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graceworks Member Posts: 455 From: Corvallis, Oregon, USA Registered: 03-03-2001 |
Before a conference for Christian Game Developers can happen, your help is needed. These questions need to be answered: 1) Do we have critical mass to proceed with one? I'll leave it as "one" large question for now. There are tons of more topics to cover (like what topics to cover at a conference, would it have presentations or training classes, etc.) If you want, we can discuss a virtual conference - benefits are it would be cheaper and allow more attendees. Negatives, no face-to-face interaction, encouragement, etc. Please post your answers so that everyone can review them and follow-up. -Tim ------------------------------------------------------------------------- So, I've been tempted to help host a game developers conference for Christian Games! It would start out small but that is actually preferred. If there is enough interest, I could start a new thread (or someone gracious enough to move this post could do so). I've been attending a small conference for the past couple of years hosted by the man that started the CGDC, Chris Crawford. It is on his new interactive storytelling software. They have been small but a rewarding experience. What do ya'll say? CCGDC? (Christian Computer Games Developers Conference) Tim ------------------ |
Krylar Administrator Posts: 502 From: MD, USA Registered: 03-05-2001 |
With all the folks having to travel to this and the fact that there really isn't a huge number of Christian developers on this board...I have a feeling that if we tried to do this anytime soon, we'd end up with 3 guys at a McDonald's in Iowa.  I still think this is way important (and cool!)...so how can we all work together to bring tons and tons of people to this site to build the community needed to support such an event and keep that event going? -Krylar ------------------ |
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graceworks Member Posts: 455 From: Corvallis, Oregon, USA Registered: 03-03-2001 |
Well, I'd go for McDonald's ... but my wife might not go for Iowa. Even though I was raised in MO, never made it to IA! Krylar, we should take stock of the active companies. (do you have a list? If not, ChristianGaming.com has one started.) The ones I know about are: We should mine these locations for sponsorship (as well as Microsoft for programming lanugages/DirectX, other programming language developing companies, graphic program companies, Dell for hardware, Intel for hardware, etc., etc.). What do you think? Or is there preference to be self-funded so we can keep the appropriate focus? Another way to ask my original post would be "If I were to host the conference in Portland, Oregon, on such and such date, how many of you would come?" That might stir up more of response ... so you lurkers out there, please respond to my original post or this more simplified question. If you know you would never attend (or never in the short term), please respond with that too as that is useful information. -Tim
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MadProf Member Posts: 181 From: Larnaka, Cyprus Registered: 01-24-2001 |
I wouldn't be able to come to any in the US, at any rate not for the next 5/7 years or so , unless, of course, God intervened, or somthing.  if it would be in england, then I *might* be able to come, depending on the time of year. if in Cyprus, then yes! MadProf |
Revelator Member Posts: 226 From: Sydney, NSW, Australia Registered: 03-22-2001 |
I couldn't come either - though last night I dreamt my wife had 12 million in her bank account - but then I woke up. If ever the money rolls in, it would be my priority to see this happen, because I feel passionately about creating christian games. Revelator! ------------------ |
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Revelator Member Posts: 226 From: Sydney, NSW, Australia Registered: 03-22-2001 |
Tim, and Kryler. Is it possible to have a list of all the registered users and have their skills listed with them? If we could do this, then we can find out who we can contact for help with things - such as who are the graphic designers, the programmers, the musicians, the story writers. So for me it would go like this: Like: Alias: Revelator! Expert Skills: Coming up with Christian Game Concepts Completed Projects: Memory Gem Blocks Weekly Game Creating Time: 10 hours
Revelator! PS, knowing my luck, you probably have this function on the forum, but I haven't found it yet. ------------------ |
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graceworks Member Posts: 455 From: Corvallis, Oregon, USA Registered: 03-03-2001 |
Revelator! Excellent suggestions ... starting to look like GarageGames.com though! I like your addition of completed & current projects, time available, etc. If we all did this, it would be great. If CCN can't add the function right away, we could all add the info to our signatures for a short-term fix (yes, long and ugly, but remember "short-term" fix). God bless. ------------------ |
Mack Administrator Posts: 2779 From: Registered: 01-20-2001 |
This would be cool if we did it in 1-2 years, but I think planning it now would be good as well. We could invite companies like Eternal Warriors, the Redeption guys, DragonRaid, etc. Alias: Mr. Diffrence Expert Skills: Operations / Developer Project currently working on: Revelation Weekly Game Creating Time: 56+ hours ------------------ |
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Krylar Administrator Posts: 502 From: MD, USA Registered: 03-05-2001 |
I'll see if I can get this stuff into the profiles section of the BB. -Krylar ------------------ |
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Revelator Member Posts: 226 From: Sydney, NSW, Australia Registered: 03-22-2001 |
Shhhhhh - let me tell you all a secret. (the object of this forum is not to make games, but to make a lot of work for Krylar) Mate - you should be paid for all the ammendments you make on your website just to accomadate our ideas. You will surely get your reward in heaven. Revelator! |
Imsold4christ Member Posts: 305 From: Gresham, OR, US Registered: 01-20-2001 |
Revelator - LOL!
