Public Speaking

The Impossible Quest: Getting a Job in Games

Recorded talk at GDC 2021

DATE: July 21st, 2021

CO-PANELISTS: Ramon Huiskamp, Adinda van Oosten, Klaus Scherwinski, Mascha Camino, Roni Yosko and Diana Boden

Breaking into the games industry feels impossible at times: Which role will unleash your maximum potential? Which item in your portfolio is a dealmaker, and how do you get a company's full attention? This microtalk will analyze the obstacles of the hiring process, give insight into how companies think, and provide firsthand accounts from developers who have persevered. Speakers will share their journeys from novice to professional, revealing their application strategies and how they transformed rejections into opportunities! During the talk, speakers will be available to answer questions live in the chat. This talk is for aspiring game developers or individuals eager to transition into the industry from another profession.

One Simple Trick To Enter The Games Industry! (... doesn't exist. We'll give you some advice instead!)

Panel at Game Developer Session, 2020

DATE: November 28th, 2020

CO-PANELISTS: Mascha Camino, Ramon Huiskamp, Adinda Van Oosten, Diana Boden, Roni Yosko and Klaus Scherwinski

Getting a Master’s Degree & Thesis Defense

Two remote lectures at Breda University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands

DATES: September 29th, 2020 and June 21st, 2021

The Value of Empathy Bias

Recorded talk at Digital Devcom 2020

DATE: August 27th, 2020

Making it easier for players to form emotional connections with NPCs, both positive and negative, helps player retention. This talk explores how we can use psychology to strengthen players’ emotional bonds with NPCs in a singleplayer, team-based setting, including practical tips at the end. Through using intergroup empathy bias in NPC design, we could give players a more fulfilling experience and keep them around for longer.

Alumni Talk : NPCs and Empathy

Remote lecture at Mediadesign University of Applied Sciences, Düsseldorf, Germany

DATE: June 9th, 2020

How to create a basis for stronger relationships between players and NPCs - and why that’s important. With practical tipps for NPC-implementation, to achieve the strongest effect possible.