IndieGamesCon '02
by Jay Moore · in General Discussion · 09/18/2002 (9:40 am) · 40 replies
November 1, 2 & 3 - "The Gathering" Fun, Informal & Informative.
After meeting with several GG'ers at GDC in 2002 we knew that a conference aimed at the specific needs of indies had to be done. After the response to our query GGCon??? Anybody Interested? we knew we had to put on a face to face community event. GDC has grown too big and too expensive. We need to get back to our roots of talking about game development, and especially the needs of the small, under funded indie developer.
Have we done one of these before? NO
Do we want your input on the sessions & content? YES
This is our conference and we know its going to rock, because we have a community that rocks.
We've got a conference hall that will hold 200+ we have food and beer (Spank Dog Ale - from our official sponsor Wild Duck Brewery & Restaurant) and some other sponsors in the works. I've gotten Jeff Tunnell to agree to do the keynote. The website will be us soon with more information.
It will cost $150 for 3 days including food, some beer and a LAN party Saturday Night.
Now we want your help telling us what sessions you'd like to see!
Some of the ideas we're thinking about for presentations, roundtables and breakout sessions.
"Making it as a traditional game developer." What to expect. How to get your jobs. How to sell your ideas to a publisher. Should I use an agent? Do I need a demo? How much can I make?
Where Do I Get Money? How can I possibly raise enough money to get my game out? Traditional methods, non-traditional methods.
IT Needs - Open Source Solutions: How to use Linux, Apache, PHP and other Open Source technologies for your website or game servers. Save $$$.
Making Money as a Contract Artist - Get the word out, how much to charge, can you make $ doing this?
PR Marketing Getting press for games reaching the core market and beyond.
Community Projects: RealmWars an experiment in available source development.
Blender Initiative: Working together to build 'indie' tools.
Torque Exporting: A walk through of the steps involved with exporting from 3DS Max.
Indies at GDC Game plan and preparation for GarageGames developers.
Possible Presentations:
"What Game Companies Expect or Working at a Big Game
Company": This is the mirror image of the above presentation in that it is from the perspective of a large publisher instead of the developer.
Business Aspects of Running your company: Very traditional accounting and legal aspects. LLC vs. partnership, record keeping, etc.
Protecting Your Intellectual Property: Use of NDA's. Can I post ideas to forums? Work for hire and IP protection.
MMP Games. Fortune or Folly?: The difficulties involved with create a MMP start up. Technology, content, infrastructure, costs.
Quark - How to use this tool to make levels, buildings and shapes for Torque.
Development - Open source programming solutions. Getting the most from GCC3, CVS, etc.
Scripting vs. C++ Programming in the Torque. TorqueScript.
After meeting with several GG'ers at GDC in 2002 we knew that a conference aimed at the specific needs of indies had to be done. After the response to our query GGCon??? Anybody Interested? we knew we had to put on a face to face community event. GDC has grown too big and too expensive. We need to get back to our roots of talking about game development, and especially the needs of the small, under funded indie developer.
Have we done one of these before? NO
Do we want your input on the sessions & content? YES
This is our conference and we know its going to rock, because we have a community that rocks.
We've got a conference hall that will hold 200+ we have food and beer (Spank Dog Ale - from our official sponsor Wild Duck Brewery & Restaurant) and some other sponsors in the works. I've gotten Jeff Tunnell to agree to do the keynote. The website will be us soon with more information.
It will cost $150 for 3 days including food, some beer and a LAN party Saturday Night.
Now we want your help telling us what sessions you'd like to see!
Some of the ideas we're thinking about for presentations, roundtables and breakout sessions.
"Making it as a traditional game developer." What to expect. How to get your jobs. How to sell your ideas to a publisher. Should I use an agent? Do I need a demo? How much can I make?
Where Do I Get Money? How can I possibly raise enough money to get my game out? Traditional methods, non-traditional methods.
IT Needs - Open Source Solutions: How to use Linux, Apache, PHP and other Open Source technologies for your website or game servers. Save $$$.
Making Money as a Contract Artist - Get the word out, how much to charge, can you make $ doing this?
PR Marketing Getting press for games reaching the core market and beyond.
Community Projects: RealmWars an experiment in available source development.
Blender Initiative: Working together to build 'indie' tools.
Torque Exporting: A walk through of the steps involved with exporting from 3DS Max.
