Crafting & Jamming (ft. Vanessa Capito)

Aug 6

The Episode

Vanessa Capito's first interaction with video games was in kindergarten when her friend introduced her to Pokemon. She became obsessed with video games and received a Game Boy Color and N64 as gifts. Her passion for video games grew when she played Mass Effect and realized that writing for games was a career option. Vanessa started the McEwen Game Developers Club to create a welcoming and inclusive space for students interested in game development. She also learned about the game development industry through online resources, blogs, and Twitter. Vanessa's involvement in the club and her dedication to learning led to an internship opportunity. Vanessa discusses her experience with field placements and internships during her communications degree. She shares how she went above and beyond to secure opportunities in the gaming industry and build a strong portfolio for production. Vanessa talks about her role as a producer and the importance of problem-solving and communication in game development. She also reflects on her journey at different game studios and the challenges and rewards of working remotely. Finally, she discusses her current role at Inflection Games and her passion for storytelling and supporting the narrative team. The conversation covers the importance of proactive processes, the value of community and game jams, and the joy of creative collaboration. Vanessa emphasizes the need to establish effective processes and systems before things get busy, in order to avoid reactive problem-solving. She shares her experience of building a supportive community and the positive impact it has on the creative process. Vanessa also discusses the upcoming Alberta Game Jam and highlights the opportunities it provides for learning and networking. The conversation concludes with a reminder to reach out and connect with others in the game development community.

Takeaways

The first interaction with video games can have a significant impact on a person's passion for the industry.
Creating a welcoming and inclusive space for students interested in game development can lead to valuable connections and opportunities.
Online resources, blogs, and social media platforms like Twitter can provide valuable information and insights into the game development industry.
Internships can be a valuable stepping stone into the game development industry. Field placements and internships are valuable opportunities to gain experience and build a portfolio in the gaming industry.
Producers play a crucial role in problem-solving and facilitating communication in game development.
Working remotely presents challenges but can also foster strong teamwork and camaraderie.
Supporting the narrative team and contributing to storytelling in games can be fulfilling for a producer.
Producers need to be proactive and build processes to empower the team and ensure smooth project management. Establish proactive processes and systems before things get busy to avoid reactive problem-solving.
Building a supportive community is essential for the creative process.
Game jams are a great way to learn, collaborate, and connect with others in the game development community.
The Alberta Game Jam provides opportunities for learning, networking, and creative exploration.
Reach out and connect with others in the game development community to share knowledge and experiences.