Warp Zone Video Game Art Show 2015 Trailer

Anne's Game Shop @ Warp Zone Video Game Art Show 2015

The Warp Zone Video Game Art Show wouldn't be complete without Anne Bras' annual game shop, which will feature a pay-what-you-want section for the first time this year!

(Photo taken from https://xhelentx.files.wordpress.com, who wrote a lovely article about our first year's show.)

Eeveeloution Art at the Warp Zone Art Show 2015

Denise Blaauwkamer's charming series of Eeveeloutions will be on display and for sale during the this year's Warp Zone Video Game Art Show!

http://blazingrabbitarts.tumblr.com/post/126493181747/finally-finished-the-last-eeveelution-sylveon#notes

Games by Tijmen Tio at Warp Zone Art Show 2015

Want more games? How about 5! Rudolph, Wing || Chun, Hide 'n Squeak, Deluzzzion and Kalahari Babysitter will all be playable at Warp Zone! This fantastic collection of jam-like games were all created in a frenzy of creativity by Tijmen Tio. 

Check out more of this games here: http://ludumdare.com/compo/author/tijmentio/

ＳＰＯＯＫＹ ＳＥＬＦＩＥ at the Warp Zone Art Show 2015

Take some spooky selfies at the Warp Zone Art Show this year! Brenden Gibbons' creepy creation 
ＳＰＯＯＫＹ ＳＥＬＦＩＥ will be playable in our growing arcade of quirky games by talented devs! Also available will be prints from the game in our gallery so you can take the chills home with you.

BEAKBEAK at The Warp Zone Video Game Art Show 2015

Picture by Julian Dasgupta

The Warp Zone Video Game Art Show 2015 has a large selection of games this year by numerous talented game developers! One of these cool dudes is Aran Koning and his game BEAK BEAK, an alternative controller game about being a chicken were you use a beak to peck at a keyboard.

Melissa Martin / Serra Qendra at Warp Zone Art Show 2015

www.serrated.com.au

Melissa Martin is from Melbourne, Australia and whilst in Amsterdam will be joining the Warp Zone Art Show! She creates art inside of video games, then short machinima to remember it by: Science fiction documenaries Set in domestic “sets”. The potency of space. The potential for performance. The drama of the empty stage.

At Warp Zone (& beyond), Melissa's video art will be projected into architecture to create a new, temporary, autonomous zone. A blue light ‘being’.

Cello Fortress at The Warp Zone Art Show

Another exciting announcement! This year's Warp Zone Art Show will include the fantastic "Cello Fortress" by Joost van Donge, a unique game experience combining games and a live music performance.

A cellist defends a fortress by improvising on his cello. Melodies control the guns, dissonant notes activate the flamethrowers. Players from the audience use game controllers to steer their tanks and attack the fortress. The cellist plays live music, while at the same time controlling the game to be a fun challenge for the players. Cello Fortress is an innovative experiment that blends concert and game.

Joost van Dongen is known for his previous game Proun, and as lead programmer and co-founder of Ronimo Games, the studio behind the hit downloadable games Awesomenauts, Swords & Soldiers and De Blob. Joost regularly writes about creating games on his development blog.

http://blog.oogst3d.net/

Visit the Warp Zone Video Game Art Show Facebook page here.

Warp Zone Monthly Meetup #7 Amsterdam

Warp Zone Monthly Meetup #7

Meet fellow game developers, share ideas, work on games and have a drink!

As a member of the games industry, its easy to become isolated and lose touch with your local game dev community. So bring your games and projects and take advantage of the Vondelbunker space! Work, playtest and discuss in a friendly environment with fellow game devs. 

26th of July 2015

Vondelbunker, Vondelpark 8, Amsterdam (in the bridge)

15:00 - 19:00

See you there! ;)

Warp Zone Interviews Pixel & Manga Artist Noriko Aoki

written by Molly Heady-Carroll

Cover of Manga “Tokyo Doll Anthology” by Noriko

The Warp Zone Art Show 2015 is proud to showcase the work of Tokyo-born artist Noriko Aoki (AKA Tokyo Doll).

