MAGIC

Unreal Engine Miami - Meetup @ MAGIC
2024-09-11 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | MAGIC Open Lab – Building 8, Room 8108, 315 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL, 33132, United States
Details
Join us for an evening dedicated to all things game development and design at Unreal Engine Miami. Whether you’re a seasoned game designer, an independent game developer working on your passion project, a 3D artist fascinated by virtual worlds, or a game design enthusiast eager to learn more, we want you to stop by. We’ll have time at the end of the meetup (if you feel inspired) to share something you’re working on or have learned recently.

Schedule
7:00pm — Doors open, mingle with guests
7:20pm — Start of event, opening segment by host
7:30pm — Start of scheduled lightning talks (10-15 min per talk)
8:30pm — Open announcements – open segment for anyone to make announcements, show demos, works in progress, etc
9:00pm — End of event (hard stop, building closes at 9pm), head to Julia & Henry’s for continued conversations
⚡ Lightning Talk #1
⚡ Lightning Talk #2
Topic and Speaker (announced shortly)
⚡ Lightning Talk #3
Topic and Speaker (announced shortly)
⚡ Lightning Talk #4
⚡ Lightning Talk #5

Open Announcements
– Are you stuck with a problem in your project, and looking for suggestions?
– Any tips you’ve learned and want to share?
– An upcoming event you want to promote?
– Are you hiring, looking to be hired, or just want to introduce yourself?
Feel free to share with the audience during the open announcements segment!

Want to speak next month?
We’re looking for community-sourced lightning talk topics. Please send the host a direct message if you’d like to give a 10-minute lightning talk on a topic covering game development or design.

MDC SPORTS - SMASH BROS Competition Game
2024-09-23 18:00 - 19:00, 2024-09-30 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | TWITCH – www.twitch.tv/magic_mdc
Tune in for our Weekly Smash Bros. and Valorant Esports Showdown! Watch our talented teams take on fierce competition in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Valorant, showcasing their skills and strategic prowess. Each week, experience high-energy matches and thrilling gameplay as our squads aim for victory. Join us to support our teams, enjoy intense battles, and be part of the action in the ultimate gaming experience!

MDC ESPORTS - VALORANT Competition Game
2024-09-24 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | TWITCH – www.twitch.tv/magic_mdc

MDC ESPORTS - VALORANT Competition Game
2024-10-01 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-10-08 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | https://www.twitch.tv/esports_mdc, https://www.twitch.tv/esports_mdc, Miami, FL, 33132, United States
Tune in for our Weekly Smash Bros. and Valorant Esports Showdown! Watch our talented teams take on fierce competition in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Valorant, showcasing their skills and strategic prowess. Each week, experience high-energy matches and thrilling gameplay as our squads aim for victory. Join us to support our teams, enjoy intense battles, and be part of the action in the ultimate gaming experience!
Streaming @ Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/esports_mdc

MDC SPORTS - SMASH BROS Competition Game
2024-10-07 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | https://www.twitch.tv/esports_mdc, https://www.twitch.tv/esports_mdc, Miami, FL, 33132, United States

Town Hall - October
2024-10-10 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | MAGIC Incubator – Building 8, Room 8119, 315 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL, 33132, United States
Students currently enrolled in the MAGIC program, or a MAGIC faculty or staff member will have the chance to voice their opinions, concerns, or suggestions to improve our academic program.
This special session will be moderated by Ms. Ana Cruz and Ms. Brenna Verner in Room 8106. We hope to see you then.

MDC ESPORTS - Overwatch Mini Clash!
2024-10-17 13:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Esports Wolfson Campus – Building 1, Room 1157, 300 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, 33132, United States
Join us for Overwatch Mini Clash, an exhilarating event where teamwork and strategy take center stage! Watch as top teams battle it out in dynamic 5v5 matches, showcasing their favorite heroes and innovative tactics. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, this event promises thrilling gameplay, nail-biting moments, and the chance to see epic plays unfold. Engage with fellow fans, cheer for your favorite teams, and immerse yourself in the vibrant Overwatch community. Don’t miss out on this action-packed showdown—let’s see which heroes will rise to the challenge!
Streaming @ Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/esports_mdc

MDC ESPORTS - Trick or Treat: Esports Edition
2024-10-30 11:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Esports Wolfson Campus – Building 1, Room 1157, 300 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, 33132, United States
Get ready for a spooktacular time at our Trick or Treat Esports Bash! Join us for a Halloween-themed gaming extravaganza filled with thrilling matches, exciting giveaways, and festive fun. Dress up in your favorite costumes and compete in various games for a chance to win treats and prizes!
Throughout the event, enjoy mini-games, community challenges, and a haunted leaderboard where the best players will earn spooky rewards. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a competitive pro, this is the perfect way to celebrate Halloween with friends and fellow gamers. Don’t miss out on the chance to trick your opponents and treat yourself to an unforgettable night of esports action!
Streaming @ Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/esports_mdc

