GameDev & XR Meetup Thüringen
NEW BEGINNINGS
Reviving the GameDev & XR Meetup Thüringen: A Journey from Idea to Reality
The Birth of an Idea
Joel’s idea for the GameDev & XR Meetup Thüringen was inspired by the success of the GameDev Meetup Leipzig. Recognizing the absence of a similar platform in Thüringen, Joel envisioned a community where game developers and XR (Extended Reality) enthusiasts could come together, share knowledge, and collaborate on projects. The goal was clear: to create a supportive environment that would ignite a passion for game development and XR topics, foster mutual support, and facilitate networking opportunities.
The meetup was intended to be a place where developers could find collaborators, exchange experiences, and learn from one another through regular workshops, game jams, and presentations. It was a vision of collective growth, discovery of new technologies, and a thriving community where playtesting and feedback could help shape better games and experiences.
The First Steps and Initial Support
As Joel began to flesh out his ideas, he quickly realized that bringing this vision to life would require the support and involvement of others. Serendipitously, Friedrich Lüder from Games & XR Mitteldeutschland reached out after hearing about the initiative. Friedrich proposed that Joel revive the GameDev Meetup Thüringen, which had unfortunately ceased operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This was the spark needed to move forward.
Soon after, Joel and Friedrich sat down to discuss the next steps. With renewed energy and a clear path forward, they began planning the reinitialization of the meetup. Recognizing the importance of a suitable venue, Joel reached out to JENA Digital, inquiring whether their space could host the meetup. Domenique Dölz from JENA Digital responded enthusiastically, and a meeting was quickly arranged to discuss further steps.
Laying the Foundation: The Kick-Off Meeting
With the support of key players secured, the next crucial step was to set the stage for a successful revival. Joel and Domenique decided to organize a Kick-Off Meeting in Jena to bring together local developers and discuss the vision for the GameDev & XR Meetup Thüringen. Invitations were sent out to well-known developers in the region, laying out the objectives and goals of the meetup.
The invitation emphasized the desire to create a platform that would cover all aspects of game development, from design and programming to art and storytelling, including the burgeoning field of XR. The Kick-Off Meeting was scheduled for April 10, 2024, at the Post Carré in Jena, with an agenda focused on networking, defining the group’s vision, and brainstorming ideas for the first official meetup in June.
The response was overwhelmingly positive. Representatives from the Spawnpoint Institute in Erfurt, game developers from studios like Stepheight and GooseGirlGames, and Gianluca Pandolfo from the Gamesfabrik at Bauhaus University in Weimar all attended. The discussions were engaging and insightful, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities of building a new community from the ground up.
Overcoming Challenges and Moving Forward
The Kick-Off Meeting was not just a gathering; it was a turning point. The feedback and enthusiasm from the participants provided the motivation needed to address the challenges ahead. One of the key hurdles identified was the need to clearly define the vision and structure of the meetup to ensure it would cater to the needs of the community.
Another challenge was reaching out to and engaging a broader audience. While the initial group was highly motivated, it was clear that for the meetup to thrive, it would need to attract a diverse range of participants from various backgrounds and skill levels. This would require strategic outreach, effective communication, and the organization of events that appealed to both seasoned developers and newcomers alike.
Joel had the idea to intertwine his game development activities with the organization of the meetup, thereby ensuring that the community-building efforts were rooted in practical, real-world projects. Soon after PlayInsight Studios took on the task of planning the first official meetup, set for June 26, 2024.
The Path Ahead: A Promising Future
With the date set and preparations underway, the stage was set for the first official GameDev & XR Meetup Thüringen. Markus Bonk from R42 offered to give a presentation at the event, providing motivational input to inspire the attendees. Invitations were sent out far and wide, and the anticipation began to build. The hard work, planning, and collaboration that have gone into reviving this meetup are about to bear fruit. The GameDev & XR Meetup Thüringen is not just back; it’s back with a renewed sense of purpose and a clear vision for the future.
Stay tuned to see how the first meetup unfolds, and join us on this exciting journey as we continue to build and grow this vibrant community in Thüringen. The GameDev & XR Meetup Thüringen is more than just a gathering—it’s the beginning of something truly special.
