Casual Games Conference

[Jim Buck]

Casual Games Conference (http://www.casualgamesconference.com/) - anyone from here going? (Gwertzman is, of course, but who else?)

[jessycat]

I'll be there!

Maybe I'm biased, but I think the conference will be relevant and a great place to network with other casual game developers.


Jessica Tams

[Jim Buck]

Ahh, yeah, well, you *are* on the list of speakers after all. :) Any insight as to the session names? There is nothing under "Schedule" at the moment. I'm trying to decide if this is worth my coming to.

[jessycat]

That list is actually the Advisory Board -- not the speaker list. None of us will actually be speaking ;)

We have not finished asking all our speakers -- but we already have a very good list of awesome speakers. Check back after E3 for topics and speaker bios.

Jessica

[Matthew]

I'm interested as well. Any ETA on a schedule posting, or as Jim mention, hints on the focus? The site mentions, "...for developers, publishers and distributors...", but no indication on how much material for each.

[jessycat]

Check back after E3 for topics and speaker bios.

Jessica

We are calling our speakers now -- we will post the speaker list and topics after E3.

[PoV]

After seeing this I was going to complain about why the casual/indie world all seems to revolve around Seattle. But after some research it seems Popcap, Real, and Dan MacDonald all seem to be there, so I'll shut my mouth now. :D

[Spaceman Spiff]

Not be picking a nit, but if you repeat the conference again next year, it would be nice to get all the info (sessions & tracks, hotels, etc) in place at least 90 days in advance. More lead time to make the decision to go or not and more time to make arrangements to get there (on the cheap preferred) for those of us not in the area.

[DFG]

This is going to be a fantastic conference and I think many issues of concern to developers will be addressed there.

Looking forward to meeting more of the community there.

[James C. Smith]

The speak list is now available
Speaker include:

Alex St. John, WildTangent
Andrew Pedersen, EA
Brian Robbins, Fuel Industries
CJ Wolf, iWin
Daniel Bernstein, Sandlot Games
Daniel James, Three Rings Design, Yohoho! Puzzle Pirates
David Nixon, Oberon Media
David Rohrl, Pogo
David Walls, Funkitron
Duncan Magee, Real Networks
Garry Kitchen, Skyworks Technologies
Geoff Graber, Yahoo!
Greg Mills, AOL Games
Hugh De Loayza, EA
James Gwertzman, Sprout Games
Jason Ford, Sprint
Jason Kapalka, PopCap
Jessica Tams, Trymedia Systems
Joel Brodie
Joshua Howard, MSN Game
Ken Ruck, Virgin Mobile
Mike Yuen, Qualcomm
Nick Rush, iWin
Paul Jensen, SkillJam
Paul Thelen, Big Fish
Peter Glover, Shockwave
Rich Roberts, PlayFirst
Scott Kim
Shaul Olmert, Nickelodeon
Shawn McMichael, MSN Game
Steve Meretzky, WorldWinner
Stephen Killeen, WorldWinner
Wade Tinney, Large Animal Games


WOW!

[DFG]

Many of those companies listed will also bring additional personnel - it is shaping up to be a Who's Who of the industry.

I think this will top SIC & GDC for information and networking value.

The scheduled sessions seem to be right on the mark as far as addressing current major concerns. Here is just a sample:

Alternative Business: Marketing Models
What are the current business models beyond the 60 minutes try and buy? Discuss: subscription models, targeted marketing, and branded IP

Advergaming
Is advergaming the future of online gaming? What success have others seen? What tools and services exist for integrating advertisements? What are the ethical issues surrounding some implementations? What about adver supported web games? What is the customer's reaction to the model: are we moving to a tv or movie advertisement model?

FUN!
What makes a game rewarding and fun?

Contracts and Royalties
Is the current split fair? What are the ramifications of the recent dip in publisher/developer royalties? Are the publishing efforts from distributors a side effect of an unfair split or the desire from the developers to minimize risk? How does the casual split compare to the core PC space?