2024 MAGIC Halloween Pizza Party
2024-10-31 15:00 - 19:00 UTC | MAGIC Screening Room – Building 8, Room 8106, 315 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL, 33132, United States
Join us for MAGIC’s Halloween Pizza Party and celebrate and interact with students, faculty and staff. Enter to compete in our Halloween Costume & Art Contest. There will be music, plenty of PIZZA (of course), drinks, treats, karaoke, dancing and more. Learn how to “thriller dance” and join our flash mob at the event!
Halloween Art Work & Costume Contests with Special Prizes
ART WORK CONTEST
Submission date for Art Work: Oct 24th, 2024
ART WORK CRITERIA

Halloween Themed Art Work (PG 13)
Still Image
HD: 1920 X 1080
Resolution: 72-300 dpi

Selection of winner: The Art Work winner will be selected by a vote from the MAGIC Staff on September 31st and announced at the end of event.
COSTUME CONTEST

Costume contest sign up (sign in sheet) upon arrival at event

GRAND PRIZE: $100 GIFT CARD for BEST COSTUME
Selection of winner: The Costume winner will be selected by the MAGIC Halloween committee and announced at the end of event.

Last year at the Halloween Pizza Party ….

2024 MAGIC Halloween Hackathon
2024-11-01 18:00 - 2024-11-02 18:00 UTC | Miami Dade College – Chapman Center, Building 3, 300 NE 2nd Avenue, MIAMI, FL, 33132, United States
The 2024 MAGIC Halloween Hackathon will be held from November 1st, 2024 at 6:00 pm to November 2nd, 2024 at 6:00 pm. It is a 24-hour event hosted by the MDC MAGIC Club at the Wolfson campus in downtown Miami. This live event invites middle school, high school and college students from all educational institutions in South Florida to create a game, animation, or immersive simulation within 24 hours in order to foster creativity and community in Miami. Food, drinks, and fun activities will be provided to all participants, with amazing prizes awarded to the best projects. Please register for the event by filling out the form below before October 15th. This event is FREE to all students. We look forward to seeing you there!

Event Information
Date and Time
Friday, November 1st, 2024 at 6:00 PM EDT to
Saturday, November 2nd, 2024 at 6:00 PM EDT
Registration Ends On October 25, 2024 / 11:59 PM EDT
FREE to all students from all educational institutions in South Florida
Location
Miami-Dade College Wolfson Campus
Building 3 – Room 3210 (Chapman Conference Center)
245 NE 4th Street, Miami, FL
Parking
Complimentary Parking in Building 7 Garage
Friday: 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Saturday: 6 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Wolfson Campus Map & Directions
Metro Mover Station: College Bayside
Contact Us
magic@mdc.edu or (305) 237-3560

Guest Judges
Jacob Patrick, Imagineer at Walt Disney Imagineers
Denise Mendez, Principal Engineer at Microsoft Mixed Reality
Alex Roque, Engineer at Microsoft
Prizes
2D/3D Game Dev Category
1st Place: Nintendo Switch (OLED)
2nd Place: Gaming Chair
2D/3D Animation Category
1st Place: Steam Deck
2nd Place: SSD drive
VR Game Dev Category
1st Place: Meta Quest 3
2nd Place: SSD drive

Please review the rules, elegibility and event information by downloading the “2024 MAGIC Halloween Hackathon Rules.”

Last year during the MAGIC Halloween Hackathon …

Holiday – Veterans Day
2024-11-11 08:00 - 17:00 UTC | Miami Animation & Gaming International Complex @ MDC, 315 NE 2nd Ave - Building 8, Miami, FL, 33132, United States

Holiday - Thanksgiving
2024-11-28 08:00 - 2024-11-29 17:00 UTC | Miami Animation & Gaming International Complex @ MDC, 315 NE 2nd Ave - Building 8, Miami, FL, 33132, United States

Fall Term - Last day of classes and final exams.
2024-12-13 08:00 - 17:00 UTC | Miami Animation & Gaming International Complex @ MDC, 315 NE 2nd Ave - Building 8, Miami, FL, 33132, United States

Fall Term - Final course grades available.
2024-12-16 08:00 - 17:00 UTC | Miami Animation & Gaming International Complex @ MDC, 315 NE 2nd Ave - Building 8, Miami, FL, 33132, United States

Winter Recess. The College will be closed for winter recess.
2024-12-23 08:00 - 2025-01-05 17:00 UTC | Miami Animation & Gaming International Complex @ MDC, 315 NE 2nd Ave - Building 8, Miami, FL, 33132, United States
Student Services offices open:

