Latest news with #RAGBRAI52
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
DSM gamers spend weekend designing games for Global Game Jam
DES MOINES, Iowa — Gamers from around the metro gathered to design a game, but they only had 48 hours. This weekend gamers of all varieties gathered at Gravitate for a weekend of creativity and design as they worked to create analog or digital games based off of a surprise theme. The competition began on Friday at 5 p.m., when the theme was announced, from there teams broke away and began composing their game. 'The goal is that by 2 p.m. on Sunday, you have something to present to the whole group, whether it's a video game or a board game. You know, every year we have folks put together all sorts of interesting themes,' said Joe Roth the owner of the Dealt Hand. This year's theme is 'Bubble' and Roth says the variety of interpretations has been amazing. Tri for a Cause event helps support girls' athletics 'We've got a lot of games doing different takes on what a bubble might be,' said Roth. 'A lot of fun, like kind of like a cryptocurrency manipulation game that folks are working on, there's a game about like people kind of like creating and running around by pop of bubbles.' While some might feel the pressure of the event, Roth says it creates an atmosphere that is focused on gaming and where no idea is a bad one. 'What's really fun is that making a game feels really intimidating sometimes and being here, you're able to dedicate a 48-hour window to working with folks who also want to do that,' said Roth. 'There's no right or wrong answers in games as long as you make something that you're proud of and you had fun with it.' The competition comes to a close at 2 p.m. on Sunday when the groups present their games to the other participants. Once the games are presented the groups converse and talk about their ideas, how it was possible, and pick favorites. While no award is given, the favorite games are uploaded to the Global Game Jam organization so others can view the work. RAGBRAI 52 announces 2025 route Roth and several others helped bring back the Game Jam three years ago, in an attempt to bring together people in a creative outlet after the effects of COVID 19. 'Well, let's go ahead and do that. Make sure this Jam happens, gives folks a space to be creative and get together for the weekend, and then go on their merry way,' said Roth. Those looking to learn more about game design in a more relaxed setting are invited to attend the game design meetings held on the last Tuesday of each month at Gravitate from 6 to 9 p.m. To learn more about the Global Game Jam and read about some of games designed click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
IDP Chair talks 2026 plan, state and federal economic policy
DES MOINES, Iowa — After what Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart has described as a disappointing 2024 election cycle, the party once again re-elected her as chair earlier this month. Now, with the Trump administration in office and Iowa's 91st General Assembly well underway, Hart is looking at ways Iowa Democrats can be hopeful for the future. 'There is a big change between where we are as a party today than where we were two years ago when I started as chair,' said Hart. '…and I told folks regardless of what the results were of the election, we have made tremendous progress and that is success in itself…we've been able to really think about all the things that need to be done between now and 2026.' Iowa Democrats lost three Iowa House seats and one Iowa Senate seat, and the party did not flip one of Iowa's four congressional districts. Hart talked about the financial footing for the party getting solidified over the last two years and Iowa Democrats saw a growing volunteer base after Vice President Kamala Harris took over the top of the ticket. Al Roker visits DSM patients ahead Rally Against Cancer benefit Hart believes that with the party in what she considers good standing, the party has an opportunity to message party priorities around the state. 'We have a lot of rural democrats,' said Hart. 'I live out in a very rural area. We are very concerned about what's happening in the state of Iowa as a result of the Reynolds administration. The fact that our population is shifting from the rural areas to the urban areas is concerning. The fact that we don't have hospitals close to us, that some of them are closing down, that not everybody who lives in a rural area can get to a grocery store in a reasonable fashion. These are the things that we don't have accessible, and affordable child care. These are the issue I am talking to rural Iowans about.' RAGBRAI 52 announces 2025 route Hart discussed federal policy and Trump tariffs, highlighting how it might impact the Iowa farmer and Iowa consumer. And even though Iowa voted for Trump and re-elected all four of the incumbent Congressional Republicans, there is still a role for the Iowa Democrats to push for policy that will benefit those in the state. 'Just because you are in the majority and you have the power doesn't necessarily mean that what you are trying to get done is good for all of Iowa,' said Hart. 'So it's up to the minority to make sure that those voices are being heard.' Hart pointed to 2026 as even bigger than 2024 elections, with four congressional races again, a U.S. Senate race and a gubernatorial election. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