Appealing to the Casual Gamer
Is the demographic, design direction and quality bar for the casual game space changing? Will we start to see alternative game types as the market matures and broadens: casual strategy games, more complex story lines, more action titles...?

Designing and marketing alternative game types
What new opportunities exist for games following an alternative game design and marketing model such as skill and tournament based gaming? What alternative distribution models are companies using for their skill based games? How does the demographic and attach rate for skill and tournament based games compare to typical web games and community based games? What is the customer’s reaction to skill based gaming? What types of government restrictions if any come into effect for skill based gaming? What is the projected growth of this market compared to other areas of the casual game market?

Complete list with speakers - http://www.casualgamesconference.com/schedule/index.html

[arcadetown]

Hey any hotel there in particular that's the cool place to stay at for indies?

[digriz]

I'd go if Cas was a speaker. :D

[HunterSD]

Careful, he's British.

[digriz]

That's a good point. There's no international representation talking there.
At least there doesn't appear to be any.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Hey any hotel there in particular that's the cool place to stay at for indies?
Dunno about cool. :) I've usually stayed at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue when attending an event at the Meydenbauer Center, which is nice enough, but it's a long walk to the centre . I'm looking at staying at the Paragon Hotel, which is just a block away from the center and an easy walk. It also appears to be the cheapest ($84 per night special on expedia).

[James C. Smith]

I finally decided to make a decision about this conference.

I am going to be there. I know Mike Boeh (Retro64) and Brian Fisher (Arcade Town) are also going. I will be in town on Monday evening the day before the conference starts. Anyone who wants to meet up with me that night should send me a PM so we can exchange cell phone numbers.

[Nexic]

Its times like this I wish I wasn't English, I seriously wish I could be there.

Maybe next year when I'm stinking rich spending all that money on a flight won't be such a big deal!

[Mike Boeh]

Yup, I am going too... PM me if you want to "hang" or something :D

James, Brian, and myself are staying at the "Bellevue Lodge", which I believe is a Travelodge hotel. It was the cheapest one and is only a block or two from the conference. 55$/night through expedia.

[DFG]

>Monday evening the day before the conference starts

I would be up for that if non-developers are invited:) Will be at the Paragon (Ramada Bellevue). Is Michael coming with you James?

[princec]

I'd go if Cas was a speaker. :D
I'd speak if anyone wanted to listen :P:P:P
Shame we've not got this in the UK... the UK was always the stronghold of indie games development but our innovative bent has cost us versus the mindless marketing mechanic of the lowest common denominator...

Cas :)

[Nexic]

Cas, me and you should run our own indie conference!

[digriz]

If there was a uk conference, i'd sign up for it.

[princec]

Me too. But I feel as if there is an extremely lukewarm feeling towards the casual downloadable games industry in the UK. The UK is known for having a lot of really inventive, hardcore games coders - the casual/indie/downloadable space is often looked down upon. Well, that's the "feeling" I get.

Cas :)

[arcadetown]

Just got my reservations all set, staying a same place as Mike and James. Anyone wanting to meet up, just shoot me an email using our contact form (http://www.arcadetown.com/contact.asp) (subject business) and drop me your cell phone #.

[luggage]

We're all set (Escotia and I) - we're staying at the Red Lion. It sounds like a UK pub you see, so it's a home from home. We fly in on the 16th and leave on the 21st.

[sparkyboy]

Sorry guys dont mean to derail but..........


F*CKING HELL I'M GONNA BE IN CALIFORNIA BEFORE END OF MONTH!! :eek:

Gonna be leaving on 19th with my lady!!!! :p :D

All the best


Mark.

[Jim Buck]

Wow, that couldn't be any more of a derail without having a train involved.

[sparkyboy]

Wow, that couldn't be any more of a derail without having a train involved.

