So, what exactly happened during our first incubator meeting?

From 7pm to 10pm, in the Metanet Software office, fuelled by plenty of snacks and beer, Zoe, Sagan Beth, Cecily, Una, Mare, Jim and Stephanie first got to know each other a bit better. we discovered that we’re a talented group of freelance artists, illustrators, graphic designers, animators and even a game studies scholar and a social media coordinator with a programming background. Within the first 30 minutes we’re already talking about collaborating to create our own awesome game after DEI

Because this particular DEI incubator is focused on women, Stephanie (the ‘embedded academic’) explained her interests in examining (as well as participating in) this project to research how we might get more women working in the games industry. Everyone agreed that something needs to be done about the gender disparity in the field and agreed to support the research – then they received their special gift: limited edition PacMan moleskine journals to write down their ideas for their games and anything else they want to share with the researchers. w00t!

It’s clear from the conversations that ensue that we’re all into games and know a lot about games culture. When we present our game ideas, there is really great, constructive feedback and loads of ideas on how to make these visions happen. From side-scrolling platformers about Icarus the slacker to top-view puzzle/mazes where you help a Victorian-era woman escape her house, there was a good mix and range of ideas – and loads of creativity!! I’m so happy to be working with such a great group of people.

After an hour or so of brain picking, we amused ourselves with Metanet’s own game “N” and got a crash-course on level editing and design from Mare. Our first assignment is to create our own levels using the editor (and I’m not going to lie, i’m pretty excited to make one!). Jim then got us all excited about the next couple of weeks, especially when it came to bringing in successful women to talk about their experiences in the industry.

Next week we’re meeting at the TIFF Bell Lightbox (ooooh, fancy!)