Havent heard of any conferences
by Jermaine Morgan · in General Discussion · 04/25/2007 (6:38 am) · 9 replies
IS there any game development conferences coming up in May? Are any of them anywhere near Maryland?
About the author
#2
04/25/2007 (6:57 am)
Cool thanks, i will check it out.
#3
http://www.igda.org/events/
04/25/2007 (7:05 am)
Well i couldnt even find anything on that site, but i did some googling (which i should have done before i made this topic) and found the following.http://www.igda.org/events/
#4
http://www.igda.org/events/
04/25/2007 (7:08 am)
Well i couldnt even find anything on that site, but i did some googling (which i should have done before i made this topic) and found the following.http://www.igda.org/events/
#5
http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/calendar.php
04/25/2007 (7:46 am)
You have to scroll down to where it says "event calendar":http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/calendar.php
#6
04/25/2007 (8:50 am)
Actually There is a conference coming up here soon. It was going to be in May but now its moving to a floating target sometime in June. The conference will be based around Studio management. If you guys would like more info let me know and I can post the subject matter to the thread when I get home.
#7
04/25/2007 (8:54 am)
I would like to know more please
#8
FUNDING MODELS
Every game costs money to make and there are several viable ways to fund your development. Traditional publisher funding works, but too often the impact on your returns exceeds the actual value of the money. It is important to understand the manner in which alternative funding models can increase the developer returns. Alternative funding models discussed will include self funding, private third party funding and venture capital investment. The relative pros and cons of each will be examined.
PUBLISHER CONTRACT ISSUES
The Devil is in the Details in most publisher/developer deals. Negotiating a great deal requires an understanding the publisher and what is important to them. Developers also need to have a realistic perception of your studios relative bargaining power. Knowing what to ask for and what to settle for is also important to the process. Often the deal negotiated is not reflected in the contract provided by the publisher. Making sure the written contract reflects your deal is essential to a successful deal. Good contracts can be a key part of your company's valuation or deal killer for acquisition. Assuring compliance with the agreement you signed throughout and after the performance of the contract, knowing when to up-sell your project and how to modify the agreement to changing conditions are all important issues addressed. Finally, monitoring royalty statements and whether and when to Audit will be addressed.
IP RETENTION AND CONTROL
An important part of building long term value in your studio is retaining and controlling your Intellectual Properties (IP). Retaining ownership of original game IP and other developer created content is great when possible. But even when you can not retain ownership there are methods to retain a level of control over this IP that can help stabilize your studio's financial security. Retaining ownership of the tools and technology you develop is easier and commercially exploiting that IP can add value and additional revenue for your studio. Developing a patent portfolio can also create substantial book value for your studio, even supporting commercial loans or lines of credit from traditionally conservative financial institutions who do not value other game related IP.
CREATING VALUE IN YOUR STUDIO
Developing a plan to create long-term value is essential to a successful operation. Branding your studio, both in the industry and in the public eye enhances your studios value. The retention of ownership or control of your IP is also part of the value proposition. The relationships you create and maintain in the industry are also essential to the long term value of your studio. Methodologies for developing a plan and achieving these goals will be presented and discussed. Executing on a strong strategic plan ultimately offers the greatest increase in your business valuation.
PREPARING FOR DUE DILLIGENCE
The ultimate exit strategy is acquisition for the majority of game studios. You can never start planning for that event too soon. But what has to be done to prepare for a due diligence by a potential suitor? Making your studio an attractive acquisition candidate requires and appropriate structure and a level of sophistication that developers may lack. Having an appropriately polished business operation is something that most potential suitors require. Making your studio an easy acquisition target can have a significant positive impact on acquisition offers and ability to finalize the right deal.
NEGOTIATING DEALS
The process of negotiating is an art. Preparing yourself for the process is often overlooked in the rush to get the deal. Not knowing how to read the other party or understand the impact of timing on the process often works to the developer's disadvantage. Insights into the negotiation dynamic and process will be presented and discussed. Many of the issues already covered in the boot camp presentations will be brought into the analysis. Learn how to formulate an overall successful negotiation strategy and work through the often difficult process to making the deal work for you.
