Philly Dev Night Gives Gamers a Place to Play

Every Thursday at 7p.m. in Philadelphia, gamers come together to design, create and play games. It’s called Philly Dev Night and the group has been quietly creating a supportive, exciting indie gaming scene in Philly.

It all started when Will of Cipher Prime Studios and Shawn of OriGaminc wanted to hang out and have fun while also work shopping the various game ideas they had. So the two friends scheduled a regular day and time every week and they invited a few other friends. Now, Philly Game Night is a force to be reckoned with in the indie gaming scene. Along with the weekly development night, they host monthly Game Jams, charity events, tournaments and a book club.

Shawn Pierre's bluffing card game, These French Fires Are Terrible Hot Dogs was developed at PDN — Shawn Pierre’s bluffing card game, These French Fires Are Terrible Hot Dogs was developed at PDN

Philly Dev Night is held in the Cipher Prime Studios in Old City. At first glance, Dev Night might look more like a house party—lots of people, lots of laughing and trash talking over game tables. The event is open is everyone: writers, programmers, designers, even if you’re not working on a game, hanging out is strongly encouraged.

Resistor, a strategy card game, was developed by Cardboard Fortress

Many of the best Philly games have their origins at Philly Dev Night, including Cipher Prime’s high intensity Sixteen Seconds and Cardboard Fortress’ strategy card game Resistor.

Cipher Prime's musical video game Pulse as made at PDN — Cipher Prime’s musical video game Pulse as made at PDN

Video Game DJ is going to profile some of these local creators over the next few weeks. If you know a game designer that deserves our love, let me know at @bethanneboyle. In the meantime, go make friends with the gang this Thursday at 7 pm. Check out more info at the Philly Dev Night website.