20th July 2009

Leadership Development Forum Opens

Seattle – I will be making several shorter update-like posts over the next two days, as time and battery power allows. As many of you know, I am in Seattle at the Women In Games Leadership Development Forum, followed by the Casual Connect Conference.

We are currently enjoying a luncheon at the Triple Door while Megan Gaiser, President and CEO of HeR Interactive presents a keynote address on the importance of leadership. A very entertaining and engaging presentation, Megan emphasized the importance of mentoring and developing talent, as well as encouraging girls to consider game development as a career choice. Megan gave a brief history of HeR Interactive, and then went on to talk about the Nancy Drew franchise and how it has helped to draw women into the industry. She also went over business culture and how studios can further develop the working. Several excellent questions followed Megan’s presentation which looked at different aspects of girls and women in gaming. I personally liked Megan’s statement at the end of her presentation  – “Creative Opportunities are Limitless!” …and so they are. It has been said before that we are only limited by our imagination.

I’m looking forward to a very educational and entertaining forum, and as I said above I will post updates when possible. For those unable to attend, the Forum is being streamed live at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/leadership-development-forum

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20th July 2009

Chris Crawford on Interactive Storytelling


Chris Crawford on Interactive Storytelling
Author: Chris Crawford
New Riders Games October 2004
Paperback: 384 pages

As a writer, this book opened up a whole new pattern of thinking for me. The information Mr. Crawford conveys in this publication is invaluable to any writer seeking to break into new areas-particularly gaming and other applications utilizing interactive storytelling. Writing for this genre requires a whole different mindset from traditional genres and Mr. Crawford succeeds at moving the reader towards that mindset.

Time and again I see in game reviews how a particular game has “awesome graphics and great gameplay but the story and dialogue” were severely lacking. With Mr. Crawford’s extensive experience in the gaming industry, he very capable gives aspiring writers every tool he or she will need to get a very good start in the industry. Throughout the book, he stresses how important it is for the “artsie” thinkers (the writers & artists) to work together with the “techie” thinkers (the programmers) and I think this is a valuable lesson that many current game producers have yet to learn. Mr. Crawford reminds the entire programming industry that one sector of development cannot succeed without the other. He more than adequately investigates and chronicles how the different development teams can work together and bridge the “communication” gap between the “artsies” and the “techies.”
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20th July 2009

Global Game Jam 2010 Announced

Global Game JamSan Francisco – The Global Game Jam™ (GGJ) today announced the 2010 Global Game Jam and is looking for additional venues to grow this year. With 1650 participants last year across 14 different time zones and 54 venues including SFU Harbour Centre in Vancouver, the GGJ produced 370 games in just 48 hours. For 2010, the goal is to triple the size of the event to 150 locations and more than 3,000 participants. The 2010 GGJ will take place January 29-31, 2010.

“We’re looking to make the 2010 Global Game Jam even more global, with more games, more people, more interaction, more fun, innovation and creativity,” said Susan Gold, founder of the Global Game Jam. “Now is when we’re starting the search for new venues, leaders and sponsors to grow the event and draw attention to the amazing diversity and talent in game development around the world.”

Game Jams foster innovation and experimentation. If you have ever wanted to make a game, be a part of a team, or go outside of your usual working method, then a game jam is for you. It’s all about making games and in the GGJ you’re part of a global experiment in creativity. A game jam is not for the faint of heart though. It’s two days of hard work, experimentation, little sleep, collaboration, cramped quarters, new friends, great idea, laughs, technical issues and the time of your life.
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