Thursday, January 2 | 10 am – 7 pm
Friday, January 3 | 10 am to 4:30 pm
Saturday, January 4 | 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Spring Term - Classes begin.
2025-01-06 08:00 - 17:00 UTC | Miami Animation & Gaming International Complex @ MDC, 315 NE 2nd Ave - Building 8, Miami, FL, 33132, United States

Holiday - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
2025-01-20 08:00 - 17:00 UTC | Miami Animation & Gaming International Complex @ MDC, 315 NE 2nd Ave - Building 8, Miami, FL, 33132, United States

Town Hall - February
2025-02-06 12:00 - 14:00 UTC | MAGIC Incubator – Building 8, Room 8119, 315 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL, 33132, United States
Students currently enrolled in the MAGIC program, or a MAGIC faculty or staff member will have the chance to voice their opinions, concerns, or suggestions to improve our academic program.
This special session will be moderated by Ms. Brenna Verner in Room 8119. We hope to see you then.

Holiday – Presidents’ Day
2025-02-17 08:00 - 17:00 UTC | Miami Animation & Gaming International Complex @ MDC, 315 NE 2nd Ave - Building 8, Miami, FL, 33132, United States

Art of Tech Speaker’s Series – Mark Diaz, Lead Game Programmer at Insomniac Games
2025-02-25 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | MAGIC Screening Room – Building 8, Room 8106, 315 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL, 33132, United States
MAGIC’s Art of Tech series empowers, elevates and inspires innovation within the growing digital technologies industry. The speaker series brings together a wide spectrum of executive level professionals in the areas of Computer Animation, Gaming, Visual Effects, Motion Graphics, Virtual and Augmented Reality.

Guest Speaker – Mark Diaz, Lead Gameplay Programmer
Since graduating from Full Sail University in 2014, Mark Diaz has gone on to contribute to some of the biggest games of the last decade, including id Software’s massively successful revitalization of the DOOM franchise and Insomniac’s Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. A Lead Gameplay Programmer at Insomniac Games and currently in development on Marvel’s Wolverine, Mark’s road to success didn’t come without its hurdles.
Mark studied game development at Full Sail university and graduated as valedictorian of his class. He joined Insomniac Games as a Lead Gameplay Programmer in February 2022, where he shipped Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and is currently working on Marvel’s Wolverine. In his current role at Insomniac, he is responsible for direct technical contributions and team management, balancing programming work with managing, mentoring, and caring for the well-being of his team members. A U.S. Navy veteran, Mark landed his first industry job as a Gameplay Programmer at id Software, where he worked for eight years on the award-winning titles DOOM, DOOM VFR, DOOM Eternal, and The Ancient Gods part 1 and 2 DLC. Mark has traveled the country working conventions such as E3, PAX and QuakeCon in support of ZeniMax/Bethesda’s VR development initiatives.

For more information, please call (305) 237-3560

Employee Retreat No Classes. The college will be open.
2025-03-06 08:00 - 17:00 UTC | Miami Animation & Gaming International Complex @ MDC, 315 NE 2nd Ave - Building 8, Miami, FL, 33132, United States

MDC MAGIC + FIU Articulation Agreement Information Session
2025-03-12 12:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | MAGIC Screening Room – Building 8, Room 8106, 315 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL, 33132, United States
MDC MAGIC + FIU Articulation Agreement Information Session
Florida International University’s Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media will host an information session fto provide information about the transfer pathway for MDC graduates of the Associate in Science (AS) in Animation and Game Art or the AS in Game Development and Design to pursue a Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree in Digital Communication and Media at FIU. Please make sure to attend this event if you’re interested in transferring to FIU to continue your studies.

The Agreement
Miami Dade College (MDC) and Florida International University (FIU) signed an articulation agreement that creates a seamless transfer pathway for MDC graduates of the Associate in Science (AS) in Animation and Game Art or the AS in Game Development and Design to pursue a Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree in Digital Communication and Media at FIU. Both MDC and FIU recognize the significant roles they each play as exemplars evolving successful transfer pathways, which have positively impacted student outcomes.
Students pursuing the AS degree at the Miami Animation & Gaming International Complex would matriculate at MDC for 4 semesters. Upon successful completion of the AS degree at MDC, MDC graduates would seamlessly enroll at FIU to complete the remaining 4 semesters of the BS in Digital Communication and Media. MDC students who transition to FIU under the terms of the Agreement will be required to complete any remaining General Education requirements at FIU or through approved accelerated credit mechanisms. MDC students must meet FIU’s transfer admission criteria for the catalog year when they first enrolled at MDC. MDC students must successfully complete the Foreign Language Graduation Requirement prior to enrolling at FIU. In addition to meeting FIU’s transfer admission criteria, students seeking admission to the Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media, must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.85.
FIU will accept major-specific courses completed at MDC to count toward the BS in Digital Communication and Media. Students are allowed no more than 12 credits of lower-division courses to count toward upper-division requirements, as stipulated by the Accrediting Council in Education in Journalism and Mass Communication, the Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media’s accrediting agency.

