So I am legit doing all the things this month! Tomorrow I leave for @GeekGirlCon, then I get back for ValorCon Chicago Oct 16 – 18, then I flit way for #IndieCade15 on Thursday Oct 22nd. @__@ but hey, if you are in Chicago, or near it and come to ValorCon; here’s my panel schedule.

Gaming Podcasts 101 ~ Saturday October 17, 11:00 am Track Room 01

James and Kat from ONE SHOT and Campaign, along with Megan from The Jank Cast, and General Ironicus from6 Feats Under give you a crash course in podcasting. They cover subjects like what equipment to use, how to keep a schedule, how to promote your show, and when to think about monetization.

These are some of the most recognizable and successful gaming podcasters in Chicago, and they are ready to show you the ropes and answer your questions.

James D’Amato (M), Kat Khul, General Ironicus, Tanya DePass, Megan Pedersen

Handling Internet Harassment & Bullying ~ Sunday October 18, 3:00 pm Track Room 01

We will provide an overview of what’s covered by the law and how courts tend to respond in cases of internet harassment and bullying, and offer proactive tips for folks who are active online.

Ross Hersemann (M), Suzanne Jackiw, Tanya DePass

Why Diversity in Games is Important ~ Sunday October 18, 4:15 pm Track Room 01

So the #INeedDiverseGames hashtag went viral, and out of it came a great, great thing. But let’s continue to talk about why we need diverse games, what is gained by having more stories, more voices to narrate our tales.In short, why diversity in games is important

Tanya DePass (m), Shareef Jackson, Anna Tarkov, Steve Discont, Jennifer Ward, Elizabeth Muszynski

Published by cypheroftyr

Tanya DePass is the founder and Director of I Need Diverse Games, a non-profit organization based in Chicago, which is dedicated to better diversification of all aspects of gaming. I Need Diverse Games serves the community by supporting marginalized developers attend the Game Developer Conference by participating in the GDC Scholarship program, helps assist attendance at other industry events, and is seeking partnership with organizations and initiatives. Tanya is a lifelong Chicagoan who loves everything about gaming, #INeedDiverseGames spawn point, and wants to make it better and more inclusive for everyone. She founded and was the EIC of Fresh Out of Tokens podcast where games culture was discussed and viewed through a lense of feminism, intersectionality and diversity. Now she’s a co-host on Spawn on Me Podcast. Along with all of that, she’s the Programming Coordinator for OrcaCon, she often speaks on issues of diversity, feminism, race, intersectionality & other topics at multiple conventions throughout the year. Her writing about games and games critique appears in Uncanny Magazine, Polygon, Wiscon Chronicles, Vice Gaming, Paste Games, Mic, and other publications.