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The Global Game Jam: A Growing Game Dev Community in Green Bay

January 17, 2025 / sankeyr / 0 Comments

As the workday winds down for many Green Bay area residents this Friday afternoon, dozens of amateur game developers will begin gathering downtown at the Urban Hub for the 2025 Global Game Jam. The Global Game Jam (GGJ) is an annual event that invites participants to create games at one of hundreds of sites across the globe. Jammers are given a loose theme (ex. “waves”) and a 48-hour timeframe to work with. Beyond that, jammers can create any type of game they are interested in. It helps to have some basic skills in art, music, coding, or writing but approaching the jam as a chance to expand those skills is also key.

Of the GGJ sites in the United States, the Green Bay site is somewhat of an anomaly: since veteran software engineer and UWGB instructor Dr. Ben Geisler began organizing the local GGJ site in 2017, it has grown to become one of the largest in the country. Unlike larger sites hosted in game industry meccas – Seattle and New York, for example – Green Bay doesn’t have massive polytechnic universities nor significant regional resources. Nevertheless, as I write this, the GB site has more registered than those hosted by venerable game design programs.

How?

After several years co-organizing the Green Bay site, my admittedly biased view is that this success is but one more indicator that the regional game development community continues to coalesce and thrive. Videogame publisher Midwest Games, started by UWGB alumni Ben Kvalo, certainly gets a nod for this growth. But I would attribute the success of the site more to Geisler’s connections to the Green Bay community, including the region’s renowned DIY and punk subcultures, as the contributing factor. This ethos resonates throughout the 48-hours of the jam: all are welcome so long as there is a desire to make games. Those games may not be complete. They might not be pretty. But neither completion nor looking good is the goal.

Instead, it’s the process of collaborating through the challenges involved in a 48-hour game jam. Much like the original jammers – musicians riffing off of one another to create a combined sound – participants revel in the process and the small victories. The Green Bay site (like most GGJ sites) is not competitive but that doesn’t mean it’s not stressful: before hitting the 48-hour deadline, jammers will experience fatigue, tech issues, and other obstacles to making their game. It’s then when the community gathered truly flourishes with support and feedback. Need some code help? Someone from another team will be over in short order. Some dialog feedback? No problem. How about some actors for a cutscene? A few favors will get called in.

Because of these moments, the jam becomes far more than an excuse to make games but a chance to build community. The collaborative, supportive spirit of the Global Game Jam is inspirational in a divisive climate: this spirit of community has expanded to an ongoing Discord forum as well as a summer developers unconference; jammers reconnect at M+DEV, the annual game developers conference held in Madison. As we close in on a week before the GGJ, I’m stoked to see names familiar and new on the list of registrants. What new directions will this year take Green Bay and its growing game developer community?

by Kris Purzycki

Kris Purzycki is an Assistant Professor of English at UW-Green Bay.

Episode 161: Singers, Dancers, & Other Performers (w/Dr. Chelsea Wooding & Dr. Elisa Monti)

In this episode of Psychology and Stuff, Dr. Alison Jane Martingano discovers the critical role psychologists play in enhancing the mental performance of artists such as singers and dancers. The discussion features insights from Dr. Chelsea Wooding, a Certified Mental Performance Consultant and former competitive dancer with extensive experience in both athletics and the performing arts, and Dr. Elisa Monti, co-founder of the Voice and Trauma Research and Connection Group. Together, they share research and practical strategies that support the mental resilience and creative expression of performers.

Listen to the newest episode on: Soundcloud, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

Episode 160: Do I have the January Blues? (w/ Dr. Ryan Martin)

January 2, 2025 / sankeyr / 0 Comments

In this episode of Psychology and Stuff, Dr. Alison Jane Martingano interviews Dr. Ryan Martin, Dean for the College of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay, about sadness, mood, depression and the New Year. Dr. Ryan Martin (aka the Anger Professor) is a leading expert on emotional wellness. His work has been featured by the New York Times, NPR’s Invisibilia, BBC Radio’s Digital Human, TED.com, and other major media outlets.

Episode 159: Giving Multiplier (w/ Dr. Matt Coleman)

December 19, 2024 / sankeyr / 0 Comments

In this engaging episode of Psychology and Stuff, host Dr. Alison Jane Martingano sits down with Dr. Matt Coleman, Executive Director of Giving Multiplier. Dr. Coleman shares insights on charitable giving, discussing what motivates people to donate, from emotional connections to causes to the reinforcing “warm glow” of making a positive impact. He also highlights research showing that the joy of giving often lasts longer than the satisfaction from everyday purchases, making charitable contributions a boost for both recipients and donors alike.