Both Animation & Game Art and Game Development & Design transfer maps to FIU are available for review by clicking here: MAGIC + FIU TRANSFER MAPS. For more information and further details about this agreement and transferring to FIU, please contact us at (305) 237-3560

Miami Animation Incentive Program - Information Session
2025-03-18 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | MAGIC Open Lab – Building 8, Room 8108, 315 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL, 33132, United States
Animation Incentive Program for Miami Animation Talent
The Miami Media Film Market (MMFM), CAMACOL, in collaboration with CareerSource South Florida and the Miami Animation & Gaming International Complex (MAGIC) at Miami-Dade College (MDC), is launching an innovative program to link our next generation of animation/gaming professionals, with animation companies worldwide.
The objective of this animation and training incentive program is to create jobs and opportunities for talented, emerging Miami gaming and animation professionals who are financially challenged. The program will provide participants with free, hands-on skills training and grant them the opportunity to work on local, national or international animation, gaming and visual effects projects. Training will be provided at MDC’s MAGIC. Work will be performed remotely, or onsite with local companies.
How to Submit Your Portfolio
Animators and Game Developers residing in the City of Miami can submit their portfolios and resume on the animation incentive program website: Creatives & Professionals. For further information, please contatct: info@creativesmiami.com

The Workshop at MAGIC
Join us on Tuesday March 18th at noon at the Miami Dade College’s Miami Animation & Gaming International Complex to learn about this exciting program for local talent, how to be part of it, how to submit your portolio and how the program works. Patricia Arias and Jose Luis Martinez, Founder and Co-Founder at the Miami Media and Film Market, will be at MAGIC to present the program and answer questions on ways y0u can participate.
For further information about the Miami Animation Incentive Program, please contact info@creativesmiami.com
Key Benefit for Employers

Financial incentive based on a reimbursement of the animator salary which is estimated to range between approximately 40% to 75% for the first 12 to 24 weeks of employment (This is Subject to negotiation with our workforce training partners).
Employers choose talent for their project from a talented, educated, pool of Miami based animators.
Ability to provide on-the-job training (OJT) / supervision either on-site or remotely.
Program is designed to increase productivity and improve workforce quality.
No-cost additional skills training at MDC Magic for qualified Miami based animators. Skills training is provided by CAMACOL through the City of Miami’s ARPA program. The skills training at Miami Dade College is for City of Miami Residents.

On Chains Creators - Future of the Creator Economy & Blockchain
2025-03-19 12:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | MDC AI Center, 300 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL, 33132, United States
The fusion of collectibles, gaming, blockchain, AR, and crypto is shaping the future of entertainment IPs. Digitally native brands are going mainstream, and new platforms are making these innovations accessible to all, creating huge opportunities for students skilled in interactive sciences, design, apparel, and blockchain development. The Creator Economy is moving on-chain, opening doors for founders, creators, and streamers.
Luca Netz, CEO of Pudgy Penguins, bought the brand at 23 and turned it into a top NFT project, aiming for a billion-dollar IP. With digital collectibles, toys in Walmart and Target ($15M+ sold), and gaming, it bridges Web2 and Web3. Backed by big VCs, Luca’s
Miami-based Igloo is launching Abstract—a blockchain for consumer crypto and creator discovery. Its user-friendly wallet, games, and apps let users earn rewards and explore top creators, including video streamers paid in crypto.
Venice Beach based Metapunkz, is the first Interactive Lifestyle Brand focused on Digital Creator accessibility, education & empowering action. With all streetwear and gear featuring AR artwork & animations by young global artists. Collectors can use 3D avatars for interactive skate experiences and social media filters. Metapunkz debuted at Miami’s Art Basel and launches with Abstract this year.

Join us Wednesday, March 19th at noon to explore opportunities in this cutting-edge space!
REGISTER HERE

Spring Break - College Closed
2025-03-24 08:00 - 2025-03-30 17:00 UTC | Miami Animation & Gaming International Complex @ MDC, 315 NE 2nd Ave - Building 8, Miami, FL, 33132, United States

The Pitch Event
2025-03-31 09:00 - 15:00 UTC | MAGIC Incubator – Building 8, Room 8119, 315 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL, 33132, United States

The Pitch Event – Industry @ MAGIC
2025-04-03 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | MAGIC Incubator – Building 8, Room 8119, 315 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL, 33132, United States

Esports - ARAM League of legends tournament 2-4PM
2025-04-03 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Esports Wolfson Campus – Building 1, Room 1157, 300 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, 33132, United States
Come to the Esports and show off your skills at the ARAM League of Legends. Tournament from 2 to 4PM! This event is open to all club members. Pizza, snacks and drinks will be available for sale. More information on our Discord.
