bit of fun to the mix, we hosted a quiz with exclusive OXVG prizes for the winners, creating an enjoyable and interactive atmosphere.
Get Involved!
Feeling inspired by the event? Don’t miss out on the next OXVG meetup! Follow us on Meetup to stay updated on future events and become part of the vibrant Oxford gaming community. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, there’s always something to learn and share at OXVG.
Ready to Dive Deeper?
We want to extend a huge thank you to Antonina Kalinina and Andrew Smith for sharing their expertise and passion with the OXVG community. Their presentations were not only educational but also inspiring. We also want to thank everyone who attended – your energy and enthusiasm made the event truly unforgettable!
Want to Know More About Our Speakers?
Antonina Kalinina:
Behance
ArtStation
Pinterest
Instagram
LinkedIn
Spilt Milk Studios:
Website
Trash Goblin Game
We can’t wait to see you at the next OXVG meetup! Be sure to join us and continue to explore the exciting world of video game development in Oxfordshire. Whether you’re interested in technology, engineering, programming, or game design, there’s always something new to discover at OXVG.
