News
The Carolina Games Summit will be held 10 a.m.-9 p.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2009 at Wayne Community College in Goldsboro, NC. Tickets are available to the public for $10 each and may be purchased online or at the door. The event includes video game tournaments, industry speakers, live music, educational sessions, and exhibition booths. An exciting mix of fun, academic opportunities and career exploration has been created for students, aspiring game developers, educators and professionals alike.
Attendees may participate in sponsored tournaments and enjoy unlimited free-play on full-size classic arcades as well as the latest consoles and computer gaming systems.
Building on the continued success of past years over 15 tournaments and numerous speakers from a variety of game development firms and educational institutions will be featured. Due to overwhelming interest, organizers have scheduled two keynote speakers for this year's event.
Insomniac Games' North Carolina Studio Director Chad Dezern and Production Director Shaun McCabe will give an in depth look at Insomniac's production philosophy during their keynote. They'll pull examples from their latest blockbuster titles: Ratchet and Clank Future: Quest for Booty and Resistance 2. In addition, they will provide an overview of hiring standards geared toward students interested in joining the game industry.
Media Sunshine's founder and producer Heather Chandler and writer Rafael Chandler will present the lessons they've learned during their combined 22 years in the trenches of the game industry. The husband-and-wife team will wrap up this keynote presentation with a look at their upcoming projects, including the PS3 shooter M.A.G. (Massive Action Game) and the stealth-action title Cipher Complex.
Hands-on training sessions by seasoned game development professionals and college educators will also be returning. The student showcase room will give budding game developers the chance to display their work directly to industry professionals. Rounding out the event, the exhibition hall will be packed with industry and educational representatives.
Visit the official web site, www.CarolinaGamesSummit.com, for a listing of events and additional details. Contact the event organizers, Michael Everett and Tracy Schmeltzer, at (919) 735-5151 or info(at)carolinagamessummit(dot)com for more information on attending, exhibiting or speaking at the Carolina Games Summit.
About Carolina Games Summit:
Carolina Games Summit is an event featuring both video game development sessions and highly competitive tournaments. Every year the organizers create an inviting atmosphere for both consumers and developers of video games. Hosted by Wayne Community College in Goldsboro, NC the event encourages career and educational exploration in an environment the entire family can enjoy. Attendees can discover all the opportunities the video game industry has to offer while interacting with gamers from all across the country. Additional information can be found on the official web site at http://www.carolinagamessummit.com.
About Insomniac Games:
Insomniac Games is a wholly independent console videogames developer that has released award-winning hits for the PlayStation(R) game console, the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system and PlayStation(R)3 for 14 years. The company created the first three Spyro the Dragon(TM) games, the Ratchet & Clank(TM) franchise and Resistance: Fall of Man(TM), which combined to sell more than 25 million units worldwide. Insomniac Games recently released Resistance 2, its fourth PS3 exclusive title. In addition to making blockbuster video games, Insomniac is known for ranking among the top four "Best Small Companies to Work for in America" in 2005 and 2006 and among the Top 10 for 2007, according to the Great Places to Work Institute and Society for Human Resources Management. Insomniac Games announced the opening of a North Carolina-based development studio in January 2009. The new studio, which will be located in the Raleigh-Durham area, will focus on developing both current and new intellectual properties. Additional information can be found on the company's web site at http://www.insomniacgames.com.
About Media Sunshine:
Media Sunshine is an independent game development studio that provides contracting and consulting services to publishers and developers, including Psyonix Studios, SouthPeak Games, 1C Company, and Artificial Studios. Heather Chandler, a producer with experience at Activision, Electronic Arts, and Ubisoft, founded the company in 2005. She was joined in 2006 by Rafael Chandler, a writer who has worked on games developed and published by Sony, Sega, and Ubisoft. Media Sunshine has contributed to the development of Monster Madness: Grave Danger, Two Worlds, Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle-Cars, Spy Hunter: Nowhere to Run, and Sacred 2: Fallen Angel. Additional information can be found on the company's web site at http://www.mediasunshine.com.
The Carolina Games Summit, formerly known as the Goldsboro Gaming Expo, will be held 10 a.m.-9 p.m. on Saturday, January 26, 2008 at Wayne Community College. Tickets are available to the public for $10 each and may be purchased online or at the door. The event includes industry speakers, video game tournaments, live music, exhibition booths and educational sessions. An exciting mix of fun, academic opportunities and career exploration has been created for students, aspiring game developers, educators and professionals alike.
