Game designers and creative technologists working in the field of Virtual Reality will demo and talk about their work in a series of 5-15 minute mini-talks, exploring the range and creative possibility of VR as an interactive artform.

More info coming soon!

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Jung In Jung

Jung In Jung is an interdisciplinary artist and researcher. Her work focuses on the playful and intimate relationship with sound, movement, and interactive technology. She has presented her work at various international conferences and festivals. In 2019, she joined the research centre InGAME: Innovation for Games and Media Enterprise based in Dundee, Scotland as a research and development fellow. Her research interests lie in interactive engagement, experimentation with different senses, accessibility, diversity, and inclusivity. Currently, she is involved in several projects from InGAME such as developing and testing a new Text-to-Speech plugin for dyslexic players with Lowtek Games and running the Experimental Games Lab with the partner organisation Biome Collective as a Brain Trust.

Website: www.junginjung.com

Twitter: @junginjung_

Paul Blackham

I am a game artist and research assistant at InGAME. My skillset predominantly focuses on 3D modelling and texturing, but I also work in rapid prototyping of interactive media. I joined InGAME after completing a Professional Masters in Games Development at Abertay University. My experience in a variety of additional areas, such as shader programming and pipeline tool development allow me to work holistically on prototypes or assist in projects wherever needed.

Website: paulblackham.co.uk

Twitter: @mrPaulBalckham

Brian Allen

Independent Unreal Engine VR Game Developer, prior Producer/Product Manager at Studio Roqovan, Gameloft, Gamehouse Canada, and Spinmaster.

Originally from Toronto, Canada but moved to Edinburgh two years ago.

During his talk Brian will showcase virtual reality action RPG (role-playing game) combat & exploration.

Website: Steam

Twitter: @bearhammergames

Thomas Kildren

Hi. I’m Thomas. I’m a stay at home dad; and I’m making a VR game based on the drawings of my kid.

He’s on the autism spectrum and doesn’t talk much – but he really likes to draw. The game is a 3rd person platformer centered around exploration, helping others and solving problems. If the game takes off – I want to donate part of the proceeds to autism awareness and acceptance.

Thomas ‘Fletcher’ Kildren is a creative powerhouse from NYC, now living in the gritty Rust Belt. Trained as an illustrator, he made the jump to digital as a Photo Editor at the New York Post. He soon taught himself other disciplines like 3D modeling & animation. VR development has been his biggest achievement, as its the culmination of all his previous disciplines & his fervent hope is that ‘Booper, Get Home!’ will be the launch of his game dev career. He is currently juggling game dev while being a stay-at-home dad tending to a wife, 2 boys and a neurotic housecat.

Website: fletcherstudios.net

Twitter: @thomaskildren

Andy Antoniou

Andy designs games and immersive experiences with inclusivity at the forefront. He is also an award-winning generalist, creative consultant and director - working across several creative industries. Andy has most recently delivered for the likes of Sky, Nat Geo and Johnson & Johnson.

M is a VR “sitting-simulator” in which snippets of memories are discovered when light and shadows come to life. Orphaned shadows can be picked up and then become physical objects, which are used to alter a fragmented and abstract environment.

This mini-talk will explore some of the ways in which M’s demo was built with accessibility in mind, to make a better VR experience.

Website: FurryTailDragon.com

Twitter: FurryTailDragon

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Event Details

This event will be held live on Zoom.

Once you have registered for a ticket, you will receive an email with the link and details needed to join the session.

During the event, you will be able to see the speakers as well as an online audience, and you can keep your video on or off as you choose.

The event will be recorded and footage will be made available online through our website & social media channels for people to watch back afterwards.

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Donations

The festival is being run on a donations-based model. We want it to be free & accessible for anyone to attend, but we also want to pay our speakers and performers fairly. If you are able to make a donation this would be a big help.

You can donate while booking through eventbrite here, or you can donate through paypal if you'd prefer.

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Tinderbox PlayAway Games Festival

Two-week festival featuring over 30 game designers, artists, composers, educators and others involved in games. Join us for panel discussions, workshops, demos, music performances, digital play sessions, game jams and more!

More info at tinderboxcollective.org/playaway