Written by Maru, Social Media & Community Manager at Andromeda Entertainment, currently focusing on Audio Trip ✨
Hello, dear readers, it's Maru! While you're accustomed to musings from our COO Ashley, this time, the reins have been passed to me, and what an honour it is! Andromeda Entertainment and Audio Trip graciously sent me to Devcom and Gamescom 2023, and it was a ride too incredible not to document. Overwhelmed by the innovations I witnessed and the people I met, I couldn't help but capture every sparkling moment. I'm humbled and excited to share this extraordinary journey with you. So grab your favourite snack, make yourself comfortable, and let's re-live a week of gaming wonder together! 🎮✨
Before we dive in, make sure to check out our summary video!
Day One: Connections, Innovations, and Music to Make You Move 🌠
Stepping into the bustling halls of Koelnmesse GmbH for the first day of devcom sent a surge of inspiration through me—the kind that comes from being immersed in a hive of creativity and ingenuity. Among the many faces, I finally met Ashley "ashleyriott" Blake, Andromeda's COO. We've collaborated and celebrated for months while separated by screens, and finally seeing her in person added a rich texture to our professional relationship. Right by her side was Chantal Ryan, Ashley's lifelong friend and the visionary behind Women Leaders in Games.
Ashley's presentation, "Harnessing the Power of Feedback," felt less like a lecture and more like a compelling conversation. She delved into real-world examples, including how our very own Audio Trip genuinely transformed thanks to player feedback. The takeaway? Listening to your community isn't just courteous—it's crucial for growth. As for parsing through all those comments and critiques, Ashley introduced us to "Essense," a nifty AI tool that simplifies the whole process.
Amidst familiar faces like Eric Masher from Q2C VR Gamer, Skeeva from Between Realities, and Almir from Sinn Studio, I made my way to the House Flipper's Marketing Post Mortem. It is a potent reminder of how the simplest oversights, like not organizing a Google Drive, can come back to haunt you. 👻
Here, at last, I got to meet the incredible minds behind Audio Trip and the founders of Kinemotik Studios: Ashley Cooper and Brady Wright. Their enthusiasm was palpable, a vivid force that drew me into conversations about everything from the intricacies of music to the adventures of travel and the endless possibilities of VR. Meeting them felt like meeting heroes; they're the creators of the game that has reshaped my daily workout, my way to unwind, and even the way I experience music. For over a year, I've been a part of their vibrant community, both as a fan and as a collaborator, and I can't express how exhilarating it was to meet them face-to-face. Their vision has impacted my life in more ways than I can count, and I couldn't be more thrilled to continue this journey with them.
Day 2: Unpacking the Challenge of Online Toxicity 🛡️
The second day of devcom plunged us into a topic that's often sidelined but critically important: online toxicity in gaming. Ashley led the conversation, moderating a panel aptly titled "Tackling Online Toxicity: Best Practices for Protecting Your Players (and IP!)" The panellists, including Mike Pappas, the CEO and Co-Founder of Modulate; Kaila Jarvis from Xbox Commercial Services; Dennis "Thresh" Fong, CEO of GGWP, Inc.; and Ouassima Belmoussi, Project Officer at Helpwanted, didn't just skim the surface. They delved deep into the mechanics of identifying and mitigating online harassment, offering tangible tools and tactics for navigating this complex landscape. It was an eye-opening conversation that left everyone with actionable strategies for making the gaming space more inclusive and safe.
Marie Havemann's session on "Music & Sound for Games" was an auditory delight, especially for a musician like me. The nuances of integrating music into games, the choices and the emotional quotient – it was a profound learning experience.
The FLINTA meetup later in the day was nothing short of inspirational. At the mental health roundtable hosted by Karla Reyes, we delved deep into the significance of mental health in the workplace. The afternoon's FLINTA meetup was a testament to the industry's evolving consciousness. Further, the "Creating Safer Spaces" panel, featuring Ashley "ashleyriott" Blake (Andromeda, COO), Noel Krohn (CEO, International Games Jobs), Jamie Elms (Content Producer, Bytro), and Rami Ismail with host Marie Mejerwall (Consultant Game Director), gave voice to minorities and allies alike, fostering a culture of inclusivity.
