The second annual Bit Bash alternative games festival was held last weekend in Chicago, and its organizers say it was a huge success.
"We had more than 1,500 attendees," said Jamie Sanchez, one of the members of the team of independent games makers, artists and other creative professionals that volunteers their time to plan and host the event. A portion of the proceeds benefitted Chicago Loot Drop. Sponsors included heavyweights like Alienware, as well as Chicago's local branch of European publisher Wargaming.
It was the second year inside the headquarters of t-shirt manufacturer Threadless, who helped double the space available for games and attendees.
"We’re proud to connect Chicago’s gamers and art enthusiasts with unique interactive experiences," Sanchez said, "all in the super chill atmosphere of Threadless’ warehouse. You can’t get that elsewhere."
More than 50 games were there to be played. The set-up was clever; the Bit Bash team hung screens from the ceiling of Threadless' two-story warehouse, and mounted projectors and computers inside the racks of t-shirts that they then covered with black tarps. All the machines were out of the way, but accessible to organizers on the back end. Meanwhile, attendees were free to move about the large open floorspace without ruining anyone's view of the action.
Photographer Brent Knepper (who was the first to visit Cards Against Humanity's island, Hawaii 2, if you recall) captured the event in all its glory, but perhaps nothing really sells it like this tweet.
Guys, this isn't indie enough. How about we play games off an old projector on a skate ramp in a garage???? pic.twitter.com/u917rJcXKL
— El Oshcuro @ PAX (@DaveOshry) August 23, 2015