Christian Game Developers Conference - July 25-27, Portland

#1 Interesting, very interesting.

#2 This is very interesting.

From what I have seen at my local christian bookstore, christian games are extremely culturally irrelevant.

I would like to see a day where christian games are pushing the envelope that secular games follow, much like Bach did for music.

#3 It's interesting that it's in Portland too, although I guess not because GG is in Eugene. I'm about halfway between Portland and salem...

Interesting I didn't see this until it's too late ;-)

Keith Weatherby II
uhfgood@artoo.net

#4 Hey,

It is in Portland for better availability of airport (I live in Corvallis).

Next year's is scheduled for July 30 & 31, 2004, in Portland. Not sure if I can edit the title or just have to do a new one.

Details will be posted at cgdc.org but not many details yet. We will have more workshops in '04 plus the speakers and discussion time. Also, we are wanting anyone in game development, whether digital, paper, card or board game! If you are a Christian working in these areas or have an intense interest, this is the conference for you.

#5 I don't understand why the developer would have to be "a Christian working in these areas".

Is there some kind of test I have to pass before I get in?

#6 Hi Randall,

The conference is designed for Christians. We want to be clear with that up front so a non-Christian won't feel uneasy when we start to pray or mention that we have different goals than secular game developers. Can a non-Christian attend? Sure, I just request that they not be disruptive.

Since the topics address game designers, people that are actively working in these areas will benefit. I further stated that those that have an intense interest are welcome. Someone wanting to get into game design should definitely attend and we hope to have some great workshops to help them along. This year, we had two 15 year olds attend, both with varied experience but lots of interest. We also had an 70+ retired electrical engineer present (who is a gamer!!) and last year he writing up a story on games.

Are game players invited? Well, they are definitely interested in the "games" but are they truly interested in their development? Again, this filter is used to make the best use of their time.

I'm sure a programmer for EA could've snuck into the Indie Game Con and gotten some good info out of it. It was designed for Indie Game Developers though. Similarly, our conference is designed for game developers that are Christian.

I hope that clarifys it. If not, please reply or send me Tim AT cgdc DOT org

Tim

#7
Replying to Thomas:
I agree the dearth of games at the Christian Book stores, we are fighting those battles. But there are over two dozen titles out! See: http://ChristianGamesNow.com

Be sure to check out Victory at Hebron based on the Redemption card game:
http://brethren-et.com

If you have more questions, send me Email Tim AT cgdc DOT org

#8

Quote:

You mean like this?

#9 Matthew

Yes, doggone it, they do have it. The [quote] keywords!!

Thanks so much.
Tim

#10 Hehe...no problem =)

#11 I was wondering how many people went?

And are there any plans for other religious game development con's around?

#12 I know some fiction writers who've done well within the religious niche. It's something indies would be uniquely suited to do - custom-make a game suited for a very specific need.

Will this con be an annual thing, Tim?

#13 Edward,

Quote:I was wondering how many people went?

We had 90 attendees this year. Last year, our first year, we had 30 but that was probably due to only a couple of month's notice.

Quote:And are there any plans for other religious game development con's around?

I'm not sure I understand the question. I think you are asking if we are going to have more conferences, but in different locations? That is a possibility if anyone is willing to run it. I'm committed to run the one in Portland for now. If it continues to grow (and it should as we invite the designers of paper, board and card games - and word gets out about it), then we'll consider another yearly event at a different venue.


Jay,

Quote:Will this con be an annual thing, Tim?

Yes, Jay, as long as God keeps blessing it, we'll keep having it. The location is a small Christian College, we may outgrow that after this next year. But there are other possibilities in the area. The key is to be near a major airport for folks travelling. Some folks have asked for another one in January, so I'm polling the community. Also polling interest in a one-day "get together" that would be primarily around networking. Probably just do it in an airport conference area.

Also, we may see an influx of Microsoft people. I got an Email a few days before this year's conference from a Microsoft person who said he "just found out about it." And that he was forwarding the details to 150 MS employees that he knew to be Christian! :)

If any of you think you might be interested, I can send you a copy of the speakers from this year to give you a flavor of that. I'd have to dub more but I'd be glad to do that.

I have some of the break out sessions on video but haven't had the time (or a 8mm camcorder) to make a master tape yet.

-Tim

#14 Very neat, I like this idea! As a christian myself, I've been struggling with exactly what to do...heck, maybe I'll come this year ^_^