ARC-ing Narratives
On Thursday, October 9th, the American Resource Center hosted the opening of the program by the Serbian Gaming Association (SGA) called Playing Narratives, between 6 and 9 PM.
The event, supported by 3Lateral (part of Epic Games) and Nordeus, was attended by over 40 people — predominantly young professionals in the fields of programming, design, concept artwork, and more.
Playing Narratives aims to empower young creators to further hone their skills — not just in game design, but in communication and networking as well. By equipping participants with both technical and soft skills, the American Resource Center seeks to help bring forth socially relevant and engaging game concepts.
The project aligns with ARC’s goals by embracing collaborative methodologies inspired by U.S.-based practices. Participants will take part in workshops modeled on successful American frameworks, fostering skills such as critical thinking and cross-cultural dialogue. By empowering local communities, the project promotes shared values of education, innovation, and problem-solving — reinforcing U.S.-Serbia relations.
On October 9th, the audience was greeted by Kristina Janković Obućina, Senior Ecosystem Manager at SGA, and Sava Minić, an experienced game designer and Game Jam organizer from Nordeus.
Participants also took part in a short Q&A session with two Playing Narratives alumni, who showcased their achievements both in their professional fields and personal projects.
Following the presentations and speeches, attendees had the chance to relax, unwind, and mingle in the latter part of the event. They explored Ložionica, visited ARC, and discussed multiple topics in a more informal atmosphere — exchanging ideas right from the start.
What’s next?
After the kickoff event, participants will take part in 16 lectures, 4 mentoring sessions, and team-based work with industry experts. The program will conclude with a public exhibition, where teams will present their projects to an international jury.
All in all, Playing Narratives had a more than solid opening at ARC — and we at team ARC are thrilled to collaborate and contribute to the program over the next eight months!
