Taking Control of Your (Studio's) Destiny

Speakers: Denis Dyack, Eric Peterson, Greg Zeschuk, James Schmalz, Rich Hilmer, Victor Lucas

Track: Business and Management

Format: Panel

Experience Level: All

Description: As the game industry grows bigger every year, it becomes more important to protect the independent voice and keep innovation alive. However, the requirements of next-generation game development-from technology to team size-can make the types of chances an indie studio might once have taken too expensive to risk. What are the right steps to take to ensure survival while not losing sight of the core sensibilities that set a studio apart? Where can additional revenue opportunities be found? Some of the industry's most highly-respected indie studio heads sit down together to share the various methods working for them.

Idea Takeaway: Attendees will leave the session with a sharper eye for the potential revenue streams available to them and with a selection of creative solutions to some of the challenges that the next-gen environment presents to an independent studio.

Intended Audience: This session would most benefit those who run an independent game studio, those who are considering opening such a company, or those who work within a development environment facing similar issues.