Informatics Programs Events Calendar
Friday, October 23, 2026
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Please join us for a presentation and discussion with Amber Holkenbrink, Principal Experience Designer at Respawn Wisconsin. Amber Holkenbrink is a Principal Experience Designer currently working on Apex Legends. She has worked in the game industry for over 16 years and has contributed to the art, animation, and design of more than 30 titles.
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
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Join us for our November Industry Guest Speaker event! This month we will talk with Jeremy Moncauskas, Senior Level Designer at WB Games.
Saturday, November 14, 2026
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Illini Esports Invitational
RecurringIt's time once again for our annual Illini Esports Invitational! This will be a two day event with player registration and community event participation information coming soon.
Sunday, November 15, 2026
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Illini Esports Invitational
RecurringIt's time once again for our annual Illini Esports Invitational! This will be a two day event with player registration and community event participation information coming soon.
Thursday, December 3, 2026
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Join us for our December industry event with special Guest Speaker Shad Bradbury, Animator with Pixar Animations Studios. Shad Bradbury has worked in animation for over 20 years. He has worked at studios like Pixar, Sony, Tippet, and Rhythm and Hues. Some of his better known credits include, "Elio", "Coco", "Finding Dory", "Inside Out", and "Hotel Transylvania."
Friday, December 4, 2026
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The Fall 2026 Game Studies and Design Showcase will feature a day of play-testing for students to share their new games, designs, and game components. An agenda for the full day and keynote speaker will be announced soon!
Wednesday, January 27, 2027
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Ring in the new year by joining us for our community building January Industry Guest Speaker Event! We will hear from New York Times bestselling writer, artist, creative director and all around professional maker-upper, Tim Seeley, who is also the creator of SyFy channels' "The Revival."
Tuesday, February 16, 2027
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At the February Industry Guest Speaker event, we will speak with VFX Artist Lisa Starc, Principal VFX Artist, at Monumental. Lisa Starc is a highly technical real time VFX artist with 20+ years of experience in the video game industry. Based in Austin, Texas, she has worked as a VFX artist at Netflix Games, Boss Fight Entertainment, Amazon Games, and High Voltage Software.
Wednesday, March 10, 2027
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Please join us for a presentation and discussion with Mitch Cronin, Senior Tech Producer, Santa Monica Studio. Mitch Cronin is a Senior Producer and Release Manager with nearly 19 years of game development experience. He's worked on the development side as well as publishing. Over his long career he has worked on AAA titles as well as indie titles.
Wednesday, April 21, 2027
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Welcome to our April Industry Guest Speaker event! This month we will hear from Melissa Austin, Senior Manager, Technical Art - Pokémon GO at Niantic, Inc. Melissa Austin has worked in the games industry for over 14 years, with dedicated experience in game engine technology and product development. She is highly effective at teaching complicated game engine technology a
Friday, April 30, 2027
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The Spring 2027 Game Studies and Design Showcase will feature a day of play-testing for students to share their new games, designs, and game components. An agenda for the full day and keynote speaker will be announced soon!