From 1992-1995, Noriko worked as a pixel artist for Nintendo, Bandai and Banprest. Specializing in Gameboy and Super Nintendo games, projects under her belt include Fatal Fury 2, Crayon Shin-Chan and Super-Deformed: The Great Battle, a Japan-exclusive game featuring chibi versions of popular Japanese heroes Kamen-Rider, Ultraman and Gundam.

Moving on from the tough world of games, Noriko later became a User Interface Designer for Nokia Japan. Applying her knowledge of pixel art, she designed icons, animations and the layouts for the Nokia Asian market.

In 2002 she came to the Netherlands and currently resides in Utrecht with her husband. She now applies her creative talents to manga, art prints and freelance manga portrait drawing.

Unused, Never-Before Displayed Artwork from “SD: The Great Battle”. One of Noriko’s rare pieces that will be for sale during the Warp Zone Art Show 2015

Noriko graciously sat down with us at Warp Zone and shared some of her experiences working as a pixel artist in Japan during the early 1990’s. Her answers reveal much about the extreme work ethic and restrictions the artists were put under when creating artwork for games.

Fatal Fury 2 on Game Boy, background art by Noriko. Prints of Noriko’s background work will be available at the Warp Zone Art Show 2015

What are some notable game projects you worked on?

“I worked for two subcontracting companies: One was the subcontractor for (mainly) Bandai, while the other was for Nintendo. In the 90’s, most companies were independent. For example, “Square” and “Enix” were different companies (Now Square Enix), as well as “Bandai” and “Namco” (now Bandai Namco Entertainment).

I worked on games for the Super Nintendo and Gameboy.  Most of my projects were mecha and super hero games for Bandai but I also worked on Crayon Shin-chan on the Super Nintendo and Fatal Fury on Gameboy.”

“Crayon Shin-chan - Arashi o Yobu Enji” on Super Famicom. Noriko was responsible for all sprite work on Masao (left on path, green shirt)

What was it like working with the hardware of the time when creating pixel art?

“Drawing pixel art requires special techniques that apply a trick of the eye. It's not a ‘piece of cake’.

In my working era, there were no Windows OS. We worked with MS-DOS based computers. The hardware was NEC PC9801, a Japanese computer, connected with a special SCSI that connected to a TV monitor. We drew graphics on the PC while checking the TV monitor because the result on PC screens and TV monitors is different. Red in particular was hard to get right.”

Noriko’s rendition of the computer setup that pixel artists used in the 90’s

How do you look back on your time working on games?

“Hmmm... There was no time for thinking. My memory is just sitting in front of the computer all the time because the working schedule was mostly from 9:00 to 23:00 including Saturday and Sunday. During the hardest times, we took sleeping bags into the office and continued to work. There were always conflicts between people in this stressful environment. To tell the truth, the company I worked for was practically a sweatshop: they never followed the Labor Standards Act. Not only my ex-companies but also many game and anime companies have the same situation in Japan, even today.

Playing games is fun but working in the games industry is hard. No holiday, low salary, no overtime payment and often working all night long. I quit my games job because my health was being affected by the hard work.”

Storyboard excerpt for the opening cinematic to “SD: The Great Battle” drawn by Noriko. This hand-drawn original storyboard will be on display during the Warp Zone Art Show 2015

What have you been doing since '95?

“After video games I worked a regular job. Through my pixel art experience though, I was eventually employed by Nokia as a User interface designer. At this time, mobile phone graphic were created using pixel art. Nokia work was an easier job with a higher salary than in games. After that I got married to a Dutch guy and moved to the Netherlands. Now I’m back into manga because I was a professional manga-ka before I was a game graphics designer in Japan.”

Is there anything you would like to add? Any interesting stories orprojects you'd like to let the readers know about?

“It's interesting to hear that some young people are interested in pixel art. At the moment I don’t have any game projects but I am creating my own original manga.”

Manga “The Flowers Blooming in the Sky” by Noriko

  

Noriko will be just one of the various Netherlands-based artists exhibiting during the Warp Zone Art Show 2015, invading Amsterdam September 5^th in the Vondelbunker. Visit our blog for more information on this year’s exciting art show! http://warpzoneamsterdam.blogspot.nl/

Visit this year’s show and see relics from Noriko’s time working as a pixel artist in Japan. Items on display include never-before seen storyboards, level layouts and official company pixel artist reference material. Manga and signed prints by Noriko will be available during the show, including rare, unused pixel art pieces. Warp Zone the only place in the world where these pieces are available so be sure to come and see them!