†Caleb† |
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MadProf Member Posts: 181 From: Larnaka, Cyprus Registered: 01-24-2001 |
Caleb: I hate having to disalusion you, but you're not the youngest, at 16. I'm 14.  And also i'd probably not be able to go, unless it was fairly close to where I am, as my dad is interested too, and would probably want to come along, and so could drive An Internet one would be very cool, with chatrooms & downloads & screenshots, etc. MadProf |
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graceworks Member Posts: 455 From: Corvallis, Oregon, USA Registered: 03-03-2001 |
I'll chime in with the information as well: Company: GraceWorks Interactive Expert Skills: Sleeping, Eating, playing games Projects currently working on: Jarod's Journey, Persecution of the Saints & a potential third project Weekly Game Creating Time: ~20 hours ------------------ |
Veritech Member Posts: 208 From: Lockport, NY Registered: 01-20-2001 |
Hi all, i read this, and forgot to reply. so now i'm replyin ^_^ I'd go to a confrence, if it was less then 5 hours travel time. Otherwise, a vidio confrence would be nice. Alias: Veritech Expert Skills: Since i have to ask questions bout everything, constantly, I guess i'm not an expert yet. except maybe Systems for RPGs Current Project(s): Right now i'm developing a Christian RPG, with the help of Phillip Martin, and freq47 (and krylar helps too ^_^) Completed Projects: None Weekly Game Creating Time: 56+ hours (thats all i do ^_^) Heh, well there ya have it. I'm off to work (on my RPG). -Veritech |
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graceworks Member Posts: 455 From: Corvallis, Oregon, USA Registered: 03-03-2001 |
Any more chatter on the conference? Of those willing to travel, would you be willing to do so to Portland, Oregon? And would you be willing to do so if there would be only a few attendees? With the bulk of the work probably wrestling with the best way to "grow" a Christian conference? Let me know via post or email me at graceworks@bigfoot.com. Serve Him! ------------------ [This message has been edited by graceworks (edited April 30, 2001).] |
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Mack Administrator Posts: 2779 From: Registered: 01-20-2001 |
I still think we should wait 1-2 years before seriously doing something, other wise no one is really going to go. Great idea BTW. |
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graceworks Member Posts: 455 From: Corvallis, Oregon, USA Registered: 03-03-2001 |
Does everyone agree with Mack? Wait a while? Or sign up a core set of folks to start planning now? Thanks for your feedback Mack. Just trying to gauge the "community". If I were to organize something that was very attractive in less than a year, would you be willing to travel Mack? So, let's add the question of timing to the questions. The list now includes: Of those willing to travel, would you be willing to do so to Portland, Oregon? And would you be willing to do so if there would be only a few attendees? With the bulk of the work probably wrestling with the best way to "grow" a Christian conference? When would you be willing to travel? Within a year? 2 years? 3 or more? Anyone good at html forms? Maybe we could make this a poll?
