We are GDS - Leeds Beckett's very own, unique Games Development Society!
We do regular game jams, socials to meet like-minded creatives, we have a vibrant Discord server exclusive to members, and we also occassionally host events talking to professional game devs as part of our "Student to Professional" series of talks!
Talks from Professional Game Devs? As in people working full-time, professionally in the games industry?
Yes! Previous guests have included Nick Mitchell, 3D Environmental Artist who worked on LEGO: Party, an upcoming major release; Joe Savage, from Double Eleven; Joe Wilson, Sound Designer at Sweet Justice Sounds, a leading BAFTA Award-winning AAA game audio company, and we have only just begun.
Why would I want to join a games development society?
There's so much on offer from joining GDS:
- 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, 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 program, or use a game engine. I just think it's all quite cool. Can I still join?
GDS is open to absolutely everyone with an interest in game development! And even for someone who has never used an engine before, games development is a highly rewarding skill.
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 TALENT 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.
Are you someone with absolutely no skills, experience or knowledge about game dev? We're here for you. The best way to learn game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine is through a combination of some of the free, high-quality tutorial series available on YouTube, and a chance to use those skills in any of the many game jams we hope to do this year!
And the best part about all of this? Joining GDS is absolutely, positively, completely and wonderfully 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.
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.
Join GDS - Leeds Beckett's very own GAMES DEVELOPMENT SOCIETY!