Last year's summit doubled in size over the inaugural year, attracting over 1,400 participants to compete in 18 tournaments and experience more than 20 speakers from a variety of game development firms and educational institutions. To build on this phenomenal growth, organizers have added bands such as Select Start to recreate theme songs from popular games using classical instruments. In addition, students and budding game developers will have the chance to display their work in the newly created student showcase room.
Hands-on training sessions will also be a first at the next Carolina Games Summit, where seasoned game development professionals and college educators will lead tutorials on how to use game content creation tools including Adobe PhotoShop, Autodesk Maya and leading game engine software. A range of presenters including corporate executives, creative leaders and educators have committed to unveil business strategies, development techniques and more at the event.
Distinguished speakers include:
Alexander Macris, Co-Founder, President, CEO - Themis Group, Durham, NC
Bruce Shankle, Senior Software Development Engineer, DirectX – Microsoft Game Studios, Redmond, WA
David Sipple, President – Music Wizard Group, Longmont, CO
Dana Cowley, Public Relations Manager - Epic Games, Cary, NC
Joel Gonzales, Engineer - 1st Playable Productions, Troy, NY
Attendees may participate in sponsored tournaments and enjoy unlimited free play on full-size classic arcades as well as the latest consoles and computer gaming systems. Outdoor attractions include the U.S. Army Mission Support Battalion’s "Adventure Van," a unique simulation system contained in an 18-wheel tractor-trailer, and the Panasonic Living in HD flagship truck, which includes the world’s largest plasma TV, all 103” of it.Visit the official web site, www.CarolinaGamesSummit.com, for a listing of events and additional details. Contact the event organizers, Phi Beta Lambda club advisors Michael Everett and Tracy Schmeltzer, at (919) 735-5151 or info@carolinagamessummit.com for more information on attending, exhibiting or speaking at the Carolina Games Summit.
Wayne Community College Phi Beta Lambda is a chapter in the college division of FBLA-PBL Inc. and is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The mission of FBLA-PBL Inc. is to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs.
Wayne Community College, located in Goldsboro, is a public, two-year college serving more than 14,000 individuals annually as well as business and industry, and other groups in its service area with quality, economical, convenient learning opportunities.
Mr. Sipple is president of the Music Wizard Group. David has 20 years experience in the software and TV industries, in sales, marketing and executive management roles. Mr. Sipple joined the Music Wizard Group in 2004, helping it grow from a development company into revenue and operations. His unique insights and approaches have consistently led to increased sales and ROI's with previous employers, the Home Shopping Network, Quarterdeck Software and SAS. A diverse and experienced business leader, he also owns his own consulting firm Poseidon Dynamics. David has a BS in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Wyoming and an MBA from the University of South Florida. His interests include reading, swimming and music.
About Music Wizard Group:
Music Wizard Group is the leader in music videogame software that teaches anyone how to play real musical instruments. Music Wizard provides a simple and non-violent, gaming solution that "cracks the musical code" of reading notation and delivers on the promise of real musicianship for everyone. Music Wizard Group seeks to improve the quality of life by empowering more people with the gift of playing music and by promoting music as something to be shared and enjoyed together.
Music Wizard welcomes everyone to experience the joy, self-expression and liberation naturally gained through a relationship with playing music. Backed by award-winning software, university produced Music Wizard Academy tutorials for parents and teachers, a proven song-based curriculum and a never-ending supply of musical content, the means is now available to unlock and ignite the creative musical genius inherent in all.
Music Wizard Group believes that the language of music is a birthright, something that anyone can learn and enjoy at any age, regardless of experience. The company's core mission is to help bring about universal music literacy.
For more information visit: http://www.musicwizard.com/
Check out more information about David and our other speakers under our Speakers section.
BAWLS was such a hit in 2007 that they're coming back. The drink of choice for video gamers everywhere will host a huge on-site exhibit complete with thousands of BAWLS bottles to keep gamers energized all day (and night) long!