The day concluded at Bootshaus, where the electrifying atmosphere reflected the dynamism of the gaming community. Every beat that dropped, every pixel that lit up the room, symbolized the conversations, innovations, and friendships that made the day so meaningful. We played a fun musical game, tried out Gravity League VR from Blue Duck Studios, and met Evan Jones, fellow VR Awards Finalist, Creative Director and Producer for Stitch Media. Caught between the rhythm and the digital world, it all came together into a vivid tapestry of this special industry.
Day Three: A Dive into Digital Delights ☄️
The inaugural day of gamescom was a whirlwind. Setting out with my new friend Raphael, a Product Marketer at Didimo, we ventured into the world of indie games, testing our skills and admiring the craft of the developers. Our cameras captured the visual feast of the event, from intricate game setups to the talented cosplayers bringing their favourite characters to life.
As I engaged with VR exhibitors such as Octo Raid VR and Hubris, I uncovered some exceptional titles that I can't wait to experience in full when they launch. They showcased the evolving realm of virtual reality, pushing boundaries and blending the lines between reality and the digital world.
A chance meeting with Matthew Dai, the development director at Adia, and George Ahere, CEO of Weza Interactive, offered fresh insights into the gaming industry. These conversations are what make gamescom special: a melting pot of ideas, experiences, and shared passions.
The day wasn't all business, though. Ashley and I rendezvoused and made our way to the Keywords party, where the beats of Karla's DJ set pulsated through the air, setting the tone for a night of fun, networking, and maybe a dance move or two.
Day Four: Marvels, Merch, and Memorable Moments
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Navigating day two of gamescom with Ashley and Christopher, our path led us to the Marvel Snap! booth, Hoyoverse events, and a glimpse of Path of Exile 2.
At the VAL lunch, we interacted with VR content creators and developers such as Cas and Chary, Cubism and Laser Dance developer Thomas Van Bouwel, and Richard and Toni Eastes, founders of Toast Interactive, the studio behind Richie's Plank Experience and Max Mustard. Accompanied by a delicious menu and wonderful people, the conversation kept flowing. We talked about the things that inspired the development of the VR games mentioned, what kept us excited for the future of VR, how younger generations are interacting with Virtual Reality, plans for the future, and, of course, making plans with everyone that is going to be at the next gaming event, VR folks stay united!
Just before I made my way to the next event, I was blessed with the wonderful presence of an Audio Trip community member who let me know they were going to be at gamescom through our discord community. It warmed my heart to meet one of the Trippers in person and be able to give them some merch and talk about what we love about Audio Trip and what we wish to see in the game, both as community manager and as a Tripper myself.
As night approached, the nDreams XR party provided the perfect end, buzzing with energy and filled with new and familiar faces. Upon arrival, I made my way to Cooper and Brady, who told me all about this amazing party they had attended the day before; we shared our experiences from the previous day as we caught up in conversation! I then met Manex Darceles, Co-Founder and CEO of Miru Studio, as we engaged in a conversation spoken in half Spanish and half Portuguese; we shared our origins and our current work. The cultural exchange did not end there! I later joined Cooper, Brady, Ashley, and Christopher as we talked about VR and new opportunities, followed by an encounter with Yoshihiro Hori, CEO of Astoness, who was joined by his younger brother, also working with him, Hironobu Hori; they showed us the game they are working on and explained their VR rental service in Japan, this was a lovely and friendly exchange as I practised my Japanese and as we all bonded over games we liked to play.
Day Five:
VR Ventures and Victorious Goodbyes ✨
My time at Gamescom with Katie from Mighty Coconut, the studio behind Walkabout Mini Golf VR, involved walking the event floors, engaging in impromptu gaming sessions, and making new connections. The day's highlight was the Walkabout meetup and tournament, organized by Katie, Stocki VR, and Die ZockStube VR.
The event was a delightful amalgamation of gaming, competition, and camaraderie. Surrounded by VR enthusiasts and community members, the day was filled with soft drinks, lattes, and a competition for Walkabout Mini Golf merch. And then there was the silent witness and stoic Mighty Coconut brand representative donated by a community member who attended.
My journey at devcom and gamescom 2023 has been nothing short of incredible. From the moment I stepped into the bustling halls of devcom, where I met the minds behind Audio Trip and was inspired by Ashley's session on harnessing the power of feedback, to the electrifying atmosphere of Bootshaus and the dazzling array of indie games at on the gamescom floor, this experience has left an indelible mark on my heart and mind.
