A MAZE. / Berlin 2018

Online registration is *not* required to attend this workshop. Spots will be assigned on a first-come first-served basis, so make sure to be at the workshop location at least 20 minutes before the starting time.

Some workshops have special requirements: make sure to read the description and bring what’s needed.

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It comes as no surprise that computer games draw from research in many fields, with all the fancy math, algorithms, and simulations running behind the curtains. But what about the other way? Can games return the favor and push science forward? Well, of course they can. There are in fact multiple ways how that happens. In this workshop we are going to quickly run through some of the examples of games that help science and then try to brainstorm our own designs for games that could help this cause.

Intended audience: Everybody interested in science and games. Those with background in serious games are probably not going to learn much new, but are welcome to come and share their insights.

Requirements: No computer work will be involved in this workshop. Interest in games, science, and talking to other people is recommended :)

Tools participants should bring: Nothing.

Online registration is *not* required to attend this workshop. Spots will be assigned on a first-come first-served basis, so make sure to be at the workshop location at least 20 minutes before the starting time.

Some workshops have special requirements: make sure to read the description and bring what’s needed.

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Imagine you're taking part in a game jam. You want your game to have sounds, but the time is limited, you have plenty of other things to do, and the player probably won't notice. And you are wrong ! You don't need that much time to make a soundtrack and a couple of sound effects, and even if, after the brainstorming, you have no idea about what your game will feel like, it's something you can do at the beginning of the process. And there's a great possibility this will improve the player experience.

During this workshop, I'll give you some advises about what to do or no do when you're making music for a game jam game, and also some clue to make sound effects. After that you'll have some time to make a quick soundtrack for an imaginary game, and I will help you making it.

Intended audience: Anybody who already have some basics about making music and are willing to make soundtracks for games.

Requirements: You already know some of the basics of making music, and you want to know how you can apply these basics in soundtracks and sound effects. It doesn't matter if you have never made a finished track, what matters is that you know how to write little melodies with your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), tracker or whatever you are familiar to.

Tools participants should bring:
• A computer with your favorite DAW or tracker, or anything you can use to make and record music (i.e.: game boy, OP-1, anything)
• Headphones ! (your classmates will thank you)

Online registration is *not* required to attend this workshop. Spots will be assigned on a first-come first-served basis, so make sure to be at the workshop location at least 20 minutes before the starting time.

Some workshops have special requirements: make sure to read the description and bring what’s needed.

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This is a hands-on workshop where participants will make a little creature out of wire and modeling clay, like what might be in one of my games. During the making process participants will allow time to observe and acknowledge their thoughts. I'll go into some of the techniques I like and some of the thought processes that inform my work which I think might be of value for the participant's own practice.

Intended audience: Creatives, not suitable for children.

Requirements: Not minding getting a little messy.

Tools participants should bring: Nothing.

Online registration is *not* required to attend this workshop. Spots will be assigned on a first-come first-served basis, so make sure to be at the workshop location at least 20 minutes before the starting time.

Some workshops have special requirements: make sure to read the description and bring what’s needed.

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From very early on in my career as a writer/narrative designer I was introduced to the importance of building tools for thinking with. The difference between an amateur and professional as far as I can see is: deadlines, and developing strategies for working to them. This workshop is an introduction to two key tools I have developed for beginning thinking.You have an idea, an image, a feeling you want to express through a game - how do you start to think about what that looks like?You want to design puzzles which express your character progression, story, and narrative universe - how do you begin?If you come along to my workshop, I’ll take you through these two strategies for thinking, and also encourage you to think more about the role tools for beginning can play in your own practice..

Intended audience: Have you ever stared at a blank page for way too long? Have you ever put off starting a thing because the idea of having to start is the worst thing? Part of the practice of any design or art form is developing a set of tools which help you navigate your creative practice: How to Begin will take you through 2 of the tools for thinking that Hannah has developed in narrative and game design to begin design thinking.

Requirements: Accessible for everyone interested in experimental and contemporary narrative and game design practices, no previous experience necessary.

Tools participants should bring: Pen & paper.