Indies at GDC Game plan and preparation for GarageGames developers.
Possible Presentations:
"What Game Companies Expect or Working at a Big Game
Company": This is the mirror image of the above presentation in that it is from the perspective of a large publisher instead of the developer.
Business Aspects of Running your company: Very traditional accounting and legal aspects. LLC vs. partnership, record keeping, etc.
Protecting Your Intellectual Property: Use of NDA's. Can I post ideas to forums? Work for hire and IP protection.
MMP Games. Fortune or Folly?: The difficulties involved with create a MMP start up. Technology, content, infrastructure, costs.
Quark - How to use this tool to make levels, buildings and shapes for Torque.
Development - Open source programming solutions. Getting the most from GCC3, CVS, etc.
Scripting vs. C++ Programming in the Torque. TorqueScript.
About the author
Serial / parallel entrepreneur, insight merchant, sailor and red wine enthusiast. Co-founder of BitRaider, out to change the game. An original partner in GarageGames and hosted Indie Game Con `02-`05.
#2
I agree. Being an indie developer usually means that you don't have the time or money to go to such events.
09/18/2002 (10:07 am)
Quote:Quote:
It will cost $150 for 3 days including food, some beer and a LAN party Saturday Night.Too bad that doesn't include plane tickets. :-)
I agree. Being an indie developer usually means that you don't have the time or money to go to such events.
#3
See you there guys.
Phil C - Are you going, perhaps we should go together?
- Melv.
09/18/2002 (10:54 am)
I am going to do my absolute best to be there. Getting married in October so that makes it quite busy for me but I will try my best to sort out the time.See you there guys.
Phil C - Are you going, perhaps we should go together?
- Melv.
#4
You should list some of the info about travel. Like what airport should people fly to, location of the hall (in Eugene or Portland?)I was just looking at what a plane ticket would cost but wasn't sure of the destination (was guessing Portland Oregon because of the link about people being interested).
Ah ha, so there's that Spank Dog you mentioned Melv ;)
Edit: How about some info on AI. MilkShape use would be good too for us poor folk :)
09/18/2002 (11:31 am)
Jay,You should list some of the info about travel. Like what airport should people fly to, location of the hall (in Eugene or Portland?)I was just looking at what a plane ticket would cost but wasn't sure of the destination (was guessing Portland Oregon because of the link about people being interested).
Ah ha, so there's that Spank Dog you mentioned Melv ;)
Edit: How about some info on AI. MilkShape use would be good too for us poor folk :)
#5
How about "An introduction to the Torque rendering pipeline" or "3D rendering concepts"? Nothing _too_ deep, but enough to bring it all into some kind of (blurry?) focus for those coders who are struggling with the complexity of the engine guts.
Also (although this is probably obvious) a "Where is Torque going (feature-wise) and what would GG like to see done with it?" informal discussion would be very cool.
09/18/2002 (11:32 am)
I'll be there.How about "An introduction to the Torque rendering pipeline" or "3D rendering concepts"? Nothing _too_ deep, but enough to bring it all into some kind of (blurry?) focus for those coders who are struggling with the complexity of the engine guts.
Also (although this is probably obvious) a "Where is Torque going (feature-wise) and what would GG like to see done with it?" informal discussion would be very cool.
#6
Seek some corporate sponsors to foot bandwidth, staff, software and hardware work on broadcasting the keynotes, lectures, and other features as well. Some quick and well known examples,
Microsoft Netmeeting Conferences
Real One Super Pass
Sprint Conferencing Services
If there is enough interest and support, perhaps have online sign-up for the same price (though I'd not recommend it unless you have a rock-solid plan in place.) or offer Internet discounts for those who choose to participate this way.
Chat-Room and Message Board lobbies to discuss the lectures which are going on in Eugene, OR, etc. Lot of possibilities depending upon support levels and sponsors.
09/18/2002 (11:36 am)
One suggestion I would make would be looking at ways to include those who cannot travel to Eugene, OR for whatever reason, using our very wonderful and illustrious Internet. Seek some corporate sponsors to foot bandwidth, staff, software and hardware work on broadcasting the keynotes, lectures, and other features as well. Some quick and well known examples,
Microsoft Netmeeting Conferences
Real One Super Pass
Sprint Conferencing Services
If there is enough interest and support, perhaps have online sign-up for the same price (though I'd not recommend it unless you have a rock-solid plan in place.) or offer Internet discounts for those who choose to participate this way.
