Global Game Jam – Fade.

From January 23rd-25th 2015 I took part in the Global Game Jam. Having never made a game before I was a bit nervous about taking part and wondered what skills I could contribute. With the theme “What do we do now?” I worked with teammates Oliver Clews, Rowan Piancastelli, Liam Biddle, Jonny Graney and Jake O’Connor to create Fade.

Fade. is a game aiming to represent the progression of an sufferer of Alzheimer’s disease. In order to emulate this progression, the main mechanic of the game revolves around beginning to forget things. An example of this is losing the ability to unlock doors, as your character starts forgetting to carry his keys with him. The decline in mental health can also be seen in the visual and sound design, with levels becoming more visually vague and unclear, as well as musical motifs recurring in a much more distorted manner.

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I contributed some of the game’s backgrounds, which can be viewed in full on Flickr.

The game went on to win the Birmingham part of the Global Game Jam, which was a great surprise to me! You can download the game (for Windows only) or play it in your browser (requires Unity).

Ways of Something screening and Q&A – 12th March

After having its UK debut at The Photographer’s Gallery in early February, Ways of Something episodes 1-3 will be having their West Midlands premier at Vivid Projects on 12th March.

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Ways of Something is a contemporary remake of John Berger’s classic BBC documentary, ‘Ways of Seeing’ (1972).

The project consists of one-minute videos by 85 web-based artists who commonly work with 3D rendering, GIFs, film remixes, webcam performances, and websites. The original audio track is retained, disrupted by an exuberant series of 60-second artworks contributed by artists working across the world.

Join us on Thursday 12 March for the Birmingham premiere of episodes 1 & 2 (2014) and the recently completed episode 3 (2015).

The screening will be followed by a discussion with artist Lorna Mills (via Skype), Dr Richard Clay, Senior Lecturer in History of Art at University of Birmingham and contributing artist Antonio Roberts (UK).

‘Ways of Something’ marks the official launch of Vivid Projects’ new programme RADICAL NETWORKS. All are welcome to join us after the discussion for drinks to celebrate the start of our 2015 programme.

This is a free event, but booking is strongly recommended to reserve your place.

It’s free y’all!

Creative Code #1: Pure Data Patching Circle

On various dates in March and April 2015 I’ll be running a Pure Data Patch Circle as part of Birmingham Open Media’s Creative Code series.

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A new ‘Patching Circle’ on creative code designed and run by artists, for artists. A Patching Circle is an informal gathering of anyone who is interested in patching languages such as Pure Data, Max/MSP, vvvv, and Quartz Composer.

As well as covering the basics of Pure Data, we’ll also offer peer-to-peer support for more experienced users and help with specific projects.

Artist Antonio Roberts leads the Creative Code #1 series on Pure Data. Absolute beginners and experienced patchers are welcome. The event is free and open to everyone – work on personal or professional projects, school work, or just patch quietly to yourself in a room full of other people patching patches and helping other people patch.

The patching circle is free and runs from 18:00-21:00 on the following dates:

There might also be pizza!