We are GDS - Leeds Beckett's very own Games Development Society!
Are you an artist, programmer, musician, writer, engineer, designer, actor, or do you have any other creative interest? You could get involved in making games!
Come along to our socials to meet like-minded creatives, take part in our game jams to learn new skills, join our vibrant Discord community, and listen to talks from professional game devs as part of our "Student to Professional" series!
Why would I want to join a games development society?
- Meet like-minded creatives, to work on games together - perhaps the right person to make your dream project a reality!
- Unwind with regular socials, nerding out about your favourite games, developers and engine plugins over a drink!
- Gain valuable industry-relevant experience through game jams and mentorship, working in teams or on your own to make great games and potentially win prizes!
- Build your network in a group made up of programmers, designers, artists, writers, musicians, sound designers, solo developers and so much more!
- Learn more about games development, through contact with real, serious industry professionals with the insights that might just give you the edge you need.
I don't know how to make games. Can I still join?
GDS is open to everyone with an interest in game development! If you want to find out how your favourite games are made and try learning the skills to make your own, this is the perfect place to start.
What does game development involve?
Making games is exactly what you make of it. Games development can involve anything that you can think of, from sculpting 3d characters to designing their clothes, building the environment around them and writing the stories that define them. All of this can be the job of just one person or a team of hundreds. The games industry is one of the most diverse groups of people you can find and everyone from any background or skillset is welcome and encouraged to join.
Are you an artist, composer, or sound designer looking to get into games? Great! You will be in high demand for all those game developers who will need your skills to make their games look, feel, and sound amazing.
Are you a software programmer with no knowledge of game engines? No problem! There are tons of great resources on starting to use game engines now, and you will gain a ton of great transferrable skills through working in game jams, such as using source control, communicating as part of a team to deliver a project, and so much more.
At GDS, we aim to help welcome people into the medium whether you are a hobbyist or aiming to find your career in the games industry.
We are here to offer advice, resources, and community to anyone who is curious about what games development has to offer, often hosting our own events and promoting other local events where you can meet new friends and grow your creative network.
Talks from Professional Game Devs?
These sessions are focussed on a particular specialism and aimed to give you specific insights into the many different areas of the games industry. Previous guests have included Nick Mitchell (3D Environment Artist who worked on LEGO: Party), Joe Savage (Double Eleven), Joe Wilson (Sound Designer at Sweet Justice) and we have many more to come.
And the best part about all of this? Joining GDS is completely FREE! Donations are always an option for members who want to help us do what we do, but everything you get as a member is available without paying a penny. And make sure to join our Discord commuinty by clicking here - https://discord.gg/FYYHhEanXh
So what are you waiting for?
Meet other game developers.
Hear from industry professionals.
Build your skillset.
Gain real experience.
Let's make some games.