By introducing new gamemakers from under-represented groups into our community, the Difference Engine Initiative aims to diversify what kind of videogames are made.
Our first focus is women, and so we have named this version of the Difference Engine after Ada Lovelace.
As part of the OMDC-supported TIFF Nexus, the Hand Eye Society will be running two gamemaking incubators for women in Toronto, one in August-September, and one in October-November.
We are accepting applications for this free program now. To be considered for the first incubator you need to apply by midnight on Sunday July 31st.
For all my female friends where gawked at that tiny stupid squirrel game, here is an awesome opportunity to give game-making a shot under the tutelage of two very, VERY talented and smart people, *for free.*
I don’t know of any other community in this city that does as much stuff like this, I’m so outrageously impressed with the Indie Game Developers around here, and I can’t recommend getting involved enough.
Making a game is a giant ego boost, it’s super empowering and it opens up such an enormous wealth of possibilities. Even if it’s not your chosen career path, the things you learn while coding, arting, testing, and getting feedback are useful across the board.
Personally I am really sorry I can’t make school wait while I do one of these workshops, but I’ll just have to trust that the goodnatured sharing that’s going on in this community will continue until I finish the term and contribute properly again. Until then, let me live through you!
Go forth and game!
