TAKING ON SOUTHERN-FRIED GAMING EXPO 2021
Written by Nick Foster
Two weeks ago, our team had the pleasure of attending this year’s Southern-Fried Gaming Expo (SFGE). We enjoyed a wonderful weekend full of expert-led discussions, live shows, and games—all kinds of games. SFGE unites generations of gamers in an annual celebration of all things gaming; players from all over the country convene for three days of classic pinball machines, contemporary gaming consoles, and everything in-between.
We opted to forgo bringing headsets in favor of some creative alternatives.
Although we had a great time at the event, our ultimate goal was to introduce patrons to the world of Loam and excite them about the virtual reality game’s approaching release on App Lab later this year. In the past, we’ve allowed players to experience the game directly by sharing VR headsets, but, to limit the potential spread of COVID-19, we opted to forgo headsets entirely in favor of some creative alternatives.
Considering last year’s expo was entirely virtual, our team did our best to ensure that SFGE 2021 would be one to remember despite the pandemic-induced restrictions that accompanied it. This convention was the first in-person event our team attended in over a year, so we couldn’t help but go all out! We marked the occasion by creating an eye-catching booth filled with Loam-inspired games and swag.
We translated Loam’s central theme of discovery into an arcade-style matching game in the same vein as the popular mobile app 2048. Entitled Loam Arcade, the machine challenged players with shifting Loam’s plants and animals around to make matches, form new critters, and earn points. Our team even gave away a Loam Gnome Home T-shirt prize to each day’s highest scorer.
In addition to Loam Arcade, we created another Loam experience playable only at Southern-Fried Gaming Expo 2021. Designed to limit contact as much as possible, we created a touchless, interactive wall that introduced players to Loam’s magical world of characters, critters, plants, and decor.
By pulling assets directly from the original game, we managed to stay faithful to the look and feel of Loam. If you’re interested in learning more about our touchless wall experience, then check out our blog post all about it.
Footage from our touchless, interactive Loam experience.
The last component of our booth was undoubtedly the most eye-catching. We created a beautiful, eight-foot-tall wall of leaves and flowers for patrons to use as a wall backdrop for group photos and selfies. It may have taken loads of fishing line, flowers, and zip ties, but seeing so many smiling faces visit our booth was well worth the effort.
The highlight of our weekend came Saturday afternoon as we gathered together in the Chancellor Hall to hold a panel discussion detailing our journey in creating a VR game for the Oculus Quest. Moderated by Jamie, the panel featured four of the brilliant minds behind Loam’s look, feel, and functionality: Pierce, Shelby, Linda, and Chan. Considering Loam is our Amebous Labs’ first-ever official game release, we appreciated the opportunity to share the insights we’ve formed throughout the development process. The panel featured a wealth of topics ranging from helpful resources to unexpected challenges, plus great questions from curious attendees.
From the ridiculous Loam Arcade high scores to the many beautiful snapshots taken with our backdrop, we loved every minute of SFGE 2021. Our team can’t wait for the next opportunity to attend another in-person event.
Until then, sign up to receive Amebous Labs email updates and get playtesting opportunities, game development news, and Loam updates sent straight to your inbox.
