FAQ
Q: In short, what's your plan for COVID 19?
A: Open Alpha will operate fully online for Fall 2020. Last semester, we experienced remote game development, so we are confident about being able to met our normal goals in that aspect. Obviously this means no normal retreat — we'll do our best to connect online
Q: What’s the time commitment?
A: We’ll have official meetings Thursdays 7-8:30, with bonding activities and retreats on other dates. It’s like a really close group of friends who always want to hang out, especially on Thursday evenings.
Q: What kind of majors do you accept?
A: All majors are welcome! English? Biology? Philosophy? Great developers are inspired by a range of different subjects.
Q: Do I need to have any experience? Are there any other requirements to join?
A: No experience required! We’re looking for people with a drive to learn and a passion for making games! We recommend taking CTIN 488: Game Design Workshop if you’re interested in design, and if you want to program, we suggest having some previous experience.
Q: What does "cohort" mean?
A: If accepted, you'll join the cohort. This means that for 1 semester, we'll guide you through the game-making process and help your cohort bring a game from conception to an open alpha release. After that semester, you'll have the opportunity to become a mentor for the following cohort, helping to onboard new members and help them learn the nuts and bolts of game development. Following that, you won't be directly involved in the development of future cohorts' game projects, but you'll be invited to all social events, retreats, and networking opportunities — in perpetuity. No matter how long ago you joined, you'll always be a part of Open Alpha.
Q: What kind of games do you make? RPG? Action?
A: We won’t make VR, mobile, or console games. Other than that, we’ll decide on the genre and platform together with the cohort.
Q: How do you pick the game?
A: At the beginning of the semester, the entire cohort will brainstorm together and pitch their favorite ideas. The cohort’s favorite idea will be chosen and worked on for that semester.
Q: What engines and programming languages will you use?
A: For Fall 2020, we plan on developing using the Unity game engine (partnered with C# scripts), but we're always adapting and integrating new technologies depending on the cohort's idea.
Q: Is everyone slotted into roles on the team?
A: We’ll divide people into sub-teams (art, programming, design), but you’re encouraged to move around to experience different parts of the game development process. Every part of the game’s development will be accessible to every member. We’ll also have sub-team leads to provide leadership opportunities to students who want to focus on just one aspect of the game’s creation.
Q: How much are dues?
A: $0! Given the circumstances, membership dues will be deferred to future semesters, when we can offer the cohort members the full Open Alpha experience, and will need to cover costs for social events, production needs, and other club activities.
Q: Do you have any interest meetings?
A: Yes! We will have interest meetings before applications close every semester. Come learn more about the process, hang out with the board, and ask any specific questions you have!
Q: When and where can I apply?
A: We review applications at the beginning of the semester.
If you have any questions at all, don't hesitate to reach out at hello@openalphausc.com
Updated 8/23/2020