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Krylar Administrator Posts: 502 From: MD, USA Registered: 03-05-2001 |
Hiya, I can put the poll on the front page of the CCN. Just gimme the questions you want asked I'm thinking simply "Would you be willing to travel to Portland, OR to attend a Christian Game Developer's Conference?" Simply have a "Yes" "No". Sound okay? -Krylar ------------------ |
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graceworks Member Posts: 455 From: Corvallis, Oregon, USA Registered: 03-03-2001 |
quote: Or have the answers be: Thanks Krylar! -Tim |
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Krylar Administrator Posts: 502 From: MD, USA Registered: 03-05-2001 |
Okay, it's all set for the next poll change-out I set the answers as follows though (because it fit better): - No Chance Thanks! -Krylar ------------------ [This message has been edited by Krylar (edited April 30, 2001).] |
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Mack Administrator Posts: 2779 From: Registered: 01-20-2001 |
I'll go in 1+ years time, as long as Krylar goes, I want to meet the groovy dude himself. ------------------ |
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Krylar Administrator Posts: 502 From: MD, USA Registered: 03-05-2001 |
Awe shucks...cut it out, will ya? I'd love to meet all you guys. One year's time is probably doable for me too, but it'd have to be planned waaaaaaaaay in advance!  -Krylar ------------------ |
joeG Member Posts: 90 From: OK, US Registered: 01-20-2001 |
I think input from a publisher like Wisdom Tree (they've boxed up and distributed a lot of the better Christian games over the past few years, excluding the latest Quake engine Christian games that have come out recently) would be good. Who here is an expert about the financial side of Christian gaming? Having somebody who has beena around for a while now (as well as being a potential publisher) would be a good idea. The flip side to this is that everyone who has visited a Christian book store will see their (Wisdom Tree) games being sold for $30 and up. This might be good for a recent software title made for the latest and greatest hardware, but not for ancient hardware like the 8-bit Nintendo and Genesis! Despite this obvious sign of market stagnation I think that Wisdom Tree will at least have something to say from experience so we dont' repeat the same mistakes (if any) that they did. ------------------ |
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graceworks Member Posts: 455 From: Corvallis, Oregon, USA Registered: 03-03-2001 |
quote: Excellent points Joe. We definitely want representation from publishers, financers, gaming companies, artists, sound engineers, and any other interested parties! Does anyone have a contact at Wisdom Tree? I had established contact with Cactus Publishing (they did Saints of Virtue and Redemption). But lost all those messages with a hard drive crash (yes, yell at me for not backing up - have CD-R now so no more excuses). I wanted to invite all the Christian Game companies that have succeeded at getting a product in the market, even if it flopped. We can learn from their experiences, both good and bad! We can probably use Eric's list of game companies as starters, see ChristianGaming.com. If you have a solid contact with any of these, let me know by email at gracworks@bigfoot.com. We could even invite the tool making companies (compilers, graphic programs, sound programs). They may not come until we have a more solid conference established. But a potential source of sponsorship! God bless everyone. ------------------ [This message has been edited by graceworks (edited May 02, 2001).] |
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Mack Administrator Posts: 2779 From: Registered: 01-20-2001 |
One of my friends asked if the public is allowed into the CGDC? |
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graceworks Member Posts: 455 From: Corvallis, Oregon, USA Registered: 03-03-2001 |
quote: I should've added "games" to the list. Should we go as far as "anyone that won't be disruptive"? Perhaps this could be a topic of yet another poll regarding attendance! Does anyone have a strong feeling about not letting "anyone" into a conference? If you do, please share it here or email it to me for anonymous aggregation. Thanks, |
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Krylar Administrator Posts: 502 From: MD, USA Registered: 03-05-2001 |
Typically the way it's handled is that those coming to the conference help pay for the conference. In other words, it's not just the trip to the place, but the cost of the place rented that the supporters help pay. So if a person wishes to be disruptive, he/she will need to shell out cash to do so. Also, there should be a sign-up form which clearly states a set of rules that must be followed. Just my $0.02 -Krylar ------------------ |
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Mack Administrator Posts: 2779 From: Registered: 01-20-2001 |
quote:
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Krylar Administrator Posts: 502 From: MD, USA Registered: 03-05-2001 |