Chat-Room and Message Board lobbies to discuss the lectures which are going on in Eugene, OR, etc. Lot of possibilities depending upon support levels and sponsors.
#7
- flying into Eugene: more expensive to fly directly here, but you would be right here, right away.
- flying to Portland: less expensive, but then you have to get here from there (and back afterward). The rental car may be more expensive than the price difference, and the drive is long and tedious (is it 2 or 4 hours? don't remember...)
Probably the best choice would be to fly straight into Eugene (it might even be cheaper when you consider rental and gas, etc)
09/18/2002 (11:38 am)
Sabrecyd: Although I can't speak authoritatively, since one of the sponsors is the Wild Duck I would guess it is going to be in Eugene. If that is the case, I suggest comparing the price/trouble tradeoffs to either:- flying into Eugene: more expensive to fly directly here, but you would be right here, right away.
- flying to Portland: less expensive, but then you have to get here from there (and back afterward). The rental car may be more expensive than the price difference, and the drive is long and tedious (is it 2 or 4 hours? don't remember...)
Probably the best choice would be to fly straight into Eugene (it might even be cheaper when you consider rental and gas, etc)
#8
09/18/2002 (11:43 am)
Eugene is a 70 minute to 2 hour drive from Portland (depending on traffic and how fast you drive). There is also rail service between Eugene to Portland that runs a few times a day and isn't that expensive.
#9
I'll check out both and see what would be better. A long tedious drive from Portland wouldn't be all that great. It would be cool and useful to make it out there. I didn't notice the News post about it being in Eugene right away either. Now I feel dumb.
Edit: hmm, rail? That might not be bad.
09/18/2002 (11:44 am)
Thanks Tim. I'll check out both and see what would be better. A long tedious drive from Portland wouldn't be all that great. It would be cool and useful to make it out there. I didn't notice the News post about it being in Eugene right away either. Now I feel dumb.
Edit: hmm, rail? That might not be bad.
#10
Is Mark still going on with the plans to pitch a tent in his backyard? :-)
09/18/2002 (12:09 pm)
It's about $100 more to fly directly into Eugene versus Portland from where I live.Is Mark still going on with the plans to pitch a tent in his backyard? :-)
#11
09/18/2002 (12:13 pm)
Just checked into it a bit. Looks like about $50 more for me. About $400 vs. $450 round trip from Madison, WI.
#12
1. Have slides from all presentations, including demo files and source available after the presentations. Make your presenters supply advanced copies to you before the presentations, so you have them. No exceptions. If they make changes before their presentation, have them submit them to you within 2 weeks after the conference. Then post on the Garage Games site.
2. Make sure you provide a welcome booklet that includes information on hotels, food places, emergency procedures, bathrooms(could be an emergency), etc. This could be provided on the web.
3. Contact Intel, MS, IGDA, and others to see what they will supply. But start now, so they have time. Also check with Maya, and 3D MAX about support.
4. Contact all these places for free software, shirts, etc. Great for raffles.
If you guys need any assistance on this, please let me know. I'd love to help and I'm up in the Seattle area.
-Keith
09/18/2002 (12:56 pm)
From my experience at many different conferences i would recommend the following:1. Have slides from all presentations, including demo files and source available after the presentations. Make your presenters supply advanced copies to you before the presentations, so you have them. No exceptions. If they make changes before their presentation, have them submit them to you within 2 weeks after the conference. Then post on the Garage Games site.
2. Make sure you provide a welcome booklet that includes information on hotels, food places, emergency procedures, bathrooms(could be an emergency), etc. This could be provided on the web.
3. Contact Intel, MS, IGDA, and others to see what they will supply. But start now, so they have time. Also check with Maya, and 3D MAX about support.
4. Contact all these places for free software, shirts, etc. Great for raffles.
If you guys need any assistance on this, please let me know. I'd love to help and I'm up in the Seattle area.
-Keith
#13
We're talking to some vendors about webcasting - costs make it seem like it might be a year two addition, but we're open and willing to explore - we're still getting confirmation about the size of internet pipe I'll have at the event location.
