Debra Visits Game Developers Conference 2008 - Continued

Game Developers Conference 2008
A Showcase for Games and a Chance to Make News.



Maybe you couldn’t make it to San Francisco for GDC but experience the “buzz” with me!

Forget the cable cars ….. I zipped around in a race car. Bet you don’t believe me ….. but I’ve got proof.

Vicious Cycle …a Company in a Vicious Industry
Find out what Vicious Cycle is looking for in talent when hiring from the human resources department and SCA graduate and Art Director, Bert McLendon.
With decades of combined development experience and a skilled team of artists, programmers, and designers this company has been involved in the development of many great products throughout the years.
Check out some of their games such as: Curious George, Dead Head Fred or Marvel Trading Card Game.

Electronic Arts was BIG at GDC….
Do You want to Know What They Are Looking for in Young Talent?
Listen to the words of the Head of Global Talent from EA.
Carl Schmidt
Carl Schmidt is currently a Lead OutSource Artist for Elecrtonic Arts. Carl shares some very enlightening comments for future graduates of the School. He is a graduate of the School of Communication Arts. Carl worked at several Raleigh game companies before heading for the West Coast to work at Invidia.

Craig Slagel
Get the latest from Craig on what he thought was “Hot” at GDC. He also has great advise for students getting ready to graduate and anxious to work in the the game and animation industry.

Craig is a recognized leader in the animation field. He graduated from the School of Communication Arts and has over 10 years experience in computer graphics training including seven years at Electronic Arts

Why should you attend GDC?

I ran into Marx Myth, graduate of SCA, former faculty member and now Art Director/Arts Manager for Lockheed Martin 3D Learning Solutions.

Read what Marx had to say…

GDC is fantastic to network, gather info on new procedures & peer approaches, and gain understanding on how games are impacting the world.
I met a plethora of new folks there…many outside my area of expertise (art) and culture (serious games). With these new contacts I can share ideas and information on troubleshooting managerial problems, solving game engine difficulties, and gain encouragement with difficulties in scope creep…scheduling and budget runovers. I would definitely say networking is the largest prize here.

I was struck by the great number of games to see…they ran the gamut from casual games to triple-A titles. The new technologies were also captivating…I particularly loved the new wii stuff and the brainwave UI development (NeuroSky)…mind-blowing fun.

And all of the many classes to take…I felt fortunate to gain insights into the many processes available…this is much better that the online input…the person can speak directly to your concerns and demonstrate if time is available.
The first two days also have full day tutorials and group gatherings.

For any student or any one wanting to change jobs then the jobs expo is tremendous…absolutely the most congested space I have ever seen at any conference….many of the big titles have private areas for on the spot interviewing.

Overall…I feel GDC is the most impressive conference I have ever been to…something for everyone.

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Debra A Hooper
Vice President/Director
School of Communication Arts
@ Digital Circus