2004 Austin Game Conference details
by Kit

Wednesday, June 16 2004

AGC to be held in September with keynotes from Sony and Microsoft.

The Austin Game Initiative today announced details of the 2004 Austin Game Conference (AGC), to be held September 9-10, 2004, at the Austin Convention Center. The critically acclaimed conference will begin with a unique event special to the Austin Game Conference as Microsoft and Sony will take the stage and deliver a shared keynote: “Massively Multiplayer Console Is Coming”. Scott Henson, Director, Platform Strategy, Microsoft Xbox will discuss Microsoft’s approach to bringing MMOGs to the Xbox and Glen Van Datta, Director of Online Technology, Sony Computer Entertainment will discuss Sony’s PlayStation 2 strategy. Separately, Professor of Economics Edward Castronova will provide a keynote on digital economies.

The 2004 Austin Game Conference will deliver critical information on developing multiplayer and massively multiplayer games as well as mobile games for industry professionals with special emphasis on next-generation technologies and business strategies for emerging products and platforms. The unique program will consist of panel sessions and workshops for consoles, PCs and mobile game devices plus a technology pavilion so developers, technologists and business professionals can network in a relaxed atmosphere.

In addition to the special Sony and Microsoft shared keynote discussing the future of massively multiplayer console gaming, the packed schedule will include 48 sessions across six tracks from veterans including Sony Online, Microsoft, NCSoft, Ubisoft, Electronic Arts, Red Storm, Disney, Monolith, Turbine, Taldren, Mythic and others.

“As the third largest region in the United States for game development, Austin is once again pleased to host the most innovative creative and business minds in game development from around the world,” said Christopher V. Sherman, executive director of the Austin Game Initiative. “With more than 850 people at last year's event the Austin Game Conference has earned the reputation as the definitive conference for multiplayer game development. We look forward to a larger event this year.”

--- Kit