Event Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1601702346753754/

And of course, visit Noriko’s website for more information on her fantastic manga comics, prints, manga portraits and other artistic endeavors: http://tokyodoll.web.fc2.com/

Warp Zone: Video Game Art Show 2015

WARP ZONE, the annual art show paying tribute to the wonderful world of video games, is celebrating its third year this September! Join us for games, art, chip tunes, good company and beer in the Vondelbunker! 

The show features a collection of original art pieces by multiple artists celebrating games and gaming culture. Entry is free and most pieces are for sale (support your local artists!). Previous years featured have showcased paintings, pixel art, games, bead art, maps, 3D printed sculptures, music cds, jewelry, shirts and more by a fabulous collection of artists.

All proceeds raised at the bar keep the Vondelbunker's doors open. So you can get drunk, AND feel good about yourself for keeping such a fablocation running. ;)

If you're looking for a new piece of art to fill the wall of your geek-pad, want to play some unique and quirky games, meet with fellow games enthusiasts and drink beer in the historical vondelbunker, the Warp Zone Art Show is the place to be!

DATE: Saturday, September 5 2015
OPENING RECEPTION: 15:00
ADDRESS: Vondelbunker, Vondelpark 8, Amsterdam (in the bridge)
ENTRY FEE: Free!

Visit our official Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1601702346753754/

Warp Zone is part of The Free Fringe Festival Amsterdam: an extraordinary annual 10 day celebration showcasing the very best of Amsterdam’s Underground Art & Performance: http://www.freefringefestivalamsterdam.com/

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INTERESTED IN SHOWCASING?

Don't hesitate and send an email today to: mollyheadycarroll (at) gmail (dot) com

All forms of art are welcome in the gallery as long as they are related to video games. We are also interested in games, installations and musicians that are games-related.

(Please note: Industry concept art for personal games projects will not be accepted. The artwork must pertain to video games/video game culture in some way beyond that it was made during the production of a game. For example: fan art, pixel art, art games, commentary on games culture, etc are all acceptable. If you have questions, feel free to send an email.)

(The deadline for proposals is 1 August 2015)

Warp Zone Art Show 2015: Call for Artists!

Attention all artists!

WARP ZONE, the annual art show paying tribute to the wonderful world of video games, is now accepting proposals!

The show features a collection of original art pieces by multiple artists celebrating games and gaming culture. Join us for games, art, chip tunes, beer and more! Previous years featured have showcased paintings, pixel art, bead art, maps and 3D printed sculptures and more by numerous Dutch artists.

All forms of art are welcome in the gallery as long as they are related to video games. We are also interested in games, installations and musicians that are games-related.

Have work you want to showcase or any questions? Don't hesitate and send an email today to:

mollyheadycarroll(at)gmail(dot)com

(Please note: Industry concept art for personal games projects will not be accepted. The artwork must pertain to video games/video game culture in some way beyond that it was made during the production of a game. For example: fan art, pixel art, art games, commentary on games culture, etc are all acceptable. If you have questions, feel free to send an email.)

(The deadline for proposals is 1 August 2015)

Warp Zone is part of The Free Fringe Festival Amsterdam: an extraordinary annual 10 day celebration showcasing the very best of Amsterdam’s Underground Art & Performance. Click HERE for more info.

Mario Speaks [with Charles Martinet] Ep 4 - Mario Confidential

Charles Martinet with some words of wisdom. Be careful because the camera is always watching...

For more film & cartoons go to:
youtube.com/TheChibbychannel

For more music, performance, interview & film go to: 

youtube.com/chibbychannellive

WE ARE FRIEND

chibbychannel.com

11 Game Discoveries at GDC 2015

GDC 2015 is behind us and I'm both exhausted and pumped to work on games again. I heard some say they felt small compared to all the amazing games, people and projects they were exposed to at GDC but honestly, it makes me feel bigger. The games industry is an incredible community of creative, passionate and lovely people and I’m proud to be a part of it. GDC showed me that all creative walks of life matter and are important. So big or small, indie or AAA, experienced or just starting out, keep making games you guys!

