Today my son and I had the pleasure of attending “IndieCade 2012” in Downtown Culver City. IndieCade is an opportunity to sample the new releases from independent video game makers from around the world. This is our third year attending IndieCade.
My son and I look forward to IndieCade each year because it is such a fun opportunity to spend time together. Though I rarely indulge these days, I grew up playing video games. My son is in the prime of his young gaming life.
When I attended my first IndieCade I was overwhelmed by all of the people, the booths, the computers, and the video game consuls that fill the shops and plazas of downtown Culver City. Since then, I have developed some simple strategies for attending and enjoying IndieCade.
One strategy is to thoughtfully choose our first destination. We began our day at the fire station. The fire station is big and everything is free. Each year I have found at least three video games that my son and I could enjoy together.
This year those games included: Super Space, Open Source (a modern, innovative twist on the old classic Pong), and Hidden in Plain Sight. Each of the games allows two to four players to enjoy simultaneous play. I felt an instant connection with the adults and children that I played alongside.
Within minutes we were laughing together and sharing strategies. That is one of my favorite parts of IndieCade. Some other great games that my son enjoyed are Guacamelee! and Wooden Sen’Sey.
My second strategy for enjoying IndieCade is to prepare myself for the experience in advance. This morning I sat and reflected on what I enjoy about the IndieCade experience, as well as what I have not enjoyed in the past.
Before walking into the event, I took a few moments to center myself and let go of all other thoughts. I made it clear to myself that my intention for going to IndieCade is to have fun and spend time with my son. This prepared me to jump right in and play.
There are many interactive games available for play. I once felt timid and a bit scared of getting in on the action. This time I came to play, and it paid off. I had a great time and avoided much of the stress that I experienced in past years.
The games are set up to be played and the game makers love the feedback. They take that information back to the lab and fine tune their games to better serve the user. Where else can you be of service to others by playing free video games?
My third strategy is to let go of all my judgments about video games and the people that play them. There are great people with great stories to tell in the world of video games.
By going in with an open mind I had the privilege of talking to some fine young designers who are investing their creative energy into making these games for others to enjoy.
The best part about taking this approach to IndieCade, is that I create the space for more common ground between my son and I. I know that there are varied philosophies regarding the effects of video games on children.
I go by the belief that if my son is enthusiastic about something, then I want to support him in a healthy way, and use that area of interest as a platform for getting to know him better.
Today I was able to spend meaningful time with him, and discuss life and how it works through the lens of his interests (in this case, video games). I am also better able to influence his choices regarding the games he plays because I am informed about the subject. I can speak from a place of personal experience.
So, mark your calendars for next year’s IndieCade. I guarantee you will find something that will awaken your enthusiasm. You can find out more about the annual event at www.IndieCade.com.