Scott Steinberg to speak at Festival of Games

Technology expert Scott Steinberg is to give a talk at next year's Festival of Games event in The Netherlands, with a discussion of the wider problems and opportunities created by videogame piracy.

Steinberg will argue that piracy is a more positive force than generally accepted and that the increasing prevalence of digital distribution will massively expand gaming's reach and profitability. The focus of the talk will be on new platforms such as iPhone and Facebook, where it will be argued that piracy has the most constructive impact.

The point will be made that cost savings on anti-piracy measures can help lower production costs and that the 'freemium' business model - where users pay whatever they want for a product - can ultimately result in more revenue.

Steinberg will also predict that the current industry upheaval could mean the end for some of the biggest names in the business and that rather than packaged goods, gaming will be increasingly dominated by downloadable, online, social, community-driven and service-based titles.

"Instead of selling a €50 console game, the free-to-play model, where gamers play for free and pay as they go for virtual goods such as better weapons, may actually make more money in the end, while also helping stamp out game copying – and competition," said Steinberg.

Steinberg is the CEO of videogame consulting firm TechSavvy Global and founder of GameExec magazine and Game Industry TV. He is also a regular on-air analyst for American television networks such as ABC, CBS, NBC and CNN.

The Festival of Games is due to take place on 28 and 29 April 2011 in Utrecht, The Netherlands. Further information can be found at the official website.