As the holiday season approaches, this episode offers practical and thought-provoking ideas on how to give meaningfully and maximize the impact of donations.

Use code “stuff” to get an additional matching rate by visiting givingmultiplier.org/stuff

Here’s why these holiday movies are faculty favorites

December 13, 2024 / sankeyr / 0 Comments

‘Tis the season for cozying up with a mug of hot cocoa by the tree and watching your favorite holiday movie.

We asked faculty across the college to tell us their favorite Christmas movie and why.

Here’s what they had to say:

Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas (1977)

“I have to go with Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas! It ran on HBO constantly when I was a kid, so I imprinted on it like a baby bird to its mama and need to watch it at least once per holiday season. It’s a sweet story in the extended Muppet universe about family (both the one we’re born into and the “friend families” we choose), taking a chance on your dreams, and what might happen if we all just get together and sing. Come for the cameos from Kermit the Frog and some beautiful songs, stay for the Riverbottom Nightmare Band!”

Michelle McQuade Dewhirst | Professor of Music

Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (1964)

“There are no tricks involved with the title of Santa Claus Conquers the Martians. In an absolute fever dream of a movie, Martians are upset that their children are becoming lazy and have fallen under the spell of Earthling pop culture, so the Martians conspire to kidnap Santa Claus and bring him to Mars in hopes that he can rehabilitate their children; hijinx ensue. Stars a very young Pia Zadora.”

Zack Kruse | Lecturer of Applied Writing and English and Humanities

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)

“So many hilarious moments and some great quotes!”

Aaron Weinschenk | Ben J. and Joyce Rosenberg Professor of Political Science

Violent Night (2022)

“Honestly my favorite one is a recent one, Violent Night. This is a genius work that essentially solves the enduring question of whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie by putting Santa Claus himself in the John McClane role, trying to save a little girl and her dysfunctional family from a team of mercenaries and thieves on Christmas. David Harbour is a fantastic, world-weary Santa and despite the hilarious amounts of violence and gore (including a sequence that does not shy away from the real consequences of the violence in Home Alone) it’s also just a big squishy movie with a big squishy heart that’s all about love, family, and Christmas magic in the end. It’s some of the most fun I’ve ever had in a movie theater. “

Bryan Carr | Professor of Info & Computing Science

The Holdovers (2023)

“An authoritarian private school history teacher who his students and fellow teachers loathe for his brutally honest grades, difficult personality, and old-fashioned ways is grounded by the principal and forced to supervise the five students who, due to various circumstances, stay on campus over the break. Among them is a student whose mother has abruptly canceled a family trip to the Caribbean to honeymoon with her new husband. This is a great film! 97% in Rotten Tomatoes!”

Hernan Fernandez Meardi | Associate Professor of Humanities

What your professors want you to know when prepping for finals

December 6, 2024 / sankeyr / 0 Comments

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Holidays on the horizon means the end of the semester is near… and finals.

We know this can be a stressful time for students. We want you to know your professors are here for you and want to see you succeed. In fact, we have some tips from them on preparing for finals week.

Good luck, students! We believe in you!

Finals Tips from Your Professors:

Christopher Kelps | Assistant Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice

“Don’t go into a final thinking of it as a time to be judged, think of it as an opportunity to prove to the world and yourself just how much you’ve learned.”

Lisa Lamson | Assistant Teaching Professor of History and Humanities

“Go to sleep, eat food (maybe a vegetable), and take short breaks. It is a grind, but you will do better by taking short breaks that’ll keep you sane and help you retain information better.”

Ann Mattis | Associate Professor of English, Humanities, and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

“Read prompts and rubrics carefully. Email your professor early if confused. Schedule meetings with professors. Prioritize your health. Take breaks when stuck. Trust your preparation. Avoid perfectionism. Set realistic goals.

Stay positive and focused – you’ve got this!”

Kris Purzycki | Associate Professor of Applied Writing and English

“We often get overwhelmed when we focus more on the goal instead of the process. Use the Pomodoro technique to break your time into manageable chunks between working (20 mins) and breaks (5 mins). Time yourself and, if you get distracted, get back on your schedule!”

Katia Levintova | Professor of Political Science and Global Studies (Democracy and Justice Studies)

“Push yourselves to get to that finish line of the semester — it is finally in sight and you can totally do it! Finals are not as scary as people think — you have been preparing for them all semester, so review old material and concentrate on anything you covered since the last assessment.”