THE NEW FRONTIER - LEVERAGING CHANGING BUSINESS MODELS
This final portion of the program will be a presentation and discussion of new business models emerging in our even changing industry. Digital distribution brings much greater returns to the developers of correctly postured products. Item sales provide potential revenue streams not formerly available. In game advertising, merchandising, alternate distribution opportunities and other ancillary revenue streams are changing the way games make money. And the current "Gold Rush" in downloadable content for consoles is changing the business models of many developers. The impact and significance of these new models will be examined and then discussed in an open forum to develop a better understanding of the impact, advantages and disadvantages of these emerging models.
04/25/2007 (4:49 pm)
Here is the schedule for the event. Let me know you think:FUNDING MODELS
Every game costs money to make and there are several viable ways to fund your development. Traditional publisher funding works, but too often the impact on your returns exceeds the actual value of the money. It is important to understand the manner in which alternative funding models can increase the developer returns. Alternative funding models discussed will include self funding, private third party funding and venture capital investment. The relative pros and cons of each will be examined.
PUBLISHER CONTRACT ISSUES
The Devil is in the Details in most publisher/developer deals. Negotiating a great deal requires an understanding the publisher and what is important to them. Developers also need to have a realistic perception of your studios relative bargaining power. Knowing what to ask for and what to settle for is also important to the process. Often the deal negotiated is not reflected in the contract provided by the publisher. Making sure the written contract reflects your deal is essential to a successful deal. Good contracts can be a key part of your company's valuation or deal killer for acquisition. Assuring compliance with the agreement you signed throughout and after the performance of the contract, knowing when to up-sell your project and how to modify the agreement to changing conditions are all important issues addressed. Finally, monitoring royalty statements and whether and when to Audit will be addressed.
IP RETENTION AND CONTROL
An important part of building long term value in your studio is retaining and controlling your Intellectual Properties (IP). Retaining ownership of original game IP and other developer created content is great when possible. But even when you can not retain ownership there are methods to retain a level of control over this IP that can help stabilize your studio's financial security. Retaining ownership of the tools and technology you develop is easier and commercially exploiting that IP can add value and additional revenue for your studio. Developing a patent portfolio can also create substantial book value for your studio, even supporting commercial loans or lines of credit from traditionally conservative financial institutions who do not value other game related IP.
CREATING VALUE IN YOUR STUDIO
Developing a plan to create long-term value is essential to a successful operation. Branding your studio, both in the industry and in the public eye enhances your studios value. The retention of ownership or control of your IP is also part of the value proposition. The relationships you create and maintain in the industry are also essential to the long term value of your studio. Methodologies for developing a plan and achieving these goals will be presented and discussed. Executing on a strong strategic plan ultimately offers the greatest increase in your business valuation.
PREPARING FOR DUE DILLIGENCE
The ultimate exit strategy is acquisition for the majority of game studios. You can never start planning for that event too soon. But what has to be done to prepare for a due diligence by a potential suitor? Making your studio an attractive acquisition candidate requires and appropriate structure and a level of sophistication that developers may lack. Having an appropriately polished business operation is something that most potential suitors require. Making your studio an easy acquisition target can have a significant positive impact on acquisition offers and ability to finalize the right deal.
NEGOTIATING DEALS
The process of negotiating is an art. Preparing yourself for the process is often overlooked in the rush to get the deal. Not knowing how to read the other party or understand the impact of timing on the process often works to the developer's disadvantage. Insights into the negotiation dynamic and process will be presented and discussed. Many of the issues already covered in the boot camp presentations will be brought into the analysis. Learn how to formulate an overall successful negotiation strategy and work through the often difficult process to making the deal work for you.
THE NEW FRONTIER - LEVERAGING CHANGING BUSINESS MODELS
This final portion of the program will be a presentation and discussion of new business models emerging in our even changing industry. Digital distribution brings much greater returns to the developers of correctly postured products. Item sales provide potential revenue streams not formerly available. In game advertising, merchandising, alternate distribution opportunities and other ancillary revenue streams are changing the way games make money. And the current "Gold Rush" in downloadable content for consoles is changing the business models of many developers. The impact and significance of these new models will be examined and then discussed in an open forum to develop a better understanding of the impact, advantages and disadvantages of these emerging models.
#9
04/26/2007 (3:14 pm)
Any feed back on these topics guys? 
Torque 3D Owner Ted Southard