The GC Developer Conference (GCDC) ended on Wednesday 23rd August with a record number of over-650 participants from 20 countries (500 delegates in 2005). Exciting presentations were shown and exhibitors made a promise to meet again at Leipzig in 2007. International games developers, publishers and academics came together at Europe’s biggest developers’ conference, which took place from the 21st to the 23rd of August, to discuss development, business and science. This year’s event was characterised by full rooms, a great atmosphere, and several opportunities for networking. Special attention was paid at the conference to address the subject of next generation games. The following are some of the key questions that were posed:

• What types of functions will the input devices of next generation games offer?
• What themes must be taken into account when designing next generation titles?
• What are the opportunities offered by online games and is there a viable market potential behind projects under development?

[advert] “The growing interest in the conference and the increase in the number of participants clearly show that the GCDC has found its international location in Leipzig,” said Frank Sliwka, Project Manager of the GCDC.

Among the speakers this year were Bob Bates (IGDA), Bill Roper (CEO Flagship Studios), Peter Molyneux (President of Lionhead), Don L. Daglow (President and CEO of Stormfront Studios Inc.), David Smith (Managing Director of Interactive Selection), Christopher Schmitz (Executive Producer of CDV Software), Louis Castle (Vice President of Creative Development, EALA), Jeff Hilbert (President Digital Development Management), Ernest W. Adams (freelancer), Alexander L. Fernández (Chief Executive Officer Streamline Studios) and Sean Kauppinen (Director of Kohnke Communications) together with Sven Liebich (Art Director of Phenomic Game Development) and Rüdiger Kügler (Head of Sales from WIBU Systems).

Comments from speakers at the GCDC:
Peter Molyneux, Lionhead Studios
“It is amazing how much the conference has grown and how many delegates are here this year. The quality of the questions from the general public has also risen sharply. The GCDC offers us a wonderful opportunity to talk about our new ideas and projects with an audience of professionals.”

Dennis Fong, Chief Gaming Officer, Xfire
“The GCDC is very lively and interactive. All the same, I believe that we are only just beginning to scratch the surface, particularly with regard to online games.”

The next GCDC will take place from the 20th to the 22nd of August 2007.