|
graceworks Member Posts: 455 From: Corvallis, Oregon, USA Registered: 03-03-2001 |
With God's help, we'll be hosting a Conference in Portland, Oregon, late this summer (exact date to be announced later). Hucklberry kindly volunteered to help me. I have a verbal commitment from Chris Crawford to give us a talk on interactive storytelling. So, lots of preparation still needs to occur. It is probably safe for us to plan on a smaller conference. A round table discussion approach will work well. We can hash out some more topics based on your suggestions. And yet be dynamic enough to change or add during the conference. Logistics known so far (but not 100% set in stone): Late summer, near the airport (probably at a church?) - before the rainy season starts. Probably do a Friday evening/Saturday event - allows folks to attend their church on Sunday. Informal event, main thing is to bring an open mind and your knowledge. For those travelling, we'll keep the costs to a minimum (hope to get a church for free so only expense would be food/snacks). Worst case for someone would be plane fare & hotel (if we couldn't match up with donated accomodations). I can try to have transportation from/to airport set up. As a reminder, we had discussed this a long time ago, see links belows. http://www.christiancoders.com/cgi-bin/ubb-cgi/postdisplay.cgi?forum=Forum3&topic=0000 04 http://www.christiancoders.com/cgi-bin/ubb-cgi/postdisplay.cgi?forum=Forum3&topic=0000 07 And just in case folks are curious, this is NOT an April Fool's prank. Real McCoy! -Tim ------------------ [This message has been edited by graceworks (edited April 01, 2002).] |
Mack Administrator Posts: 2779 From: Registered: 01-20-2001 |
CGDC sounds like a great idea! However I don't think I can attend this year primarly because I live in Canada. I hope it turns out great and someone bring a digi-cam to take pics!  |
|
graceworks Member Posts: 455 From: Corvallis, Oregon, USA Registered: 03-03-2001 |
Let's take a gander at topics. Even if you can't attend, you can contribute. We'll share the outcome with you. Below are some ideas that JoeG put forward. I'll embellish on those that I know anything about: 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). - Do we want to have two game categories? "Soul-winning" games for non-believers ... and "edification" games for believers? Christian bookstores would probably carry both if they were well done. 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. - Funding is a good topic. I'm self-funding Jarod and am getting help from Rich. I know Eric at ChristianGaming.com is still trying to find funding for Project X. I'm not sure how N'Lightning got their funding. Mack with TwoGuysSoftware was having some issues with funding and switched games (Mack is the new game funded?). 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. - I'd like to showcase all the Christian games that have been released. I'll bring my collection and others can bring theirs. We'll definitely hope at least one marketing-type shows up! (Huck can you ask Lucy if she can come??) 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. - We'll probably focus on computer/console games but can definitely focus on success of card & board games in the Christian market. 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...). - Very pertinent topic, some game houses have been shopping around for engines so hopefully they can share their insight. GarageGames has an interesting deal but some strings attached. Discussion on small team dynamics-Some people with experience could help explain how to manage a small team and so on... - Good topic. We can also try to highlight how to make "virtual" teams work since they are more likely to form since it doesn't involve people moving or giving up their day job. Then we can discuss other things like walking the theological tightrope and so on. - I'm assuming JoeG meant within games, how much Christian content to include. That would be an excellent topic. 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 - definitely have time to mingle but since only doing a Friday afternoon/night & Saturday, no time for all-out gaming. If folks want to do that on Sunday with their own planning, that is fine. If possible, we may have machines showing off the Christian games that have been done ... so maybe you can get a few minutes in playing. Then again, if we cover all the topics (even the ones added at the conference), we may want to have some fun time. Please add your nickel's worth to the above topics or suggest more. -Tim ------------------ |
c h i e f y Member Posts: 415 From: Surrey, United Kingdom Registered: 03-07-2002 |
hey Graceworks, you've done a lot of work there, best of luck with the conference, it sounds like it'll be fun alright MACK made a good comment about the digicam I liked over on www.blitzcoder.com one of the threads last month was entirely photos of blitzcoder members it is THE most amazing thread ever, does anyone have the URL to go straight to it? Pokey - can you help? anyway, graceworks - COULD a CCN'er attending, go with a digicam and flash off some photos of the venue, the delegates, the computers etc etc you choose even just HALF A DOZEN images would probably be sufficient to fill the rest of us "in" that couldn't make it there you'd obviously give some text to each photo/image and it would REALLY make a difference, do you agree? hey, you've already GOT my photo on : www.christiancoders.com/ubb/Forum19/HTML/000008.html love those words... know 'em? ------------------ from www.vitology.com/chiefy/quiz.zip ..how tough can it be? |
|
hucklberry Junior Member Posts: 7 From: medford, OR, USA Registered: 08-27-2001 |
Well I for one am very interested in attending. I like the topics outlined and I have a few things I can talk about on most of them. I don't know that Lucy will be able to attend (she's got school now). I really really think Christian game makers need to come together to develop the market. It won't be easy to do, but it can be done and I will do what it takes to get it done. I hope as many of you as possible can show up! Huck |
D-SIPL Moderator Posts: 1345 From: Maesteg, Wales Registered: 07-21-2001 |
A lot of thought has gone into this, nice one Tim. I think, talking about marketing would be very useful. You can write games but then what?? Marketing staregy's can be quite important. But maybe you want to save it for another time.
