As I threatened at the last monthly meetup, I’m posting the results of the survey here on the internets. I have removed the names and contact info from those who provided it for national security purposes. I will be contacting those who have expressed an interest in giving a talk or organizing something in the near future. However, GDC is next week so that may put a crimp in my plans. Regardless… enjoy!
Summary
Which of the following best describes your current occupation?
| Student | 2 | 7% |
| Independent Game Developer | 6 | 21% |
| Developer w/ Company/Organization | 7 | 24% |
| Freelancer/Contractor | 2 | 7% |
| Academic | 2 | 7% |
| Game Journalist/Blogger | 0 | 0% |
| Hobbyist/Gamer | 4 | 14% |
| Not in Industry/Interested 3rd Party | 3 | 10% |
| Other | 3 | 10% |
Areas of Interest
What area(s) of game development interest you?
| Art – 2D Art | 15 | 4% |
| Art – 3D Modeling | 12 | 3% |
| Art – Animation | 12 | 3% |
| Art – Character Modeling | 8 | 2% |
| Art – Cinematics | 6 | 2% |
| Art – Conceptual Art | 7 | 2% |
| Art – Technical Artist | 7 | 2% |
| Art – Texture Art | 7 | 2% |
| Audio – Audio Implementation | 5 | 1% |
| Audio – Audio Programming | 5 | 1% |
| Audio – Dialogue / Voice Over | 4 | 1% |
| Audio – Music | 8 | 2% |
| Audio – Sound Effects | 9 | 2% |
| Business – Company Management (VP, CEO, etc) | 8 | 2% |
| Business – Finance | 4 | 1% |
| Business – Human Resources (HR) | 2 | 1% |
| Business – Marketing | 11 | 3% |
| Business – Public Relations | 5 | 1% |
| Business – The Business of Indie Games | 14 | 4% |
| Design – Character | 11 | 3% |
| Design – Dialogue | 11 | 3% |
| Design – Gameplay | 21 | 5% |
| Design – Level | 15 | 4% |
| Design – Narrative (Quest/Story) | 14 | 4% |
| Design – User Interface | 16 | 4% |
| Journalism – News | 3 | 1% |
| Journalism – Op/Ed | 3 | 1% |
| Journalism – Reviews | 4 | 1% |
| Production – Producer | 6 | 2% |
| Production – Project Manager | 8 | 2% |
| Production – Quality Assurance (QA) | 4 | 1% |
| Production – Team Management | 11 | 3% |
| Production – Technical Writing (Documentation, Manuals, etc) | 5 | 1% |
| Programming – A.I. (Artifical Intelligence) | 17 | 4% |
| Programming – Audio | 7 | 2% |
| Programming – Engine | 13 | 3% |
| Programming – Gameplay | 18 | 5% |
| Programming – Graphics | 11 | 3% |
| Programming – Physics | 14 | 4% |
| Programming – Tools / Toolsets | 12 | 3% |
| Programming – User Interface | 13 | 3% |
| Other | 2 | 1% |
What game genre(s)/focus are you interested in learning more about?
| AAA Titles | 9 | 7% |
| Academic / Research | 10 | 8% |
| Casual Games (Download) | 14 | 11% |
| Casual Games (Web-based) | 14 | 11% |
| Educational Games | 9 | 7% |
| Independent Games | 19 | 15% |
| iOS (iPod / iPhone / iPad) | 11 | 9% |
| Mobile | 14 | 11% |
| Serious Games | 12 | 10% |
| Social Games | 13 | 10% |
| Other | 1 | 1% |
Events/Meetings
What types of formats would you like to see in our monthly meetings?
| Speaker | 20 | 26% |
| Panel | 23 | 30% |
| Round Table | 12 | 16% |
| Workshop | 20 | 26% |
| Other | 2 | 3% |
From the formats chosen above, are there any specific topics/details you would like to see covered?
andy moore Victoria Games Art Jam (Creative Commons?) ^^ similarly accessable but “usable” work shop events –> emphasis on fun I think it’d be interesting to talk about gender representation in games, or about the critical analysis of games. I think we covered them pretty well during the meetup in which we discussed the survey. Playtest-o-rama ARCADE: just a giant recurring informal focus group. Everyone take turns playtesting each other’s games. – I am particularly interested in hearing local speakers talk about their game projects, whether they be one-person / small team projects or larger game studio projects. – Workshops for getting started with different game-making tools, such as Unity, etc., would be cool. I’m not sure if something like that would be feasible though since volunteers would likely be required to run the workshops + it would be hard to appeal everyone’s interests (art, programming, etc.)Anything revolving around Unity and iOS development Source Code Purchasing Yay/Nay. Thoughts on Video Game Cloning Revenue Sharing Agreements… Good Call? Raising funds, business startup issues, games marketing Current and future trends in gaming Review of local gaming industry team/company collaboration
What type(s) of social events would you like to see the group hold?
