4th Annual Austin Game Conference, Leading Event For Online Game Developers, To Take Place September 7-8, 2006
AUSTIN, Texas - December 15, 2005 - The Game Initiative, the leading producer of conferences for game industry professionals, today announced the 4th annual Austin Game Conference takes place September 7-8, 2006 in Austin, Texas. As the definitive conference for online game development, the Austin Game Conference addresses the specific needs of developers and publishers creating online games for mobile, pc and console platforms.
Online gaming service revenues will increase from $1.1 billion this year to $3.5 billion in 2009, according to market research and consulting firm Parks Associates. Networked is expected to account for 50 percent of online gaming revenues in 2009, followed by digital downloads making up 23 percent of the revenues.
The 2005 Austin Game Conference - http://www.GameConference.com - included 130 speakers in 9 unique conference tracks and was attended by nearly 2,000 game development professionals responsible for many of todays top online, MMOG, casual and mobile games. Occurring alongside the Austin Game Conference, the 2nd annual Women's Game Conference and the first annual Game Writers Conference exceeded all attendance expectations, many sessions were standing room only. Both the Women's Game Conference and the Game Writers Conference will be expanded for 2006.
"The Austin Game Conference continues to be at the forefront of the rapidly changing online game market, and provides critical and timely information to developers seeking to stay ahead of the curve," said Christopher Sherman, Game Initiative Executive Director. "AGC facilitates and promotes the growth of the online game industry, and it is the single best opportunity for industry professionals to stay current on best practices, network with their peers, and get business done."
"The online game business is growing on all fronts, with not only the incredible success for individual products like World of Warcraft and Guild Wars, but also casual games, portable and console online games, digital distribution and virtual item trading," said David Cole, President of market research firm DFC Intelligence. "Keeping on top of what is going on in online games is crucial for all players in the computer and video game industry."
About the Game Initiative
Game Initiative is the leading producer of conferences and events for game industry professionals. Game Initiative is chartered with the growth of the industry through events, public awareness, information and supporting programs and serves the needs of companies and people involved in producing interactive entertainment software and hardware for video game consoles, handheld devices, personal computers and the Internet. Game Initiative events include the Austin Game Conference, Casual Games Conference, Seattle Game Conference, Mobile Game Conference, Women's Game Conference, Game Writers Conference, Advertising In Games Forum, Game Technology Association Meetings and the How to Break into the Game Industry national conference series. More information about the Game Initiative can be found at http://www.GameConferences.com
Contact:
Tim Williams
The Game Initiative
512.289.8687
tw@gameconference.com