Second Game Developers Conference China Opens For Three Days of Exploring the Asian Game Development Market

SHANGHAI -

- Shanghai International Convention Center Opens its Doors to Developers Looking for Networking, Learning and Inspiration in the Expansive Asian Game Market

Think Services’ Game Developers Conference(R) China commences today at the Shanghai International Convention Center. The event explores the thriving eastern game development scene with a diverse lineup of more than 60 speakers and more than 50 sessions. The event brings into sharp focus the challenges of game development across borders, tackling subjects as diverse as outsourcing production, emergent free-to-play business models and bringing games over from Western to Eastern markets and vice versa. GDC China 2009, runs until Tuesday, October 13th.

On Monday, October 12 the esteemed game designer, programmer, screenwriter and creator of Prince of Persia, Jordan Mechner, will be keynoting the event with his address entitled, “Prince of Persia: 20 Years From Game to Film,” which chronicles Mechner’s 20-year work translating Prince of Persia from the Apple II to next-gen consoles to the big screen. Tuesday, October 13 sees the opening keynote from Min Kim, vice president of Nexon America, a leading developer of massively multiplayer online titles and pioneer of the free-to-play business model. Kim’s keynote, “A Fantastic Westward Journey” chronicles the role that microtransactions have played as the evolutionary catalyst for the North American games market.

This year, GDC China will also play host to the Independent Games Festival China (IGF China), to recognize the best independent game developers in the Asian-Pacific area. As part of IGF China, the Independent Games Summit will take place during the event, along with the IGF Awards Ceremony, which rewards the best indie game developers with cash prizes for the most innovative and inspirational independent titles. The conference will also feature the Mobile Summit, to address the thriving and successful mobile game development market.

“It is truly a great accomplishment that GDC China is opening its doors to local developers today,” said Meggan Scavio, GDC China event director. “The entire team is proud of the strong content we have secured, the support of the Ministry of Culture, and the launch of the first Independent Games Festival China.”

For more information on the entire 2009 Game Developers Conference(R) China session lineup, please visit www.gdcchina.com.

About the Think Services Game Group

A core provider of essential information to the professional game industry, the Think Services Game Group offers market-defining content, and drives community through its award winning lineup of print, online, event and research products and services. These include Game Developer Magazine, Game Developer Research, the Webby Award-winning Gamasutra.com, GameCareerGuide.com, WorldsInMotion.biz and other Gamasutra Network websites, the Game Developers Conference(R), the Game Developers Conference(R) Austin, the Game Developers Conference(R) Europe, the Game Developers Conference(R) China, the Game Developers Conference(R) Canada, GDC Mobile, the Game Career Seminars, the Independent Games Festival and Summit, and the Game Developers Choice Awards. To learn more, visit www.tsgamegroup.com

About Think Services, a division of United Business Media

Think Services connects specialized communities worldwide using educational events, consulting, training, certification, membership, and innovative media. Providing comprehensive opportunities for people to learn from, network with, and inspire each other, Think Services builds strong brands and works within communities to foster a unique affinity with its products and services. The division’s flagship products include the Game Developers Conference, the Webby Award-winning Gamasutra.com, Game Developer magazine, the International Customer Management Institute (ICMI), and HDI. Think Services is a subsidiary of United Business Media (www.unitedbusinessmedia.com), a global media and marketing services company with a market capitalization of more than US$1.6 billion. To learn more, visit www.think-services.com.

Contact: Audrey Shen Think Services, a division of United Business Media ashen@ubmtechnology.com.cn +86-21-62787488-8701 Ben Veechai, North America +1-415-947-6280 bveechai@think-services.com

Source: Think Services Game Group

Audrey Shen, +86-21-62787488-8701, ashen at ubmtechnology.com.cn, or Ben Veechai, North America, +1-415-947-6280, bveechai at think-services.com, both of Think Services, a division of United Business Media