D.C. Video Game Makers to Showcase Work at First-Ever Expo

Locals are set to have the chance to rescue space animals, fight zombies and go on other quests for free during a gathering of D.C. video game developers and players downtown this month.

The first-ever District Arcade is scheduled for Bravo! Bravo! (1001 Connecticut Ave. NW) Saturday, Aug. 27, from noon to 5 p.m. IGDA DC, a nonprofit organization that supports local video game makers, will bring the “newest, most experimental” indie games to the the nightclub, which will host four large couches and a pair of 15-foot screens, according to the group’s website.

Melanie Stegman, IGDA DC’s chairwoman, said the District Arcade also will have 15 game consoles, as well as professional networking opportunities.

“We’re really confident people will enjoy this,” she said. “It’s going to be pretty big.”

Hugo Minera Jr., one of the District Arcade’s organizers, said getting D.C. gamers, developers and artists together will help the local video game scene grow.

“Everyone thinks you have to move to California, New York, Austin, Canada or Florida to make games,” said Minera, a video game artist. “Why not add D.C. to that list?”

According to IGDA DC, the expo’s games will include:

• Tumbleweed Express
• Immune Defense
• Dead Man’s Trail
• Dying Ember
• Xenobloom
• CANARI
• Dr. Spacezoo, or How I Learned To Stop Shooting and Save The Animals
• Space Warfare Infinite

Image via IGDA DC