Tyler had another successful VRMLCon in Denver! I won't be able to write much about the things that actually happened at the event this year since I wasn't' able to be there (thanks, Microsoft outage). I do have plenty of photos though, so unless Dave jumps on here to write this post, they'll have to tell the story. The main thing you should know is that this is a really big deal. Tyler and his team once again put in countless hours to put this event together, and it all went very smoothly. This was the second year he's done this, as you know, but they were without their most popular game, Echo Arena. Last year was the first and last time Echo would be in this event because Meta put an end to it. Echo was what brought the majority of the crowd to the event last year, so they weren't quite sure how it would be without that popular game. Luckily though, the other games have plenty of fans as well, and they ended up filling the room again. Here is Tyler in his element!
Here is a behind the scenes look at the room. they changed up a few things this year including the orientation of the stages and an improved lighting setup, but the desk that Dave and Tyler built last year was front and center once again.
This desk has been living in our shed all year, which is where it's likely to stay until Tyler is done running this event. Who knows though, it might be something he incorporates into other jobs in the future.
There was a team of people involved in the planning once again this year, and Tyler even recruited a few people from home to come up to Denver to help. His buddies Max, John, and Jeremy, all who were former RMTV leaders in their time. Jeremy had a ton of equipment that was useful for this event, so he and Tyler sort of traded each other services in a partnership. Tyler did some live streaming of robotics events for Jeremy and in return, he loaned Tyler this equipment and helped out with this event. John ran the video cameras and Max helped with elements of the production. He is proving to be quite an amazing leader, and we couldn't be more proud.
The amount of planning and organization that goes into coordinating and running an event like this is pretty astounding. He's added a number of new elements to the event based on what he learned last year, and because of the differences given the games that were there this year. Instead of Echo, there were 4 different games, all shooter style games. He wasn't as familiar with those games as he was with Echo, so he had to learn them all to be able to make the different graphics and appropriately coordinate things for live game play.
You'll see that many of those involved are wearing headsets with microphones. These were used so that all of those on the production team are able to communicate with one another throughout the event. This year, they recorded their "behind the scenes" chatter, and Tyler shared that video with us. I thought it was really interesting to listen to various parts of the event, hearing Tyler's voice while he was making decisions, guiding his team and making sure things went smoothly.
Take a listen and see if it gives you an idea of how it all works. You'll hear a variety of voices, and the ones you hear the loudest are the commentators who are calling the action during the game. You'll hear the support team in the background here and there throughout.
This shows what the room looked like with spectators watching the players on stage.
At the end the event, they crowned the champions for each game. Tyler had to make a lot of different graphics for the event, including a champion slide for each team so they had one available no matter who won.
It was fun to listen to the last few minutes of the audio of the event to hear how the production team closed out the first day. I also loved seeing Tyler's name roll through the credits as Director of the event. Proud mom!
This team had much to celebrate at the end of the event. They put in a ton of work, communicating regularly from their homes around the country, each with their roles to make it all happen. Tyler works the most closely with David (to his right), who he has become good friends with over these years working together. It is so impressive to see what these young adults were able to pull off again this year. I'm sorry I couldn't be there to see it all happen, but I'm no less proud of this huge accomplishment. Nice work Ty!
Here's a video clip from the event of the MC giving Tyler and the production team props.
Dave and his friends went out afterwards to celebrate as well. Dave and Tyler were very grateful to Jason and Rachel for being willing to haul so much of Tyler's equipment up to Denver for him. That saved them money and the hassle of hauling a trailer. Dave is very lucky to have a friend like Jason.
On another note....while Tyler was working, Dave and his friends did get away to watch a Rockies game (maybe even two games?) on a beautiful summer night. They had some great seats!
Thanks to Jason and Rachel for their help, and for keeping Dave company in Denver.
