A Helping Hand in Tough Times
Let’s be honest, it’s a tough time to be in the game development industry. We’ve seen studio closures and layoffs dominate the headlines. So, when a company decides to give back to the community, it really stands out. That’s exactly what Owlcat Games, the acclaimed developers behind the Pathfinder series and Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, has just done. They’ve launched an incredible new initiative called the GameDev Learning Drop, and it’s completely free for everyone.
This isn’t just a small gesture. Owlcat has created a massive, curated directory of high-quality learning resources for anyone interested in making games. Think of it as a hand-picked library of the best tutorials, online courses, software recommendations, and articles, all vetted by industry professionals. It’s a huge boost for aspiring developers trying to break into the industry and for seasoned pros looking to sharpen their skills.
What’s Inside the GameDev Learning Drop?
The GameDev Learning Drop is a collaborative effort. Owlcat didn’t go it alone; they partnered with other respected studios and publishers, including Midwest Games, Fireshine Games, Gaijin Entertainment (the makers of War Thunder), and 11 Bit Studios (the minds behind Frostpunk). Together, they’ve already assembled over 350 high-quality resources.
The database covers all the key disciplines of game development, including:
- Game Design
- Programming
- Narrative Design
- Project Management
- Art and Animation
- Sound Design
The idea actually started as an internal practice at Owlcat, where team leads would share useful resources they found with junior developers. They realized that with so much information out there, having a curated list from experienced pros was incredibly valuable. Now, they’ve decided to share that practice with the world.
“A Rising Tide Lifts All Ships”
The motivation behind this project is pure community spirit. As Andrey Tsvetkov, Owlcat’s Head of Publishing, put it, “A rising tide truly lifts all ships. We firmly believe that showing support for open knowledge fosters collaboration and connection, which we feel is something the industry could use more of right now.”
This isn’t about competition; it’s about collaboration. Owlcat remembers receiving help from industry veterans when they were first starting out with Pathfinder: Kingmaker, and this is their way of paying it forward. The directory is a living project, and they are actively inviting other developers and publishers to contribute. Anyone can submit new resources, which are then reviewed and categorized by the team to ensure the quality remains high.
Conclusion
In an industry that can often feel cutthroat, the GameDev Learning Drop is a breath of fresh air. It’s a powerful reminder that the best way to ensure a healthy, creative future for gaming is to support each other. Whether you’re a student just starting your journey or a developer looking to learn a new skill, this resource is an invaluable gift from a team that clearly cares about the craft of making games. It’s a move that deserves to be celebrated, and hopefully, it inspires more collaboration across the industry.
FAQs
What is the GameDev Learning Drop?
It is a free, curated online directory of over 350 learning resources for game developers, launched by Owlcat Games and its partners.
Who is Owlcat Games?
They are a highly respected RPG developer known for creating games like the Pathfinder series and Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader.
Is this resource really free?
Yes, the entire directory and all the curated resources are completely free and accessible to the public.
Which other studios are involved?
The initiative is a collaboration between Owlcat Games, Midwest Games, Fireshine Games, Gaijin Entertainment, and 11 Bit Studios.
What kind of topics does it cover?
It covers all major areas of game development, including programming, game design, narrative design, project management, art, and more.
Can other people contribute to the database?
Yes, Owlcat is encouraging any developer or publisher to submit materials. The submissions are then reviewed and curated to maintain the quality of the resource hub.