I had the privilege of engaging with industry leaders, attending thought-provoking panels on topics like online toxicity and mental health, and forging connections that transcend geographical boundaries. Reflecting on these cherished moments and the wonderful people I've met, I am filled with gratitude. This journey has not only deepened my passion for gaming but has also reinforced the importance of listening to our community and fostering a culture of inclusivity and safety.
As I unpack my bags back home, it's not just swag and souvenirs I'm pulling out, but tangible memories that made this experience unforgettable. My heart is as full as my SD card, filled with snapshots of inspiring panels, groundbreaking games, and the beautiful minds that created them.
So, till next year's electrifying chapter, keep playing, keep questioning, and most importantly—keep dreaming. Want to continue the conversation? Join us on our social media platforms and stay tuned for upcoming projects you won't want to miss. Your next adventure is just a click away.
Synced with the Stars of Andromeda,
.maru. 🎶✨
Links mentioned in this blog
(n.d.). Koelnmesse: https://www.koelnmesse.de/
(n.d.). Andromeda Entertainment: http://enterandromeda.com
(n.d.). Audio Trip on Oculus Store: https://www.oculus.com/experiences/quest/2484044451715693/?utm_source=www.google.com&utm_medium=oculusredirect&store=quest&item_id=2484044451715693
(n.d.). Essence AI: http://essence.io
(n.d.). Q2C VR Gamer: https://q2cvrgamer.com/
(n.d.). Between Realities: https://www.youtube.com/BetweenRealities
(n.d.). Sinn Studio: https://sinnstudio.com/
(n.d.). House Flipper on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/613100/House_Flipper/
(n.d.). Code Coven: https://www.codecoven.co/
(n.d.). Niantic Labs: https://nianticlabs.com/?hl=en
(n.d.). Kinemotik Studios: http://www.kinemotik.com/
(n.d.). Modulate: https://www.modulate.ai/
(n.d.). Xbox: https://www.xbox.com/en-US/
(n.d.). GGWP: https://www.ggwp.com/
(n.d.). HelpWanted: https://jaarverslag2021.eokm.nl/indexEOKM-EN.html
(n.d.). Marie Havemann: https://www.viciousonic.com/
(n.d.). Bytro: https://bytro.com/
(n.d.). Bootshaus: https://bootshaus.tv/
(n.d.). Blue Duck Studios: https://www.blue-duck-studios.com/
(n.d.). Bootshaus: https://bootshaus.tv/
(n.d.). Stitch Media: https://www.stitch.media/
(n.d.). Didimo: https://www.didimo.co/
(n.d.). Octo Raid VR: https://teamblens-octoraid.oopy.io/
(n.d.). Hubris VR: https://hubrisvr.com/
(n.d.). Adia: https://www.adiadigital.com/
(n.d.). Weza Interactive: https://www.weza.africa/
(n.d.). Keywords: https://www.keywordsstudios.com/
(n.d.). Cas and Chary VR: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN0FGqUt7e79xKoPAZQ8tww
(n.d.). Cubism VR on Oculus Store: https://www.oculus.com/experiences/quest/2264524423619421/?utm_source=www.google.com&utm_medium=oculusredirect&store=quest&item_id=2264524423619421
(n.d.). Laser Dance VR on Oculus Store: https://twitter.com/LaserDanceGame
(n.d.). Toast Interactive: https://toastinteractive.com/
(n.d.). Richie's Plank Experience on Oculus Store: https://www.oculus.com/experiences/quest/1642239225880682/?utm_source=www.google.com&utm_medium=oculusredirect&store=quest&item_id=1642239225880682&r=1
(n.d.). Max Mustard: https://toastinteractive.com/maxmustard/
(n.d.). Audio Trip Discord Community: https://discord.gg/GwWHH2n
(n.d.). nDreams: https://ndreams.com/
(n.d.). Mighty Coconut: https://www.mightycoconut.com/
(n.d.). Walkabout Mini Golf VR on Oculus Store: https://www.oculus.com/experiences/quest/2462678267173943/?utm_source=www.google.com&utm_medium=oculusredirect&store=quest&item_id=2462678267173943
(n.d.).Stocki VR: https://www.youtube.com/c/StockiVR
(n.d.). Die ZockStube VR: https://www.youtube.com/@DieZockStube