Sorry jim and the rest but she's in the air now and trust me....................there are no trains,coaches,ferries involved............

Just a twin winged,four engined(I hope :eek: ),metallic overcoat otherwise known as an aeroplane.................. :eek:

I think you gather I have never flown before.........except one time when I smoked.........arrrrr but that's another story!! ;)


All the best


Mark.

P.S.
See ya real soon USA!!!!!! :D

[James C. Smith]

Hi All

Who here is attending and is anyone up for a drink afterwards? Be good to put faces to names. And can anyone name a good pub nearby?

scott

For people attending the conference, there is an official conference "party" already planed for Tuesday night. I think it is sponsored by Microsoft or one of the other big portals. I would assume most conference attendees will go there on Tuesday night.

I was trying to meet up with some of the people who will be there before the conference on Monday night. Since several people have sent me PMs saying they will be there on Monday, I guess we should decide on a place to meet.

On Monday night I will be at the:
8th Street Sports Bar
(425) 452-5617 10833 NE 8th St
Bellevue, WA Map

This is very close to my hotel and the conference. I have never been there myself, but they say they have a restaurant, two levels, pool tables and other fun stuff.

I plan to be there at about 7:30 for dinner but I may get there sooner and I plan to hang around here most of the night. I will be the freckle faced geek with glasses. I will probably be warring jacket or shirt that says Reflexive or Ricochet or Wik & The Fable of Souls. Picture of James (http://kimberandjames.com/clip/jamescsmith.jpg). In this other photo (http://kimberandjames.com/clip/gdcphotos/Reflexive_Crew_at_GDC_Wik_IGF_Booth.JPG) I am the guy near the center in the button down green short.

[James C. Smith]

http://www.wcities.com/en/record/132,206641/59/record.html

8th Street Sports Bar
Classy bar and grill

Tucked along busy Eighth Street in Bellevue, this classic all-American bar and grill is the stomping ground of urban professionals just turned 30 and looking for dates. With two floors, two full bars, a couple of pool tables and a seating area, the bar is usually packed on Fridays and Saturdays. The good food focuses on the basics like Caesar Salad with Chicken and Pasta Primavera, and the bartenders love their jobs. This is an ideal spot for anyone interested in a friendly game of pool and a little people-watching.

average cost: USD 12

[Hiro_Antagonist]

On Monday night I will be at the:
8th Street Sports Bar
(425) 452-5617 10833 NE 8th St
Bellevue, WA Map

I assume it's kosher to meet up with you guys even if I'm not going to the casual games conference? I live in the area, and I'd like to meet those of you from out of town that I haven't had a chance to meet yet.

-Hiro_Antagonist

[arcadetown]

Sweet, my flight arrives pretty early Mon so I'll probably make it, and looks like the bar's stumbling distance from the hotel so bonus! I figure Mike might also make it so keep an eye out for the handsome "devil" in the middle (Mike) and the dork to the right (me) as pictured here (http://www.arcadetown.com/i/gdc05pic5.jpg).

[James C. Smith]

Great Brian. This will be a good opportunity to get a better picture of you guys. That one is a little blurry. That picture reminds me that hopefully we can get Dan to join us at the bar even if he doesn't attend the conference.

Of course anyone is welcome to join us even if thy don't go to the conference. See you there Hiro_Antagonist.

[Mike Boeh]

Oh no, not the return of the handsome devil pic!

Unfortunately, my flight doesn't arrive until Monday night, so if I make it, it will be much later...

[arcadetown]

Cool in case Dan makes it he's also the guy pictured there to the left.

[luggage]

We get there the 16th so Escotia and I can make it - presuming we can find our way around.

[digriz]

Why is it everytime i see a picture of Mike Boeh, he's always got a drink in his hand and a look of merriment on his face. :)

[DFG]

I assume it's kosher to meet up with you guys even if I'm not going to the casual games conference?

I think that would be great. The more the merrier!

