The 6th Annual Conference Dedicated to Connected Games, Game Audio, and Writing for Games 'Evolves to Win'

AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2008 Austin Game Developers Conference (Austin GDC) broke attendance records this year attracting 3,000 attendees, a full 11% increase over last year's successful event. The conference, which covered connected games, game audio, and writing for games, proved successful in inspiring game developers to look beyond the traditional methods of developing digital entertainment by way of the future-focused content presented. Austin GDC once again played host to a number of memorable keynotes including Lane Merrifield's discussion on Club Penguin, the company he co-founded, and futurist Bruce Sterling's talk on where computer entertainment will be 35 years from today. In addition, evening mixers like the SXSW Interactive Screenburn reception and Austin GDC closing party gave attendees ample opportunity to network with peers and meet new industry professionals. Finally, the sold out expo floor at the Austin Convention Center featured more than 130 participating exhibitors and sponsors showcasing up-and-coming game technology and software.

"Similar to the title of one of our keynote addresses, 'At Your Service Putting Customer First,' we took to heart all the feedback from our attendees, sponsors and exhibitors from 2007's event to create an even better experience for AGDC08," said Izora De Lillard, conference director. "Seeing the amount of energy, enthusiasm, and satisfaction from everyone over the three days is proof that the conference has indeed 'evolved and won.' We'll again take a look at the feedback from this year's event to continue to create a community of learning, networking, and inspiration for the 2009 Austin Game Developers Conference."

This year's conference also included:

-- The successful introduction of the Independent Games Showcase - a snapshot of the locally developed games within the area and a spin off the hugely success Independent Games Festival held every year at GDC.

-- The introduction of the Worlds in Motion Summit, which focused on the intersection and opportunities for games and interactive worlds by companies both large and small.

-- The successful return of the Game Career Seminar, a one day event geared towards educating interested students, graduates, and future game developers on how to get their foot inside the game industry.

-- myGDC and schedule builder, the event's own online social networking tool for communicating and sharing schedules with other attendees, exhibitors, and speakers.

The Austin GDC returns in 2009 at the Austin Convention Center September 14-18. For more information on Austin GDC and the advisory board visit http://www.AustinGDC.net.

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