Think hits back at rival 'GDC' event in China

Game Developer Conference executive director Meggan Scavio has hit back at a rival event in China which is also branding itself as a "GDC" event, despite an official partnership dissolving last year due to "irreconcilable differences".

"In 2007, Think Services partnered with IDG China and produced the first ever GDC China in Shanghai," Scavio explained to GamesIndustry.biz. "The event was very successful, and received well by the local and international game community.

"Howell came aboard at the end of 2007 GDC China event and their participation was limited at best. This partnership was dissolved in 2008 due to irreconcilable differences regarding the content model and operation processes."

Howell's own event, which is due to run alongside ChinaJoy this year, has been branded 'ChinaGDC' in what looks like a bid to trade off Think Services' popular conference brand.

"As per the written agreement, Think Services (a division of United Business Media) retains sole ownership of Game Developers Conference China (GDC China) trademark and related intellectual properties," continued Scavio.

"The official GDC China 2009 will be held on October 11-13 in Shanghai with strong advisory board support and government endorsement. It will remain an event programmed by the community. We set up a board of local Chinese developers who are solely responsible for approving the content designed for their peers."

Think Services' GDC China event is the last on the 2009 calendar, following events in San Francisco (US), Cologne (Germany) and Austin (US).