| Dinner at a Restaurant | 6 | 8% |
| Game Nights | 18 | 23% |
| Picnic | 2 | 3% |
| Pub Night | 17 | 21% |
| Socials with Other Groups/Chapters | 12 | 15% |
| Game Jams | 23 | 29% |
| Other | 2 | 3% |
Please tell us your preferred channel(s) to receive updates from the group.
| Facebook (www.facebook.com/groups/LevelUpVictoria/) | 17 | 26% |
| 3 | 5% | |
| Mailing List | 13 | 20% |
| Twitter (twitter.com/IGDAVictoria) | 9 | 14% |
| Website (www.igdavictoria.com) | 6 | 9% |
| Meetup.com (meetup.com/levelup/) | 17 | 26% |
| Google+ (www.google.com/+Igdavictoria) | 0 | 0% |
| Other | 0 | 0% |
Volunteering
Would you be willing to volunteer to help the group?
| Yes | 16 | 55% |
| No | 13 | 45% |
If you answered “Yes”, describe in what way you would be willing to help.
I am currently very limited as far as my availability goes, but I am a professional web developer, and would be willing to host and even work on a website for the group. I already volunteer to help organize the group 😉 Blog posts, meeting agendas, sitting at registration desk/convention booth and trying to look helpful I’ve been working in the industry for six years, and I came through a more academic route. I’m interested in all sorts of games from AAA to card games and in the critical analysis of games. I’d be more than willing to share my experiences. Alternatively, I’d also be willing to help out as a volunteer at the occasional event – assuming the timing works out for my home and work schedules. I’m willing to help with group events/game jams time permitting. I could man a booth, man the door, whatever is needed 🙂 But like I said, it would be time permitting…I’ve got quite a bit on my plate at the moment. Advanced warning would increase chances immensely. I don’t have any more time after of the time I already spend volunteering with the game indusry (our CEO dinners, serving on DigiBC Policy Group, etc). I could probably help with poster design – if needed. Or just general set up – take down at avents – time permitting. anything really Event setup/teardown, manning booths, etc. I’d be happy to continue helping out at game jams or representing IGDA at events. Absolutely any way I can. Not sure yet, as I’m new to the group. General IT skills, some programming; design for print & electronic formats, photoshop, sculpture in physical media; have run various small/medium events, workshops and projects and aspects of large festival events; volunteer training & coordination (but never above being a grunt myself). not sure don’t live in victoria, but I will do what I can I don’t have much actual game development experience. I do have a lot of development and organizational experience. I’m also willing to take on roles where you just need to have somebody there (“warm body”) such as technical support or registration. knowledge in design and educational titles
Would you be interested in running a group event?
| Yes | 5 | 17% |
| No | 24 | 83% |
If you answered “Yes” what kind of group event would you wish to organize?
A panel dealing with startup issues for game studios. um Possibly at a future date if I find myself getting involved in IGDA. Again, I’m new to the organization, so I don’t know yet. i would demo my ludology
Would you be interested in giving a presentation at one of our monthly meetings?
| Yes | 11 | 38% |
| No | 18 | 62% |
If you answered “Yes” what subject would you like to give a talk about?
Overview of 3D art to game pipeline on sample project. Educational design pitch docs and iteration design pre production on small titles the importance of qa customer and production management. (for comission titles) the importance of modular mechanic functionality on small titles i am not sure The business of video games. I recently finished my PhD studying computer poker and I could give a talk about state-of-the-art poker AI. I’m not sure if this fits the scope of the group, but I would be happy to fill a speaker slot if needed. I can talk about various aspects of design (I’ve done a lot of systems and open world mission design) and about prototyping and iteration. I could also give a talk about the history of games – an area that I have a growing interest in. Or a primer on the critical analysis/theory of games. Game Design Learning from Failure RPG in post secondary education UVic Computer Science Dept – connecting with students something, not sure what and not right away
Feedback
Do you have any additional comments or feedback you’d like to share with the chapter coordinators at this time?
I’ve been having a really fun time coming out to meetings and getting to know the other members of the indie community. Thank you so much for organizing this group! You are awesome. great job. great communication. great global game jam. focus on the fun and games and use creative solutions to make the IGDA feel like a big beautiful thing in Victoria BC. I previously provided feedback to Chris on the important strategic elements that I think IGDA in Victoria should consider. I can re-send if needed. You guys are awesome for making this such an active group! I appreciate what you guys do! I haven’t been able to make it to as many meetups lately, but hope to get out for the next one. Great work so far! Keep kicking ass!thanks for doing what you are doing. Great group Well organized/run Good job. The last talk was very good. I’m enjoying the monthly meetups and the other events that IGDA has organized recently. Thanks for putting them on! I’m attempting to clear up my Mondays, and I should be able to start attending the monthly meetings soon.