Of the 20 people who voted on the Poll for this, here's the breakdown: "Would you be willing to travel to Portland, OR to attend a Christian Game Developer's Conference?" No Chance, 8 votes, 40% Unfortunately there just aren't enough people participating in the polls to make this a worthwhile guage, but keep in mind that over the next year...with everyone's help...more people will be coming to this site and we can try that poll again with a slightly different slant. Anyone here vote the "no chance" option? If so, why? Thanks! -Krylar ------------------ |
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FrosGate Member Posts: 22 From: Grawn, MI, USA Registered: 05-08-2001 |
Well, I'm new here, and it may be that I don't stick around for too long, but so far things have been a good experience and I haven't seen any reason to leave, so who knows. So anyways, I'd be interested in going to an actual conference depending on a number of things. The location is my prime concern. Not so much that it was near to Michigan; I wouldn't mind traveling, but that it was in a good location for vacation spot. The way I'd work a trip to a conference like this into my budget would be to have it also be part of my vacation. Unfortunately, that means that if it was a 4 day conference, you'd probably only see me one or two of those days. The rest of the time I'd be out on the lake, or out on the slopes, or whatever. Timing also plays a role in that I guess, just that it'd have to fit in with my schedule for a vacation. I also kinda forsee us not having much in the way of a turn-out, so maybe we should just hold an online conference, and see what kind of turn out that has, and then maybe go on from there. Dunno though. One of the things that most appeals to me about this idea of a conference is the christian aspect of it. Not that I'm gonna be out there trying to convert much of anyone, but sounds like I might have a fun time talking religion with some other open minded people. Somehow posts and text and online chats just aren't as good as a good old face to face conversation. |
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FrosGate Member Posts: 22 From: Grawn, MI, USA Registered: 05-08-2001 |
Sorry for the second post, but I just noticed there was a second page of messages and just had a chance to read through it all. Here's my biggest thought reading it all. Alot of us like the idea of a conference, but there isn't enough in the way of support to really do anything grand. Starting the conferences now on one hand is likely to encourage more growth of this community, but if the conferences are a complete and utter flop because only 5 people showed up, and maybe 10 payed for it total, it isn't going to do much good. And especially any supporters we can get. If a company sends a representative to our conference, and sees only 4 people there, I doubt they'll be sending a rep again next year. For now, I think expanding our community is a great idea, but doing real world conferences at this point isn't very practical. Plus, I think representation from other companies is alot more likely to happen in an online enviroment at first then it is at a conference that they have to travel to. How would people feel about doing online conferences on a regular basis, like a few a year. They're not that hard to organize, or costly at all, and I think that they would go along ways towards strengthing this community in the beginning. Or atleast that's my uninformed opinion on the whole matter. =) |
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graceworks Member Posts: 455 From: Corvallis, Oregon, USA Registered: 03-03-2001 |
quote:
I suggested Portland since I had planned on bearing a lot of the organizing effort if a conference were to happen (I live about 1.5 hours south). The idea was from God through my wife ... since I was hinting at attending the Game Developers Conference (GDC) for the past couple of years. "Why not have a Christian Conference?" Also, I had not specific date in mind. Next year may be better for me as my day job is keeping me booked! FYI, there would be lots of vacation opportunities for you in Portland area. Probably should plan for the summer since the weather is great then. You could hit the beach, skiing (depending on season), waterfalls, nature places to visit in Oregon or Washington (some would require a drive though), etc. Yes, it would be small. If only 5 showed up, that is fine as long as each of the 5 were only expecting that many. What would break it for some is expecting 100 but only being one of 5. I would prefer that it start small to be honest. FYI, Chris Crawford was the founder of the GDC and I thought I heard him say that it started out in his living room! He has started another conference on the topic of interactive storytelling. This will be the third year, but on average around 15 people show up. So, small is okay if done right. We'll see what God blesses. -Tim ------------------ |
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FrosGate Member Posts: 22 From: Grawn, MI, USA Registered: 05-08-2001 |
