The CMP Game Group, host of the Game Developers Conference (GDC), has turned its focus to the topic of outsourcing and off-shoring with its GDC FOCUS ON: Game Outsourcing Summit, slated for August 14, 2006, at
the Los Angeles Airport Marriott. The one-day conference, the second GDC FOCUS ON event, is dedicated to outsourcing games-related work.
As the sophistication of next-generation videogames accelerates and the number of assets requiring management increases, outsourcing is becoming an alternative for game development and production. GDC FOCUS ON: Game Outsourcing Summit will explore these production and development methods and their financial viability. It will also bring together publishers and developers to discuss opportunities and to establish potential partnerships.
Each conference session features experienced industry decision-makers who will discuss unique aspects of the outsourcing process and the development services industry.
These sessions include:
A case study from a developer featuring five elements that went right and five that went wrong during a project that utilized outsourcing;
A step-by-step guide detailing how to put together a bid, a contract, and how to prepare assets before presenting them to a vendor;
A session about how smaller developers can take advantage of outsourcing; and
A presentation by two producers who share their experiences with outsourcing projects. One used a local resource, and the other used overseas resources;
A look at current and burgeoning outsourcing regions, their differentiators, and the strategies used for considering outsourcing to these locales;
A case study of an actual deal from the business perspective, including IP, personnel control and management, and how the financials work, as well as successfully negotiating a contract; and
A look at managing the process, the technology used to evaluate the outsourced elements, and understanding how to communicate your needs and requirements to develop an effective pipeline.
A keynote speaker will be announced next month.
The early registration price of $495 is available until July 26. Regular ticket price is $595. For more information about the event and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.gdcfocuson.com or www.gdcfocuson.com/gos/