Georjeanna Wilson-Doenges | Professor of Psychology

“Being in the best mental state possible is a great way to do your best on finals. One of the best ways to boost your mental health is to spend time in nature – even 5 or 10 minutes per day can help you focus on studying and taking your exams. So bundle up, go outside, and take a walk to restore your brain and boost your mood!”

Aaron Weinschenk | Ben J. and Joyce Professor of Political Science

“Take breaks when you’re studying or working on projects (even if it’s just 5-10 minutes). Stepping away from something you’re working on can really help you focus once you come back to your work!”

Alison Jane Martingano | Assistant Professor of Psychology

“Psychology study hack: state-dependent learning means your brain remembers best when your study vibes match your exam vibes. So, if you’ll be sitting at a particular desk in your favorite pajamas for the test, do the same while you’re studying—even try to match your study caffeine levels to your exam caffeine levels!”

Episode 158: Math Anxiety (w/ Dr. Qiushan Liu)

December 5, 2024 / sankeyr / 0 Comments

In this episode of Psychology and Stuff, host Dr. Alison Jane sits down with Dr. Quishan Liu, a new assistant professor in the Psychology Department at UW-Green Bay, to explore the fascinating intersection of psychology and mathematics. Dr. Liu shares her research on how cognitive and emotional factors, like math anxiety, influence problem-solving and decision-making.

Together, they discuss why math anxiety begins as early as primary school, how cultural attitudes shape our relationship with math, and how teachers and parents can help reduce math-related stress. Dr. Liu also reveals insights from her study on decimals and fractions, showing why some problem-solving strategies are more effective than others.

If you’ve ever felt intimidated by numbers, you won’t want to miss Dr. Liu’s advice on practical ways to overcome math anxiety and her tips for integrating math into everyday life—whether it’s through cooking, games, or even Monopoly! Tune in to learn how fostering a love for math can positively impact individuals of all ages.

“Do you want to come take voice lessons?”

November 27, 2024 / sankeyr / 0 Comments

How a faculty member’s positive influence jump-started Lauren Paul’s success

For Lauren Paul, UW-Green Bay was the first place where she discovered that her lifelong passion – music – offered a myriad of different career choices post-grad.

“The department that I worked with when I was an undergrad from 2014-2019 was really pivotal in allowing me to learn that there is a career in music, outside of just being a band or choir teacher,” she said.

Paul, who graduated from UW-Green Bay in 2019 with a degree in vocal performance, said she entered college with the intention of becoming a band director – a dream she and her late father shared.

While both Paul and her father shared an interest in opera, she said her dad was more interested in her continuing to play the clarinet.

“I was super into it, too,” she said. “(Again,) I thought I was going to be a band director. We were super gung-ho about it.”

Unfortunately, two months into Paul’s freshman year at UWGB, her father passed away.

“At that point in time, I started to realize I needed to start living my life for me,” she said. “But I also wanted to honor my dad.”

Paul continued to feel a draw toward opera, and said she felt vocal music was where she could “come alive” as a performer, while also continuing to honor her father.

And, as if the stars aligned for Paul, she said she was approached by Dr. Courtney Sherman about vocal performance.

“Dr. Sherman actually heard me in her ear training class and said, ‘do you want to come take voice lessons?’” she said.

It was in that moment Paul said she realized, “yeah, I actually do (want to).”

By the end of her sophomore year, Paul said she knew she wanted to earn her degree in vocal performance.

“With (Dr. Sherman) encouraging me and fostering me to learn more about voice – specifically in an environment where vocal science was at the forefront of her teaching methods – it really helped me to learn how to use my instrument in a healthy way,” she said, “which is already helping my career immensely.”

Grad school and beyond

After graduating from UW-Green Bay, Paul went on to earn her master’s degree in music from the University of South Dakota, which she received in 2023.

This year, Paul received recognition as one of the 30 Under 30 at the university.

“I was really flattered and honored when they invited me to join the class for this year,” she said. “In this industry, 30 is kind of one of those markers for, ‘are you going to make it or are you not going to make it?’ I’m accomplishing really good things in the opera field, and it’s nice to see that recognition from other areas that aren’t just the industry itself.”

And accomplishing great things in the world of opera, she is.

Since graduating with her master’s, Paul went on to spend two months as a Gerdine Young Artist with the Opera Theater of St. Louis, where she was responsible for learning two roles for shows to cover at the theater’s annual summer festival. She also performed in Lo Bohème with the theater.

The process to become a Young Artist, she said, can be quite intense.

