How a popular MMORPG made me a better developer
2022-07-15 , Wicklow Hall 1

Have you heard of the critically acclaimed MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV?

As an active player since 2015, I've used my "problem-solving programmer brain" to analyze my experiences in the world of Eorzea and apply them into important software lessons. From finding solutions to a housing crisis, to tracking cheaters, to networking with the president of Square Enix and applying the principles of (Y)MINASWAN, there's a lot to be learned through triumphs and failures as an MMO gamer. I will also talk about my experiences in the software community as a neurodivergent developer, and how gaming helped me break down barriers.


This talk will have special meaning for Final Fantasy fans, but anyone with nerdy non-coding hobbies should be able to enjoy it. The intended outcome is for attendees to see their own hobbies in a new light, where they can find their own abstract lessons.

MMO gaming is becoming a more mainstream hobby, and as a lifelong gamer, I have plenty of experiences and stories to share on how the genre helped my transformation from a shy bundle of nerves to a confident professional. I also have experience applying my problem solving skills from software development into solutions for the community to combat problems that arose within the game.


Expected audience expertise: Domain:

none

Expected audience expertise: Python:

some

Abstract as a tweet:

The journey of a neurodivergent developer who used gaming to help her navigate the software industry

A lifelong gamer, cat mom, and abstract thinker who discovered software development by writing scripts with python in her college years and never looked back. She lives in Cleveland, Ohio, with her friends and three cats. She brings her perspective of neurodivergence in coding with her six years of professional development.