Chicago’s Interactive Arts Festival

Bit Bash showcases an international collection of independently developed video games by hosting interactive gallery events.

We remain committed to the original mission that gathered us together: to showcase a highly-curated collection of interactive artworks that enrich and foster the indie community. Bit Bash does not gain commercial interest by hosting these galleries, but holds them purely for the education of public interest.

Our curation team selects experiences that are defined by, but not limited to:

  • Offering unique controllers or experiences that cannot be enjoyed at home
  • Promoting community, artistic statement, or unique perspective
  • Demonstrating a great amount of passion and work from an independent developer

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Volunteer-Driven

We’re very passionate about video games and interactive art as a medium. We know personally how hard people work to develop them. Our volunteers are often indie developers that share this empathy and work hard to secure any equipment a game may require so that it is accessible to the public. Helping attendees of all kinds explore these experiences, learn more about the indie community and create an easy-going atmosphere with the help of our partners.

Honestly, it takes a village. Which is why we partnered with our fiscal sponsor Video Game Art Foundation. They handle our nonprofit governance so we can focus on bringing unique games to unique spaces with minimal friction for attendees, volunteers, and staff.

Advisory Committee

  • Brice Puls
  • Lena Roberson
  • Patrick McCarron
  • Jamie Sanchez

Staff Volunteers

  • Jason Hinman
  • Zac Bruin
  • Aaron Gelblat-Bronson
  • Deborah Mathis

9 years in the making…

Bit Bash was founded April 13, 2014. Many of our volunteers past and present met via Indie City Games, a larger umbrella of Chicago’s indie-focused initiatives at the time. This group organized regular meetings, providing a safe space for fellow independent developers to discuss culture, community, assist – and to showcase their work. We’re extremely honored to be among so many interactive artists and teachers, who focus on not only their work, but also educating and promoting indie game culture in Chicagoland, the Midwest, and beyond.

Thank you to our volunteers, partners and attendees for helping us continue this amazing opportunity for independent developers and artists!