Austin Games Conference highlights market growth in Asia

In a special conference track at the annual Austin Games Conference, developers from North America and Asia will convene to discuss market growth and business opportunities in the Asian games market.

Specifically designed to create awareness of the design process, government regulatory issues and business climate in China and Asian territories, the Games In Asia track will include an in-depth report on the Chinese online gaming market, as well as the differences in MMOG design between Asia and North America.

Key speakers include John Needham, CFO, Sony Online Entertainment, Lan Hai Wen, CEO, Link China Entertainment, Eugene Evans, VP, Marketing & Business Development, Mythic Entertainment and Montgomery Singman, Chief Professor, Shanghai Theatre Academy. Additional speakers from companies including WEBZEN, NCSoft and Game Creation Magazine will also partake in the conference.

Christopher V. Sherman, executive director of conference organisers The Game Initiative said: "Understanding the Asian computer and video game market has become a hot topic of discussion and of paramount importance for the continued growth of the game industry. North American companies are eager to expand into the Asian market and similarly Asian companies are interested in increasing their presence in North America."

The Games In Asia conference track will take place on October 28th, and conference organisers hope that the free discussion between industry executives from both North America and Asia will benefit the industry as a whole, forming new partnerships and developing strategies for the international expansion of the global games market.

Sherman added: "The Austin Game Conference engaged industry experts with specific experience in the Asian market to present this topic, and Western developers and publishers will benefit greatly by participating."

The Austin Games Conference will host over 130 speakers and is expected to be attended by more than 2000 developers. The conference takes place between 27th and 28th October 2005 at the Austin Convention Centre, Texas.