First Casual Games Conference On July 19-20, 2005 Focuses On Fast-Growing Segment Of The Game Industry
New Annual Conference Debuts in Seattle, Washington
SEATTLE, Washington - May 6, 2005 - The Game Initiative, a leading producer of conferences and events for professionals in the computer and video game industry, today announced the Casual Games Conference (CGC). The new conference takes place July 19-20, 2005 in Seattle, Washington and provides insights to the business opportunities and design considerations required for developers, publishers and distributors to succeed in this rapidly-expanding game industry segment.
As a revenue-producing section of the industry, web and downloadable games are increasing in popularity. With their small size, casual games provide a fantastic venue for explorative gameplay, according to the International Game Developers Association (IGDA), the leading game industry professional organization. Casual games can be produced with smaller development teams, shorter development cycles and with lower development costs than console and PC games.
?The Casual Games Conference offers a unique opportunity for casual game developers to participate in an event specifically focused on their needs,? said Jessica Tams, CGC Advisory Board Chair. ?Casual game developers will benefit from the direct interaction with industry leaders and will have the opportunity to tap into their expertise.?
Sessions will include speakers from leading developers, publishers and distributors of casual games. The CGC is open to anyone interested in the casual game development, including existing professionals, industry executives and persons interested in getting into the game business. Advanced registration for the conference is $195. For more information about the conference, please visit: http://www.CasualGamesConference.com
The Casual Game Advisory Board
The Casual Game Conference Advisory Board is dedicated to providing an independent, informative and relevant conference experience for all casual game developers, publishers and distributors. Board members include:
Chris Early - Studio Manager, MSN Games
Dan Prigg - Producer, RealNetworks, Inc.
James Gwertzman - Managing Director, Sprout Games
Jessica Tams- Director of Partner Development, Trymedia (Advisory Board Chairperson)
Juan Gril - Producer, Yahoo Games
Robert Khoo - Director of Business Affairs, Penny Arcade
Kristina Erickson - Program Manager, Film & Interactive Media, Washington State Film Office
About The Game Initiative
The Game Initiative is a leading producer of conferences and events for professionals in the computer and video game industry. The 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, the Mobile Game Conference, the Women's Game Conference, The Advertising In Games Forum, The Casual Games Conference, 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
For more information:
Cynthia Freese
512-658-4743