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MULTIPLAYER AND
MOBILE GAME LEADERS TO SPEAK AT
AUSTIN GAME CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 9-10, 2004
Sony, Microsoft and Leading Game
Companies Headline
2004 Online Game Development Conference
AUSTIN, Texas, June 16, 2004 –
The Austin Game Initiative
today announced details of the 2004 Austin Game Conference (AGC), to
be held September 9-10, 2004, at the Austin Convention Center. The
critically acclaimed conference will begin with a unique event
special to the Austin Game Conference as Microsoft and Sony will
take the stage and deliver a shared keynote: “Massively Multiplayer
Console Is Coming”. Scott Henson, Director, Platform Strategy,
Microsoft Xbox will discuss Microsoft’s approach to bringing MMOGs
to the Xbox and Glen Van Datta, Director of Online Technology, Sony
Computer Entertainment will discuss Sony’s PlayStation strategy.
Separately, Professor of Economics Edward Castronova will provide a
keynote on digital economies.
The 2004 Austin Game Conference will
deliver critical information on developing multiplayer and massively
multiplayer games as well as mobile games for industry professionals
with special emphasis on next-generation technologies and business
strategies for emerging products and platforms. The unique program
will consist of panel sessions and workshops for consoles, PCs and
mobile game devices plus a technology pavilion so developers,
technologists and business professionals can network in a relaxed
atmosphere. In
addition to the special Sony and Microsoft shared keynote discussing
the future of massively multiplayer console gaming, the packed
schedule will include 48 sessions across six tracks from veterans
including Sony Online, Microsoft, NCSoft, Ubisoft, Electronic Arts,
Red Storm, Disney, Monolith, Turbine, Taldren, Mythic and others.
“As the third largest region in the
United States for game development, Austin is once again pleased to
host the most innovative creative and business minds in game
development from around the world,” said Christopher V. Sherman,
executive director of the Austin Game Initiative. “With more than
850 people at last year's event the Austin Game Conference has
earned the reputation as the definitive conference for multiplayer
game development. We look forward to a larger event this year.”
Special Features:
The Austin Game Conference will
provide attendees with an opportunity to attend special sessions
that focus on the latest PC and console tools, hardware and
technologies to streamline the design processes. Conference tracks
are designed to allow individuals to pursue their specialized
interests, learn from industry leaders and scout out the latest
technology (track details below). Once again, the Austin Game
Initiative and Criterion Software have teamed up to produce
LivePitch GameON!, a
matchmaking initiative that provides an opportunity for developers
to meet with and pitch PC and console game demos to the world's
leading publishers.
Austin Game Conference Highlights:
• Multiplayer Online Games Tracks –
Discussions with visionaries and veterans, providing detailed
insight with four tracks: Tech, Design, Service and Production. The
definitive conference on multiplayer online games.
• Future of the
Development Pipeline - Focuses on streamlining the design process.
With the length of today’s development cycle don’t be left behind.
Includes PC and console focuses.
• Mobile Market Design and Profits -
Revenues and profits are just now being realized. Understand this
fragmented market and the opportunities. Learn how to get product
out the door and make a profit.
• LivePitch GameON! -
Developer/Publisher Pitch Sessions - Independent developers vie to
pitch with leading publishers at the show.
• Technology Pavilion - Showcasing the
latest tools, technologies, products and services. The only place to
nationally showcase until next year. Booths and/or private meeting
rooms available.
• Machinima Theater - Machinima is the
convergence of filmmaking, animation and game development. By
combining the techniques of filmmaking, the flexibility of animation
production and the technology of real-time 3D game engines,
Machinima makes for a very cost- and time-efficient way to produce
films.
Registration Information
Early Registration for the two-day
event is now open and can be accessed by logging on to
http://www.gameconference.com . Early registration for
professionals prior to August 15 is $125. After August 15th the
price is $145 for professionals. Onsite registration price is $175
for professionals. Early registration for students prior to August
15 is $85. After August 15th the price is $110 for students. Onsite
registration price is $135 for students. One day passes are also
available. Conference Registration gains access to the AGC,
technology pavilion and the
Women’s
Game Conference which runs concurrently with the Austin Game
Conference.
About The Game Initiative
The Game Initiative is chartered with
the growth of the computer and video game industry by serving the
needs of companies and individuals involved in producing interactive
entertainment software and hardware for video game consoles,
handheld devices, personal computers and the Internet. The Game
Initiative assists in growing the game industry through events,
public awareness, information and supporting programs. Game
Initiative events include the Austin Game Conference, the Women’s
Game Conference and the How to Break into the Game Industry national
conference series. More information about the Game Initiative can be
found at
http://www.TheGameInitiative.com or
http://www.GameConferences.com
For more information:
Steve Farrer
512-415-8300
steve@GameConference.com
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