Well, sounds like something I'm interested in. Portland would work fine for me. It's a ways off, but I think I'd rather get a ways away from MI for a vacation. How long of a conference is everyone thinking? And has anybody even a rough estimate of the cost? |
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graceworks Member Posts: 455 From: Corvallis, Oregon, USA Registered: 03-03-2001 |
quote: Everything is negotiable. Length & cost & whatever. Or, I can just organize something with your input and see how it goes. If it is smaller, everyone will have a say in it. Length: For this first one, 2 days is probably plenty. Cost: We could go on the cheap or spend as much as you want! A lot more difficult area to nail down will be topics. We can do open suggestions and hit as many as possible. Sounds like some interest for a CGDC in '02! |
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joeG Member Posts: 90 From: OK, US Registered: 01-20-2001 |
Let me just say this, I'm not for certain that I can't be there (I know, I know, double negative, sorry). Regardless of when this conference is going to happen, we can at least talk now about what we're going to be talking about then. I think some important topics would be, Discussion on the effectiveness of games as a media to share the Gospel-this topic is general enough to include a lot of what we've been talking about here (i.e. "Where does one draw the line between the content that goes into a Christian game versus the content that goes into a secular game). Discussion on the various ways to fund a Christian project-this discussion could go into detailing the similarities and differences between seeking capital for a secular game and a Christian game. Discussion about what the state of the industry is-...or if it even exists. This could also be about consumer awareness (the Christian and unbeliever consumer) of Christian games. Maybe could discuss also how to increase the profile of the Christian game industry (like the Christian music industry). Some people who have had experience with marketing Christian games would be very welcome in such a discussion. Discussion about design-this discussion could analyze what went right and what went wrong with games that have been made in the past (opportunity for nostalgia, if it exists). Also discussion could take place about the different genres that exist and are available to a Christian game designer (C.S. Lewis, Magic, Bible Trivia, etc...). Naturally one would assume that such a discussion would progress to talking about different ways to design games out of the box and brainstorm about how to create new genres. Discussion about the technological aspects of Christian games-this discussion would take on the problem of small (possibly virtual Internet) teams creating engines and content for their games. Discussion could center around the various pre-made engine technologies available (including a run down on which gives the best bang for the buck and so on...). Discussion on small team dynamics-Some people with experience could help explain how to manage a small team and so on... Then we can discuss other things like walking the theological tightrope and so on. To cool off, it would be best to plan breaks in the schedule to accomadate maybe a few hours of playing games with each other and talking about sports or anything other than Christian games I've tried to keep the above topics "linearly independent" (meaning that they don't overlap with each other too much), so what else could we stick in there or do we need to split some apart? joeG |
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graceworks Member Posts: 455 From: Corvallis, Oregon, USA Registered: 03-03-2001 |
Joe, Would you mind moving your topics to be covered at the CGDC to a new thread? It may get more attention that way. If you don't have the time, I'll try to get to it later this weekend. God bless all parents!
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graceworks Member Posts: 455 From: Corvallis, Oregon, USA Registered: 03-03-2001 |
Just to update this thread in case someone finds it via a search (which I just did). CGDC '02 had about 30 attendees For details, see: http://cgdc.org Look at CGNow.com for an updated page there (hopefully get the new page up by Wed.). God bless, ------------------ |
Angel Member Posts: 699 From: The Blissful State Of Me? Registered: 05-21-2001 |
Did you get my e-mail about my b-day Tim? ~Angel~ |
GUMP Member Posts: 1335 From: Melbourne, FL USA Registered: 11-09-2002 |
Ugh, that's almost exactly the opposite side of the whole country from me. I suppose I won't be going to the next one... though you never know. |
AmazingJas Member Posts: 437 From: Sydney, NSW, AUSTRALIA Registered: 04-03-2003 |
opposite side of the world for me  Man, this has got to be a record for bringing a post back to life! |
ArchAngel Member Posts: 3450 From: SV, CA, USA Registered: 01-29-2002 |
dude, it's less than a day's drive from me. oh well, still won't be able to make it. unless my fam decides they want to visit oregon for the summer... which actually they were planning on... hmmmm ------------------ |
