Mark November 8-9th in your calendars, because TAG’s GAMERella is happening again this year! Just like last year, GAMERella is inviting everyone, including self-identified women, gender non conforming game makers, as well as anyone who feels they haven’t had a chance to make a (video or board) game in a city ruled by industry giants. TAG welcomes everyone, not just women, to join them in November and change the scene of indie game-making.

More info here: http://tag.hexagram.ca/events/gamerella-2014/

Why a Girl Game Jam?

Although the number of women game developers is growing, we haven’t yet reached an equal proportion to that of men. It seems many are still intimidated by the atmosphere and have a hard time going to events like jams, where people gather for a short period of time to make small, innovative games. GAMERella was conceived to prove that game jams are the safest, most exciting environments in which to create games for the first time. Everyone experiments, learning and sharing skills with others. It is a place to improve a craft, try out risky and unconventional game design ideas, meet other developers, and above all, have fun. GAMERella offers the opportunity to meet more women and gender-non conforming people (as well as men who support women) interested in game development. The organizers wish not only to encourage more women and first-time game jammers to join in on the excitement, but also to celebrate the representation of women in the videogame community.
For those unsure of what skills they might contribute, three workshops involving the use of free or almost-free software will be held at Concordia University in preparation for the event.

Besides making an awesome game, participating in GAMERella will allow you to gain valuable experience and meet industry professionals.

Theme?

This year’s theme is “Boss Up” - a fitting theme to commend the rise of women in the industry.

Workshops?

The organizers of GAMERella wish to help any doubtful participants discover their hidden game-making talents. As a result, TAG has created three workshops involving the use of free or almost-free software, to be held at Concordia University in preparation for the event. The material in these workshops cover game design, audio and visual art.

Dates and more info on the workshops: http://tag.hexagram.ca/events/gamerella-workshops-2/