Right now, your friends can't stop talking about Pokémon Go, but the next viral video game sensation is always just a few months away from soaking up the majority of your free time. You might find it (and be able to play it) during the annual Bit Bash alternative gaming festival, which gathers a selection of more than 40 independent video games and their developers. This year, the event is setting up at Revel Fulton Market on Saturday, August 13 for an entire evening of interactive fun.
Organizers promise a diverse lineup of games and interactive art experiences at this year's Bit Bash, including virtual reality experiences, adults-only games and more. A preliminary lineup of titles that will be available to play includes Regular Human Basketball, which tasks 2–10 players with controlling unwieldy, basketball-playing machines. The Wild Eternal, described as a "first-person foggy hiking game and mythic wildlife encounter sim," is another interesting game to be demoed. Local developers will also showcase games at the event, including Culture Shock Games, which will bring We Are Chicago, an adventure game that explores the effect of violence on the city's South and West sides.
With even more titles to be announced, you can look forward to even more strange and unique games at this year's Bit Bash. Tickets are on sale now ($25 in advance, $30 at the door) and include access to food trucks and live music. As usual, a portion of proceeds from the event supports Chicago Loot Drop, an organization that collects toys and games for children in area hospitals.
For a preview of some of the games you'll be able to play at Bit Bash, check out the retro-themed trailer below.