BAWLS is the brainchild of entrepreneur Hoby Buppert, CEO of Hobarama, LLC, who named the drink for the caffeinated bounce it packs. Widely distributed to local super markets, convenience stores (7-Eleven), Target Superstores, CompUSA stores and gaming venues; BAWLS is a premium, non-alcoholic, carbonated beverage made from the guarana berry harvested in the Amazonian Rainforest.
The caffeine found in BAWLS Guarana contains the same amount of caffeine as coffee and nearly three times that of traditional sodas due to a naturally occurring form of the stimulant found in the guarana berry. BAWLS’ unique refreshing flavor tastes like a citrus infused cream soda, and its popularity continues to grow over a variety of different sectors including financial institutions, the fashion industry, technology businesses, military bases, extreme sports and college campuses. For more information, please visit www.bawls.com.
Alexander Macris is co-founder, president, and CEO of Themis Group. In addition to providing the company's leadership and directing its key client engagements, he has served as editor-in-chief of the Themis Report, founder and the publisher of The Escapist magazine, and designer of the award-winning mini-game Heroes Mini. Prior to Themis, he was founder and CEO of WarCry Network, a community destination for entertainment enthusiasts, which he grew to over 1 million monthly users.
He is a graduate magna cum laude of Harvard Law School, where he authored a study on the effects of game design on community growth. Credits include Game Media Publisher (The Escapist Magazine, WarCry Network, Themis Report 2002, 2004); Game Designer (Heroes Mini, Settlers Mini, Death Star Designer); Game Publisher (Road Wars, Capitalism Plus, Seven Kingdoms: Ancient Adversaries); Game Consultant/Marketer (Fury, Neocron, Rubies of Eventide, Anarchy Online, Pirates of the Burning Seas, Underlight, Wish, Time of Defiance, Saga of Ryzom, Pocket Kingdom, Jumpgate, Gods & Heroes, Phantasy Star Universe, Driver: Parallel Lines, American Conquest, Blitzkrieg, Breed, Combat Mission 2, Project Nomads, Heroes of Might & Magic V, Star Wars Lethal Alliance).
He will present on:
Gamer Snacks - How to Profit from Bite-Sized Entertainment that Attracts Hardcore Gamers
Check out more information about Alex and our other speakers under our Speakers section.
Carolina Games Summit is excited to announce a new aspect to our event. BANDS! We can confirm the addition of Select Start. They will be performing in our 400 person auditorium.
Select Start is the band that will bring your favorite Video Game moments to life with their live renditions of old and new Video Game music. The six-member band uses their classical music and rock ‘n roll background to create a unique and versatile sound. By combining their love of Video Games and Music, they are able to give all gamers and music fans an experience they will never forget. Armed with two violins, a cello, flute, guitar, and keyboard these six have performed in conventions all across the state, trying to show the world the amazing sounds of the game.
You can check them out at:
www.selectstartband.com or www.myspace.com/selectstartband.com.
Keep checking back we’re working on adding more bands to the list.
Joel Gonzales is an engineer at 1st Playable Productions in Troy, NY. Before then, he received his Master's degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. During his time there, he played a major part in helping the university be the first in the state of Louisiana to offer courses in video game design & production. His credits include a serious game called "A Force More Powerful" as well as a kids game "GoPets: Vacation Island. " He enjoys long walks on the beach.
About 1st Playable Productions, LLC:
1st Playable Productions, LLC is an independent game development studio with a focus on handheld games for kids. We're here to make fun and great looking games! Games that build, not exploit, the entertainment brands that they represent. We love finding ways to get more out of limited game platforms, and are a licensed developer for Nintendo Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, Microsoft Xbox, as well as other embedded game platforms.
Carolina Games Summit will be exhibiting at the triangle’s first video game techonolgy showcase and career fair set for November 17th. The Triangle’s video game community is experiencing robust growth, in part due to the unprecedented collaboration between private sector companies and the region’s internationally-acclaimed universities.
The region’s top video game companies are coming together for the first time to offer a first-hand look at the technologies that are driving the future of digital entertainment worldwide. .
Admission is free so come join us November 17th from 10 am-5pm at One Eleven Place,111 Realtors Way, Cary, North Carolina. Visit www.Trianglegameinitiative.org for more information
Pre-register online and reserve your spot at this year's Carolina Games Summit. General admission tickets went on sale this week at the price of $10. This includes registration for one official tournament and access to all the speakers, exhibits, and free-play gaming you can handle! Buying your ticket online will also give you access to pre-registered members-only Web content that includes private forums and additional features.