I saw so many great games and I wanted to share some of the projects I discovered at GDC. This article is for those who couldn't make it to GDC or maybe missed some of these games.

Not all of these games are new but I hadn't been exposed to them until GDC 2015. So here we go! In no particular order, let’s begin with:

The Hearst Collection by Gabe Smedresman

Not new or even on display during GDC, The Hearst Collection was mentioned briefly during the Indie Soapbox Lecture. The Hearst Collection is a physical laser maze art heist game. It is such a clever idea that I felt the need to mention it here.

Desert Golfing by Justin Smith

Sometimes you see something that makes you think: “Why didn’t I think of that? Its so simple!” That’s Desert Golfing. Perfectly crafted for the smart phone platform, playing Desert Golding was a relaxing zen moment during the hectic GDC experience.

Down the Drain by Cubicorn Games

Cubicorn is clearly a team that care about games. You can feel the passion they have both through their work and in person. Sweet and silly, Down the Drain is as charming as the team itself.

Hellblade by Ninja Theory

The work of Ninja Theory Art Director Alessandro Taini is a breath of fresh air. His non-games background and keen interest in fine arts gives him a unique approach to Game Art Direction. Hellblade promises to be a nightmarish depiction of hell borrowing the best elements of Surrealism and Avant-Garde Performance Art. I sincerely hope it lives up to its intended experience.

How Do You Do It? by Nina Freeman, Emmett Butler, Decky Coss, and Jonathan Kittaka

The element I like best about How Do You Do It? is that it uses a type of play that people try to hide, not admit to or never think of as play: making your toys have sex. When I was playing How Do You Do It?, a person walking past gasped and shouted in horror: “What is this game about??!!” Games like this have to exist so that sex stops being taboo in games.

Kitty Powers’ Matchmaker by Magic Notion

Unlike most dating games, Kitty Powers’ Matchmaker is about the awkwardness of dating. From its smart-arse humor to the hilarious FMV Game-Show inspired trailer, Magic Notion crafted a game with a lot of personality. The character generator reflects the creators’ understanding of real people. My favorite element is the “Guilty Pleasures” that each generated candidate has: personality traits that go against everything else reflected in their character type.

Plug and Play by Mario von Rickenbach and Michael Frei

Plug and Play reminds me of Flash art animations I used to watch back in the 90′s. I’m surprised their aren't more interactive experiences like this but I suppose scarcity makes them even more special when you happen upon them. Its short but well worth the experience because it is so well crafted, animated and delivered.

Project Spark by Microsoft Studios

I wasn't interested in Project Spark until it was demoed to me. Although it has limitations, it reminded me of the level editors I used to play with when I was a kid. The idea of young XBox One owners experimenting with Project Spark and learning the joy of game creation made me feel warm and fuzzy. The visual  interactive interface is extraordinary and reveals the systematic structure of programming. Its not for me but I did realize the potential of the software and its very exciting.

Road Redemption by Dark Seas Games

Arcade racer and spiritual successor to the once great Road Rash series, Road Redemption is a game that seems to be designed purely to have fun. I was born in the 90′s so I like motor cycles and senseless, over the top violence by default. I’m looking forward to smashing my friends in the multiplayer!

Super Slam Dunk Touchdown by Tipping Goat

I used to make up games like this during PE at school because I hated it so much. I’m glad Tipping Goat feel the same way. Super Slam Dunk Touchdown has both a well crafted professional presentation and child-like delight about it all at the same time.

Tetrageddon Games by Nathalie Lawhead

Nathalie Lawhead’s award acceptation speech during the Nuovo Award at IGF was a highlight of GDC for me. Clearly very nervous and surprised to be standing in front of thousands of people, she gave a from the heart, touching speech expressing her love of games and pride to be part of such a creative community. Just like her speech, Tetrageddon is a from the heart, lovingly made creative explosion that only could have come from Nathalie. The expression of creativity radiating from this charming collection of games is proof that you can and should create work that is entirely from yourself. These games make me want to make games.