09/18/2002 (1:29 pm)
The conference is in Eugene, OR - we do have an airport, but it can be more expensive than Portland, OR. It may be worth considering teaming up on a rental car. We're talking to some vendors about webcasting - costs make it seem like it might be a year two addition, but we're open and willing to explore - we're still getting confirmation about the size of internet pipe I'll have at the event location.
#14
1) Networking party: Of course you probably want to preceed this with the lecture on legal issues, hehe, but what about making a session for people to just walk around and network with other developers or other people in the industry? Or will there be a general milling-around session for people to do that?
Question: If there is only one item in a list, should it be numbered? =)
09/18/2002 (1:33 pm)
This is a great idea =) Even if I do have to drag my butt all the way from New York(and dragging your butt that far hurts like hell...ouch...). Okay, so here's an idea that I didn't see listed:1) Networking party: Of course you probably want to preceed this with the lecture on legal issues, hehe, but what about making a session for people to just walk around and network with other developers or other people in the industry? Or will there be a general milling-around session for people to do that?
Question: If there is only one item in a list, should it be numbered? =)
#15
- Making Money as a Contract Artist - Get the word out, how much to charge, can you make $ doing this?
- "Making it as a traditional game developer." What to expect. How to get your jobs. How to sell your ideas to a publisher. Should I use an agent? Do I need a demo? How much can I make?
... but all of the others sound interenting too. Seems strange that a plane ticket would only cost $348 for me to fly to Eugene and $343 to Portland from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Unsure as of yet if I'd be able to make it or not. Would really like to go though. Sounds like fun.
Alc
09/18/2002 (1:46 pm)
I'd be most interested in these two sessions:- Making Money as a Contract Artist - Get the word out, how much to charge, can you make $ doing this?
- "Making it as a traditional game developer." What to expect. How to get your jobs. How to sell your ideas to a publisher. Should I use an agent? Do I need a demo? How much can I make?
... but all of the others sound interenting too. Seems strange that a plane ticket would only cost $348 for me to fly to Eugene and $343 to Portland from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Unsure as of yet if I'd be able to make it or not. Would really like to go though. Sounds like fun.
Alc
#18
09/18/2002 (6:28 pm)
Quote:Melv, yep, I'll be there. Drop me a mail! :)Phil, what's a plane ticket from the UK to Eugene, OR cost? It's pretty expensive from where I live and I'm in the U.S.! :-)
Phil.
#19
entrance - $150
lodging - ??? Seriously need more info, any motel 6's or other cheap places around there?
travel - I'm thinking bus or driving all way (anyone between dallas and oregon wanna carpool?) Oregon is quite the distance so I'm probably looking at a decent chunk of gas usage if I drive.. (roughly $100-ish each way)
other expenses - ??? is the food from the con just going to be lunches? if so, I'll need to bring more money.
my thoughts - should we plan to bring our own PCs to lug around code and/or play at the lan party? Or will PCs be provided? (maybe I can borrow a laptop, who knows)
I'd seriously love to go and meet some of the fine people I've already talked to (nothing but help from this communitee, love it so far.) However, I'm unemployed and my wife are just getting by with her income and unemployment... And this trip is looking to be around 400-500 bucks.. not sure if I can truely afford this, even though it'd be an awesome experience for a indie game dev.
09/18/2002 (9:13 pm)
As many have mentioned, as Indies we are fairly low budget individuals. However, I still want to go.entrance - $150
lodging - ??? Seriously need more info, any motel 6's or other cheap places around there?
travel - I'm thinking bus or driving all way (anyone between dallas and oregon wanna carpool?) Oregon is quite the distance so I'm probably looking at a decent chunk of gas usage if I drive.. (roughly $100-ish each way)
other expenses - ??? is the food from the con just going to be lunches? if so, I'll need to bring more money.
my thoughts - should we plan to bring our own PCs to lug around code and/or play at the lan party? Or will PCs be provided? (maybe I can borrow a laptop, who knows)
I'd seriously love to go and meet some of the fine people I've already talked to (nothing but help from this communitee, love it so far.) However, I'm unemployed and my wife are just getting by with her income and unemployment... And this trip is looking to be around 400-500 bucks.. not sure if I can truely afford this, even though it'd be an awesome experience for a indie game dev.
#20
Trying to figure out the optimum arrival destination / time.
09/18/2002 (9:15 pm)
So will the festivities be starting on the 1st? If they are about what time?Trying to figure out the optimum arrival destination / time.
Torque Owner Ryan J. Parker