“These (Young Artist) programs are super competitive,” she said. “There’s a website you join called yaptracker.com… Every day, they send you notifications of who’s audition, what they’re auditioning for, age limits, etc.”

Once someone such as Paul has submitted the necessary information and vocal resume, she said the programs then go on “audition tours.”

In the instance someone is selected, Paul said it’s most likely they will need to travel to places such as New York, Houston, and San Francisco to do their audition.

“You go in, you sing an audition for a panel of people who are usually artistic administrators for these programs,” she said. “They listen to about 300 singers or so in person, and then they pick about 10% of those singers to come in and do the program.”

While Paul said it’s extremely difficult to get into one of these programs, “when you do – it’s big”

“It opens the door,” she said. “I learned so much in my time at Opera Theater of St. Louis… I know a lot more about how this industry works… It’s a program that takes you from the academic mindset into more of the professional mindset.”

What does the future hold?

With her 30 Under 30 designation and her time at the Opera Theatre of St. Louis under her belt, Paul said she is just getting started.

“I’m currently preparing to go down and sing a couple of roles with Sarasota Opera as a studio artist starting in January,” she said. “I will also be making my debut with Opera Omaha in June of 2025 as Rita the rat in Fantastic Mr. Fox.”

As Paul grows in her career, she said she wants to continue to “champion the field of opera” as a singer from the Midwest.

“I find within the industry, there’s this notion of, ‘you need to go to this big school, you need to know these people… and you have to be in New York or Los Angeles in order to do things,’” she said. “But there’s talent here in the Midwest, and I want to champion the Midwest artists. I want all of us to blossom, grow, and to show that there’s an artistic community out here. We’re just as worth of recognition as everybody on the coasts.”

To learn more about Paul, visit laurenpaulmezzo.net/.

Episode 157: Authentic Intelligence (w/ Dr. Jan Schwartz)

November 21, 2024 / sankeyr / 0 Comments

In this episode, Dr. Janet Schwartz, a forensic behavioral psychologist and president of Forensic Fraud Research Inc., reflects on her career investigating white-collar crime. Dr. Schwartz also introduces her concept of “Authentic Intelligence,” discussing how mental, emotional, and spiritual intelligence converge to support resilience and fulfillment. Listen in to gain insights into her groundbreaking work and learn practical ways to harness inner strengths for personal growth and balance in a complex world.

Five takeaways from Jill Enos’s entrepreneurial journey

November 21, 2024 / sankeyr / 0 Comments

Jill Enos was the guest of honor at the November 18^th Kitchen Table Series, the second such dinner, where she met and talked with students from across the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences about the entrepreneurial spirit that has been prevalent throughout her professional journey.

The Kitchen Table Series was designed with the goal of bringing entrepreneurs from Northeast Wisconsin around a kitchen table to share ideas and ask questions with current UW-Green Bay students. It’s an initiative of the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

Enos grew up on a rural farm in Illinois and went on to pursue her undergraduate degree in Political Science at Michigan State University. After, she worked in inner city affordable housing in Atlanta, worked for the Federal Reserve Bank, went to Harvard Business School, and later joined a tech startup outside of Washington D.C. Enos returned to the Midwest and has since focused on growing the entrepreneurial tech ecosystem as a Managing Partner at TitletownTech, a venture capital firm in Green Bay.

Here are our five takeaways after hearing Enos’s story:

1. Create your own opportunities

Enos mentioned several cases throughout her career where she paved an opportunity for herself – such as proposing an internship to a company – to gain new experiences. If a door of opportunity does not exist, she emphasized to create and open it yourself.

2. Lifelong learning is important

Even now as a Managing Partner of TitletownTech, Enos said she is always learning and adapting to new things – quantum physics being just one example. If you don’t adapt to new things, such as the growing prevalence of technology, you will be left behind.

3. There are a lot of ways to build a community

When Enos finished her undergrad she thought working in public policy was the path she wanted to take and decided to work in underprivileged communities in urban areas. Over time, though, she discovered a new path of trying to bring value to communities by supporting emerging leaders and innovative ideas.

4. Be willing to take risks

Don’t limit yourself on what you can do and what you can try. If you take a risk, it may pay off or it may not. Even if you fail, Enos said there is always something you can take away from the experience to apply to future endeavors.

5. If you see a problem and want to fix it, be part of the solution

It’s not enough to recognize a problem and stand idly by or just complain about it – you need to do something about it. This, Enos said, is exactly why she decided to serve on the school board. That way, she could be part of the solution to problems she had identified.

From the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay

Author: sankeyr (page 1 of 3)