quote: How about a web cam, or some kind of digital recorder so we can upload it, or distribute on cd for people who can't make it? Sounds really good though, i would travel to go! And you could then see D-SIPL in the flesh... i can sense your antisipation rising already... hehe --D-SIPL |
|
hucklberry Junior Member Posts: 7 From: medford, OR, USA Registered: 08-27-2001 |
Marketing is one of the topics I feel strongly about and I plan to talk extensively on the subject. You're right, you can make a game, "then what"? I'll tell you what,.......marketing. Here at N'Lightning we have gained some valueable insight into this subject. |
|
graceworks Member Posts: 455 From: Corvallis, Oregon, USA Registered: 03-03-2001 |
Recording - Having to mess with video and audio recorders may detract from the small group setting, but we'll see what can be done. Maybe a camcorder that has a good microphone set on a tripod, or try some unobtrusive microphones. Would folks prefer video or will sound alone work? 10 to 12 hours of content may be a pain to distribute as well, taking a lot of bandwidth if someone where to host it afterwards. What is your preferred medium to receive it? CDs? Videotape? Thanks for posting everyone. If you see a topic that should be covered that isn't listed, please post away. Or if you want to expand on a topic, please do. Would it help to have a projects board there? I guess Krylar already has that here but having one in person may give rise to situations like "I know a talented music man that would be interested in that job." So, something listing the project, brief summary, areas needed. For folks that are available, list their skills and possible do some matching? Just an idea. Any other marketers out there? Having Hucklberry share his experience will help but would be much better if there were at least one other experienced person were there (Huck, you inviting Cactus Rob Anderson or do you want me to?). Speaking of inviting, mention it to everyone you know in the industry. Rich is working on a web site, so we can point people to that and run some advertising campaigns. Again, it will be a small gathering but God can create the spark needed to set this one ablaze. For you history buffs, the secular Game Design Conference started out in Chris Crawford's living room! Please Lord bless this for your Kingdom. ------------------ |
|
c h i e f y Member Posts: 415 From: Surrey, United Kingdom Registered: 03-07-2002 |
quote: graceworks do you agree? ------------------ from www.vitology.com/chiefy/quiz.zip ..how tough can it be? |
|
graceworks Member Posts: 455 From: Corvallis, Oregon, USA Registered: 03-03-2001 |
quote: I agree. Sorry I digressed too far. We'll capture the discussions if possible. But we'll definitely takes pictures of all willing attendees and displays. God blessed me with a digital camera, so that is no problem. Speaking of displays, the one I had proposed was a "history" of Christian games. Since we are focusing on "video/computer" games, does anyone have a complete list? Thinking of mainstream games, is the first one really Super Noah 3D that came out for the SNES? (I have the PC version, does anyone have the actual cartridge?). On my shelf, I have War in Heaven, Gil's Bible Jumble, Heaven Quest, Saints of Virtue, Catechumen, Ominous Horizons and Nacah. What other ones are there (and should we start this in a separate thread?). Any ideas for different displays or posters? I have access to a plotter, so can print a powerpoint slide out in a nice poster format if someone wants to make a poster (see, you can contribute even if you can't attend). Some that might be neat are: A list of Christian development companies (is Eric's list at ChristianGaming.com the most complete?) A list of Christian publishers (or family-friendly publishers? or ??) A vision of what our industry may look like in 5, 10 and 20 years??
