GDC 2009 to Address Economic Times With Content Highlighting Opportunities, Sound Financial Strategies; Giving Insight Into Current Global Challenges

SAN FRANCISCO, March 5 /PRNewswire/ -- The Game Developers Conference® (GDC), the largest global industry gathering for games, has lined up content to serve the industry in the insecure economic times. The conference will boast a full-spectrum of talks and lectures that will highlight where the game industry is in a position of strength, how studios can take advantage of technology and production methods for efficient development, trends that indicate opportunity for game-makers as well as avenues to raise and protect capital. GDC09 will take place March 23-27 at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco.

"The GDC's goal has always been to reflect the developments in the game industry and provide a forum to strengthen the sector," Meggan Scavio, event director, GDC, said. "We feel it is prudent and timely to present a set of talks that can meaningfully help our industry find opportunity and stave off hardship, in the face of an uncertain global economy."

Featured speakers and session titles include:

    -- Matthew Le Merle, CEO, Gameplay Holdings and Keiretsu Forum
       Early Stage Funding for Video Game Start Ups

    -- Stephen Goldstein, former Director of Business Development and General
    Counsel, Flagship Studios
       My Lessons Learned from Flagship Studios

    -- Chris Kauza, Managing Director, Soltus Group
       Raising Capital on a Recession

    -- Gerri Sinclair, President, Great Northern Way Campus, Tarnie Williams,
    General Manager, Relic Entertainment, Howard Donaldson, Vice President -
    Studio Operations, Disney Interactive, Dave Fracchia, VP Technology,
    Radical/Activision, and Bradley Crooks, Studio Head, Headstrong Games
       Riding the Waves of Change: How Video Game Companies Can Flourish in
    an Environment of Relentless Volatility and Flux

    -- Albert Reed, Studio Director, Demiurge Studios and Bill Reed, CEO,
    Demiurge Studios
       Stability in Stormy Weather

GDC09 will focus on opportunity in the games industry through economy-related talks and beyond. Attendees will find a wealth of information on emerging devices, new distribution methods, production technologies and other developments in the sector that open up new and improved avenues for professional and aspiring developers.

GDC09 attendees should also take note of the GDC Career Pavilion and Expo floor, which is available to any GDC pass option. The Pavilion and Expo floor grants attendees access to the top tool, platform, and software companies recruiting today. The GDC Career Pavilion and Expo is open Wednesday through Friday, March 25-27.

For additional details on GDC sessions or for more information about GDC09, please visit www.gdconf.com.

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