OC’s IGDA chapter to hold weekly meetings for video game developers 

New events hosted at OC by IGDA will provide opportunities for aspiring game developers such as the virtual Q&A session with Numinous Games.

September 4, 2020

Oklahoma Christian University’s International Game Developers Association chapter is holding weekly meetings every Friday at 4 p.m. in the Art & Design Gallery. These meetings are for students from any major who are interested in the gaming industry. The events can be attended in person at a healthy distance or virtually through Google Meet. 

The IGDA chapter at OC is a student-led organization, currently led by chapter president Blake Darrow. The purpose of IGDA is to connect students with the global network of game developers, hosting talks and fostering professional development. The chapter is for anyone interested in a career in the gaming industry. The IGDA chapter at OC is the first IGDA chapter in Oklahoma. 

Through these IGDA meetings, plans are made for the Global Game Jam in 2021 and gaming competitions. The meetings, often coordinated with OC gaming faculty, also allow students to connect with fellow aspiring game developers.

“We use IGDA as a platform for students within gaming and animation who want to ‘level up’ their skills,” said Ellie Kirkner, an instructor of gaming and animation at OC. “It’s an opportunity for them to connect with one another, to gain feedback and to collaborate on work outside of class. 

“IGDA provides information about industry trends. We have access to industry job listings and talks that happen globally that are streamed from international developers. They let us know what we need to do to be relevant to the industry.”

On Aug. 28 at 4 p.m. IGDA hosted a virtual industry question-and-answer session with Numinous Games, a Christian video game company. Amy Green, a team member for Numinous Games, introduced one of the games she developed called “That Dragon, Cancer” on OC’s campus last November. At this Q&A, students met the game developers behind “That Dragon, Cancer” and “Area Man Lives.” The event was a great opportunity for aspiring game developers to be inspired by those who have created successful games.