Adventures in 2016

I’ve alluded here and there about my leaving LA soon for new adventures, but now let’s make this official!

In 2016 I will be be Harrisburg University’s Game Designer in Residence:

http://harrisburgu.edu/harrisburg-university-announces-new-game-designer-in-residence-for-2016/

For a summary of a program, this is similar to an artist-in-residence program, only for a game designer. I’ll be working on my own game projects while also advising HU students on their projects, teaching game design segments, guest lecturing, and play a part in the education of da yoots by acting as a bridge to the professional world in as many aspects of the game development community as I can get ahold of.

It should be a fantastic adventure!

It also means that I will be scurrying away from SoCal to Pennsylvania in a matter of weeks. Here’s some answers to questions:

Will you still be working on Hyperlight Drifter?

Yes! I have been contracting on Hyperlight since April or so, and will still be able to help on design needs as the team prepares for launch. It’ll just be on a remote basis.

Will you still do your development and design streams for your Patreon?

My hope and intention is yes, as I’ve gotten so much out of doing the streams (and lots of positive response from others) and definitely want to continue them. However, much of this will depend on how health things pan out in the new year, because I definitely have to prioritize health. I’ll have a better sense of if I can make it work later in January, is my guess.

What projects will you be working on during your residency?

I’m still plotting and planning this out, but I would like to do some experiments to explore craft mastery in game design. I also expect to be pushing students into trying some fun, experimental stuff. Stay tuned!

Can I be a guest speaker for your students?

Glad you asked, disembodied voice. If you’re a developer friend of mine, and enjoy casually educating students, expect me to come poking you to be a Skype guest. Indies and AAA and everyone in between, I want a broad reach!

Will you still be going to any events next year?

Yes! Though my exact schedule is uncertain. I definitely will be at GDC. I hope to try and hit either PRACTICE or Project Horseshoe, and want to do at least one event outside of the US. I’ll be at Dreamhack Austin in April (that one is for funsies, though), and want to try and get to Fantastic Arcade. As for the PAXes, the E3s, Indiecades, A MAZEs, and the like, that all remains to be seen.

I want to contract you to do design work on my game, would you still be able to do that during the residency?

Yes, though it all depends on scheduling and time investment and all that stuff as far as what I can actually commit to. For people who have already asked me about this for next year, you are in my pipeline and I’ll get back to you soon. For other folks, shoot me an email if you’re interested – wertle@wertle.com

Will you still be able to be a guest speaker for events? Will you guest speak at my event?

Possibly! Again it all depends on scheduling and whatnot, but please reach out and ask all the same – wertle@wertle.com

What about 2017?

WHO KNOWS!

What if I have a question you didn’t answer?

Please feel free to ask it here: http://ask.fm/Wertle