Game Development: From beginner to journeyman

Yesterday, IGDA Montreal Chapter was throwing a member-only party .. “Just Because”

Just because it’ll be fun. Just because Montreal game developers kick butt. Just because we all deserve it. Just because we thought it would be a cool idea!

Before going to the party I was worrying about the fact that I didn’t knew anybody, that I wasn’t currently working in the industry and that I’m usually not to type to approach people I don’t know. I even considered not going, but since I had volunteer to help, I couldn’t do a Sir Robin and run away.

It was my second time attending an IGDA Montreal event and my first time as an IGDA Member and as an on-site volunteer. And boy was it fun!

Basically, we (the volunteers) were at the door greeting people and verifying if they were on the RSVP or on the members list and giving them free beer coupons. It was a nice first contact with people as Guillame and Nicolas (the other 2 volunteer) were introducing me to some people. After the price raffle, we closed the front desk and went to party.

I had to summon a lot of courage to initiate the conversation with strangers. But since people were so kind and I guess beer help, it became really easy to go from group to group, meeting new people, talking about life, a little bit about work, etc. I even spent some time drunk-philosophising with a guy about balance in life. Everybody I met was really welcoming, intelligent and easy going.

It was a really nice party and also a really nice experience for me. I’m really looking for the next event in February. The hard part is going to remember the name of everybody I met.