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graceworks Member Posts: 455 From: Corvallis, Oregon, USA Registered: 03-03-2001 |
You folks complaining about location ... Someone came from Australia this year! So, please stop complaining, folks have travelled farther than you. If you'd like, I can send you a videotape of the speakers and I still have shirts for sale. So, it would be like you attended some of it at least. Email me if interested -> Tim at cgdc dot org ------------------ |
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AmazingJas Member Posts: 437 From: Sydney, NSW, AUSTRALIA Registered: 04-03-2003 |
Who came from Australia? |
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graceworks Member Posts: 455 From: Corvallis, Oregon, USA Registered: 03-03-2001 |
A good and generous brother named John. Email me if you need more details. It sunk in last night that I have never contacted Comdex nor the Christian Booksellers association and asked them to move the locations of their events. Anyway, at the conference, we also got to learn about a couple of new games. One, Walls of Jericho, is already out as a download and it is very fun. The other, Victory at Hebron, will be out shortly and will be a big winner for Redemption card fans. And for newbies as I had never played the card game but am enjoying the game. God bless, ------------------ |
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Mack Administrator Posts: 2779 From: Registered: 01-20-2001 |
quote: Yes I just quoted myself ------------------ |
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AmazingJas Member Posts: 437 From: Sydney, NSW, AUSTRALIA Registered: 04-03-2003 |
Go on Mack, you know you want to: quote your quote of your quote! You're 2/3rds of the way there. |
mjohnson Member Posts: 48 From: Registered: 08-03-2006 |
Are there any other Christian Gaming Conferences around? I've just heard of this one and are curious as to if there are others? Thanks, Michelle |
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JeTSpice Member Posts: 433 From: La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA Registered: 06-10-2006 |
There's rumor of another gathering somewhere in the eastern part of the US. This is the conference that most developers attend. |
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mjohnson Member Posts: 48 From: Registered: 08-03-2006 |
Rumor? So is it or isn't it going on? Is this something that you are starting? Thanks, Michelle |
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JeTSpice Member Posts: 433 From: La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA Registered: 06-10-2006 |
Oops, my mistake. I heard that there might be another conference in the east. But THIS conference (CGDC in Portland) is the one that most of the developers that I know of attend. |
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mjohnson Member Posts: 48 From: Registered: 08-03-2006 |
Oh ok, we all make mistakes. So I guess that this is the only conference for Christian Game Developers out there. Thanks |
HanClinto Administrator Posts: 1828 From: Indiana Registered: 10-11-2004 |
This is the only conference that is completely focused on Christian games. Several other groups out there are focused on a more general topic that is called "Serious Games" -- that is, using games to educate, train, advertise, etc. Basically using games to accomplish goals other than just pure entertainment. There are several sites dedicated to this topic, and within these organizations there are often pockets that are dedicated to religious games. Serious Games There are also plenty of Christians who attend the secular Game Developer's Conference. Hope that helps! --clint |
Gamer4Christ Member Posts: 551 From: Kokomo, Indiana, USA Registered: 07-19-2005 |
lol, well me and DR would love to go to one of these sometime down the road, after we are married and have more solid content done with KoE and everything we plan on going to this or something very similar. What is the closest one to Indiana? Just out of curiosity. ------------------ |
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mjohnson Member Posts: 48 From: Registered: 08-03-2006 |
Thanks "hanclinto" I've heard of the Game Developers Conference, I'll check out the others. |
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graceworks Member Posts: 455 From: Corvallis, Oregon, USA Registered: 03-03-2001 |
Wow, this is an old thread! Topic #4 in the help wanted section, wow. As far as I know, there is another one. Some folks have expressed interest in having it in their home town (one was East Coast, other was in Texas). I'm not sure if we are that big yet, but I won't stand in their way if they want to gather together. Some mentioned a "get together" - more social than a conference. We'll see what God blesses. In the meantime, I encourage everyone here to support the existing developers. Buy their product. Pray for them!! Go to your local Christian Stores and ask for the games - and ask a manager "Why not?" if they don't carry any. The industry could definitely use a grass roots campaign! God bless you all. ------------------ |
