Finding and Building Community: Renée DeVivo, BSGDD ‘29

I love the community in the Bachelor’s in Game Design and Development program. Everyone is always so vibrant and interesting.

 
Renée DeVivo, a Game Design and Development major from Anthem, Arizona, has found both community and creativity in the College of Information Science. From leading Dungeons & Dragons campaigns to composing music for games, Renée is passionate about building connections and telling stories through interactive experiences.

What brought you to the University of Arizona?

Coming in undecided, the Strategic Alternative Learning Technologies (SALT) Center brought me to the U of A. When I came to campus for my tour, one of the representatives mentioned that they were trying to get a Dungeons & Dragons campaign set up with the Disability Resource Center. I knew I had found my people—for my support system and my friends. Now, I run Dungeons & Dragons at the D217 Student Space!

What area of game design and development most interests you?

I have always wanted to create music since I was a little kid. Growing up, I realized that I wanted to make music for games specifically. I love how the music of games can really sell the designers’ vision, and I am so excited to carry out my visions for my own games through my music.
 

What do you like best about the Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development?

I love the community in the BSGDD program. Everyone is always so vibrant and interesting.

What has been your biggest challenge at Arizona, and how have you overcome that challenge?

My biggest challenge at the university has been managing my schoolwork and studying. I used to not have to study in high school; I would perform well on tests without it, but now I am learning that all studying can do is help me. Managing schoolwork has also been challenging while working a part-time job. One of my goals this year is to improve my work-life balance.

What has been your biggest challenge outside of school?

My biggest challenge outside of school has been navigating my mental health. I have been working on myself for many years, but the work is never-ending. You don’t learn something and then know that forever, like in video games. I have been coming to terms with the fact that my learning is never-ending as well.
 

Tell us about your current work, as well as your career aspirations.

Currently, I work as an undergraduate assistant at the D217 Student Space, formerly known as the Disability Cultural Center and part of the Student Culture and Engagement Hub, where I run weekly Dungeons and Dragons sessions. 

My career goal is to wear all the hats of indie game development, with an emphasis in music and level design.

What student organizations or other extracurricular activities are you involved with?

I am the outreach and GDC officer for the Game Dev Club (Discord link) on campus! It is my job to make sure everyone feels welcome at club meetings and to form partnerships with other clubs, as well as to get the members of the club to the Game Developers Conference in March. I love Game Dev Club so much, as it is a great place to make friends and connections within the Tucson development community.

I am also part of the UA Derby Cats on campus! Joining roller derby has been a great experience, as it has allowed me to come out of my shell and play a sport for the first time.

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What are your passions outside of school?

Outside of school, I love to skate, cosplay on occasion, go on quests and make and play games (either tabletop or video games). I am passionate about making communities and telling queer stories in video games.

What advice do you have for prospective InfoSci students?

Attend clubs for your interests! I know I’ve already plugged Game Dev Club, but it’s truly such a great community. I hope to see you there!
   

Follow Renée’s game design and development at rebornrival.itch.io. And learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development, now offered online as well as on campus.