[tolik]

Well, what a pity, but we'll be at the same time in London for another super secret conference.
However, someone from our side might be there to represent YERUOPE!

I hope I'll not find a super evil cas in UK or we'll have to explain him what casual means ;)

[digriz]

I might be misreading the last thread. But is there Casual gaming conference in London?

Where do i sign up?

[tolik]

I might be misreading the last thread. But is there Casual gaming conference in London?

Where do i sign up?

No, it's just me and my colleagues going to London at the same time for another (non-indie) conference.

[Isaev]

So, I guess, while emyLynx gonna have a booz party in London I'll be representing YOROP and emyLynx in particular :)

I hope Khazah Airlines aware, that jets been invented.

[jessycat]

You guys can come to Leipzig and hear my talk there :) It will be on Casual Gaming...

Seriously though, I have had trouble getting traction for Casual events in the UK and we were unable to even secure one session at GDCE due to lack of interest. Which is quite unfortunate since the casual market is growing quickly in Europe.

I'm in London right now on business and will be leaving Saturday morning. If anyone is up for a mini-conference at a pub with my friends Friday night, shoot me an email, or give me a call on my cell (secretly hidden in my profile as my ICQ number)

Jessica

[jessycat]

Also!

The IGDA is organizing a social mixer on Wed night at 5:30-8:30PM at the Taphouse. We will have an anonymously hosted bar for the first hour or two, so make sure to show up on time :) This will be an open event for all attendees, please come and show your support for our IDGA Online SIG!


The Taphouse is located at: 550 106th Ave. N.E., Bellevue, Washington , (425) 467-1728. Map to the Taphouse from the Convention Center: http://maps.google.com/maps?spn=0.003648,0.008867&saddr=11100+NE+6th+Street,+Bellevue,+WA+98004&daddr=550+106th+Ave+NE,+Bellevue,+WA+98004&hl=en


p.s. to Dave: feel free to show up at this event.

[jessycat]

And...

I'm really excited that you guys are comig to the conference. I think it will be great fun for everyone :)

See everyone other than the crazy Russians(aka Anatoly) there,
Jess

[Spaceman Spiff]

/bump.


Off to the airport, see you guys tonight. :-)

[James C. Smith]

I made it to bellevue and am about to head over to the 8th st sports bar to see if anyone makes it.

[James C. Smith]

Sorry guys. I win the dumb ass award. The 8th Street Sports Bar is out of business. You probably won’t read this message until it is too late but here it is: I will be at
Rock Bottom Restaurant
Address: 550 106th Ave NE # 103, Bellevue, WA 98004
Phone: (425) 462-9300
http://www.rockbottom.com/RockBottomWeb/RBR/Home.aspx
This is inside the Bellevue Galleria

Sorry!!! I hope some of you can join me.
You can call me on my cell phone at 714-399-5114 if you what to call me names or try to find me.

[jessycat]

Hey Everyone -- we have the new Seattle site up, check it out!

There really isn't much on the site yet since is still really far away, but we have a bunch of cool speakers planned and a ton of cool stuff planned including new and improved content and more parties ;)

http://seattle.casuality.org/

(Here is the Europe one incase you missed it: http://europe.casuality.org/)

- Jessica

[James C. Smith]

I am really looking forward to this one.

[Steve Ince]

(Here is the Europe one incase you missed it: http://europe.casuality.org/)
Anyone going to this one?

[jessycat]

Anyone going to this one?

Check the speaker and advisor list, do you recognize anyone?

If we are missing anyone, you can let me know via email and we will make sure to include them as a speaker.

[Steve Ince]

Looking good. :)

(However, I think you've spelled Rutger Peters' name wrongly on the speakers page.)

[Ronkes]

I'm probably going to the one in Europe. It's only twenty minutes by train from where I live. :-)

[Steve Ince]

I don't know whether to fly or take a leasurely journey on the North Sea ferry.