New independent game conference announced

Furthering the recognition and support for the continued growth of the independent games market, a new two-day conference is scheduled to take place in Texas this July.

Designed to provide a neutral environment in which developers and publishers can openly discuss, investigate and explore in-depth the issues which matter most to them, the two-day event will feature three topic tracks, a keynote presentation and preview pavilion for developers to showcase their latest projects.

Steve Farrer, director of the Texas Independent Game Conference, commented: "As developers and gamers struggle with the divergence between the resource rich and the resource poor, between playing it safe and pushing the boundaries of creativity and between the sequel and real innovation, we need to get back to basics in many ways and I hope the gathering in Austin in July can contribute to that process."

Scheduled to take place in Austin, Texas, from July 22nd - 23rd, the conference tracks include: Veterans and Visionaries (sessions with experienced independent games developers and industry professionals), Market Place (providing insight and advice on commercialising independent games) and Tool Sets (detailing the technology required, and how to access and make best use of it). A dedicated vendor area will also be available.

The conference is being supported by Internet publishing firm Garage Games, independent games start-up firm Manifesto games, and will include a keynote speech from renowned game designer and long-term industry veteran Greg Costikyan.

"We are delighted to welcome Greg as a Keynote speaker", Farrer added. "His track record speaks for itself - he has designed more than 30 commercially published board, role-playing, computer, online, and mobile games, is the winner of 5 Origins Awards, and is an inductee into the Adventure Game Hall of Fame for a lifetime of accomplishment in the field. I know we can expect some thought provoking comments from Greg."

More information on the event can be found by visiting the official conference website.