Second Archaeogaming Hackathon in Darmstadt
At the end of last year I offered a first Archaeogaming Hackathon in Cologne. I also reported that it was quite successful and that we were planning to do more. Well, here it is, we have just announced the second hackathon, this time hosted by the Technische Universität Darmstadt. Between the 16th and 18th of February we will be there again to create some more video games!
Why again?
So why are we organising another hackathon? Well, the hackathon is part of our ongoing project “Digitale Kompetenzen in der Archäologie” (DiKopA), in which we are trying to build a network of scholars and students to communicate about teaching digital methods and skills in archaeology. The project is funded by the “Stiftung Innovation in der Hochschule” and we are currently halfway through the project. The hackathon is a way of engaging with students and teaching digital skills at the same time.
One thing we wanted to make sure was that people had the chance to participate even if they were not in Cologne or Darmstadt or anywhere else in Germany. So we decided to hold at least three hackathons in different cities across Germany, so that as many students as possible could take part. The Cologne hackathon was aimed at students from Cologne, Bonn, Bochum and the surrounding area. The next one in Darmstadt is for students from Darmstadt, Frankfurt, Mainz, Heidelberg or Würzburg.
What will it be about?
As described last time, we want to teach 12 bright minds about archaeogaming and teamwork. In a preparatory online meeting we will give an introduction to archaeogaming and the RPGMaker MV software suite. When we meet, the groups should already have prepared ideas so that they can start working immediately. We will provide computers and software licences as well as some snacks and drinks. In two afternoons and two mornings we want to create 2-3 games in teams with the students.
The good thing is: The games from the last hackathon have already been published, so the new groups can look at what the old groups have already done. This might make it easier to come up with ideas. We will see. Below is the poster for the upcoming event. If you know someone who might be interested, I’d be grateful if you’d share this post with them.