We hope to have a web site up soon that will allow you to voluntary put an Email address on a distribution list to get updates. Anyone willing to give a talk about your expertise or experience? Thanks everyone. ------------------ |
Krylar Administrator Posts: 502 From: MD, USA Registered: 03-05-2001 |
Wonderful idea (I know you've batting this about...I've just not responded till now :P). If you'd like to put together a list of finalized items, agendas, etc. I would be happy to publish it up on CCN for everyone to check out. Lemme know! -Krylar ------------------ |
|
c h i e f y Member Posts: 415 From: Surrey, United Kingdom Registered: 03-07-2002 |
Hi Krylar - greetings hey you love that smiley :P don't ya? always using it BUT are the only 5 I can do within posts? :P doesn't work, should it? ------------------ |
|
graceworks Member Posts: 455 From: Corvallis, Oregon, USA Registered: 03-03-2001 |
quote: Thanks Krylar! We'll definitely take advantage of that. Need to get the word out! -Tim ------------------ |
|
graceworks Member Posts: 455 From: Corvallis, Oregon, USA Registered: 03-03-2001 |
Okay, trying to get a web page together, url is: http://www.graceworksinteractive.com/cgdc ** July 26/27th in Portland, Oregon. See other thread for topics and display ideas. ** Note, web page is still being edited. Also, it may be down for a couple of days, apologies in advance. ------------------ |
|
graceworks Member Posts: 455 From: Corvallis, Oregon, USA Registered: 03-03-2001 |
Just in case you try to access our site while name servers are getting changed, this page should get you to the spot: http://site113.ehostingbiz.net/graceworks/cgdc We are still interested in speakers. The rest of the conference will be discussions. Also, if you'd like to do a display, let me know. Tim ------------------ |
|
Mack Administrator Posts: 2779 From: Registered: 01-20-2001 |
Josh, our assistant script writer here at TGS, created this logo and wanted me to post it to see what everyone thought. Comments? |
|
Mack Administrator Posts: 2779 From: Registered: 01-20-2001 |
I would be interested in speaking on several topics, but I can't make it to the CGDC this year. Any way we could set something up? I could record some with my digi-cam, have print-outs, whatever? Just tossing ideas around. |
zookey Member Posts: 1902 From: Great Falls, Montana, USA Registered: 04-28-2002 |
Hey everyone, this is Josh. I'm the guy Mack talked about (who designed the CGDC logo) I do Photoshop stuff for fun in my spare time, so that is where the logo came from. If whoever wants anymore PS created stuff, just lemme know cause I'd enjoy doing it ------------------ |
|
graceworks Member Posts: 455 From: Corvallis, Oregon, USA Registered: 03-03-2001 |
quote:
Hmm...there is a CGDC.org - but doubt they will balk since we are just using the initials. Mack, thanks for the offer. A video would be interesting but we really need you in person so you could answer questions dynamically. Can you form your ideas and put them on a poster? I'd be glad to help out there. OR, if you can get your game demo (that movie you had a while back) and more on a VHS tape, we will have access to a big screen tv (so I'm told). That would be neat to have during the demonstration times. Mack, if your talk will only work in spoken format, send me Email & let's talk. Speaking of posters, for any Christian Development company (regardless of size) that can't come, do a single poster describing your company & projects. That would be neat to showcase them all AND give a good feel for the size of the industry. Toss out any other ideas everyone! ------------------ |
|
Mack Administrator Posts: 2779 From: Registered: 01-20-2001 |
I checked again and I might be able to make it to the CGDC. Great ideas you mentioned, I'll get on them and see what we can do. |
|
graceworks Member Posts: 455 From: Corvallis, Oregon, USA Registered: 03-03-2001 |
quote: It would be an honor to have you there Mack. I hope everyone reading this feels that they are truly invited and welcome to attend. Without you, the people making Christian Games, the conference will be lacking. There are no registration fees and costs should be a minimum ($10/night and a few dollars for food), so the major cost will be travel. Hey, even Angel is contemplating coming! For background, the idea started a year or so back when I kept moaning about how I'd like to attend the Game Developers Conference. My wife, being the ever-sensitive type, said "Why don't they have a conference for Christian Games"? And God has since blessed that seed. How has He blessed it? Well, Chris (Hucklberry) has volunteered to help me in organizing and handling logistics (I hope to meet with him in June to cement our plans). Chris Crawford has graciously volunteered to give a talk. He is the author of many classic games like Balance of Power and is now pioneering interactive storytelling. I'm overjoyed that Chris has given me advice on setting up and running a conference. This is golden advice since he started the Game Developers Conference in his living room. Also, getting Cascade College has been awesome, great facilities, great prices and close to the airport! So, please, everyone feel invited, pray about it and see if God wants you to come. If so, He will provide the way. I'd like to challenge anyone that is in Krylar's showcase ... to do a poster demonstrating their product. You already have a good start from the material in the showcase. -Tim ------------------ |