Pre-registered members will be able to register for tournaments online beginning December 1st. Keep visting carolinagamessummit.com for all the latest news and information on our upcoming event.
The U.S. Army Mission Support Battalion will again be exhibiting at this year's event. They bring with them a unique simulation system that must be experienced by all attendees and was a huge hit last year. Their exhibit will include an 18-wheel tractor-trailer that is a self-contained and climate controlled “Adventure Van.”The Army Adventure Van incorporates several exhibits into one. While the specifics of the particular van appearing at the expo are unknown some example experiences may include flying or firing weapons on a helicopter, testing your skills and accuracy in operating an Abrams tank, or improving your marksmanship in firing an M9 on a simulated targeting system.
All experiences are simulated but with the realism required to prepare troops for real world combat.
Phi Beta Lambda, a business club associated with Wayne Community College, will host its third annual gaming event on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2008. The event, slated for 10 a.m. to 9p.m. at the college, will utilize a new branding identity that portrays the events regional growth both in attendance, press coverage, and industry penetration.
With the crew still cleaning up from this year's expo and numerous news stories and press reporting on the success of this event we will attempt to keep you updated with links and footage.
The first of which is a front page story on www.wnct.com Eyewitness News 9's website. Please email us with more links to other news stories you hear about our expo.
Click here for a direct link to the Channel 9 footage.
After our official tournaments were already locked in we added a new set of sponsors and two whole rooms of high end computers. These tournaments will be run by a third party and will all be free the day of the event.
Prizes will be supplied by the new sponsors who will also be exhibiting for the day.
Here are the games we will be offering for open-play and pick-up tournaments . . .
Unreal 2k4
Quake4
Half-Life 2: Deathmatch
WarCraft 3: Defense of the Ancients (DoTA)
Age of Empires 3: The WarChiefs
We will have Steam on about 20 systems, so if people want to play other Valve games during any open-gaming sessions, they'll probably be able to.
Schedule of Activities (note: this is a not a set schedule):
FPS Room:
11am - - UT2k4 Instagib FFA
1pm - - HL2DM FFA
2:30pm - - Quake4 Instagib FFA
4pm - - UT2k4 DM FFA
6:30pm - - HL2DM FFA
7:30pm - - Product Raffle(s) on main stage
8pm - - Quake4 DM FFA
RTS Room:
11am - - DoTA
2:30pm - - AoE3
7:30pm - - Product Raffle(s) on main stage
8pm - - DoTA
All Limited Edition 2007 13 Month GameStop/EB Games calendars are now spoken for.
Calendars will be distributed during check in procedures the day of the event. Simply bring your PayPal ticket receipt and mention this promotion to receive your calendar(s). All tickets purchased on or before January 23rd will receive a free calendar per ticket purchased!
These calendars feature full color artwork from unreleased titles including Halo 3, Virtua Fighter 5, Bioshock, and Madden 2008. Valued at $12.99 each, you get one free with every ticket purchased online, while supplies last!
Miss the promotion? Purchase your calendar online today by clicking here.
The International Game Developers Association is a non-profit professional society that is committed to advancing the careers and enhancing the lives of game developers by connecting members with their peers, promoting professional development, and advocating on issues that affect the developer community. For more information on the IGDA, please visit www.igda.org or e-mail info@igda.org.
The Triangle Chapter of the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) will hold a networking social from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. in the Seminar Room of the Wayne Learning Center. All IGDA members will be admitted into G2Expo for free to attend this evening session. Simply display your individual IGDA membership cards or proof of membership in good standing at the front desk. The session is also open to all expo attendees.
Interact with game developers from most all of the North Carolina game development community.
Click here to visit the North Carolina Triangle IGDA Website.
The drink of choice for video gamers everywhere will host a huge on-site exhibit complete with gaming lounge and thousands of BAWLS bottles to keep gamers energized all day (and night) long!
BAWLS is the brainchild of entrepreneur Hoby Buppert, CEO of Hobarama, LLC, who named the drink for the caffeinated bounce it packs. Widely distributed to local super markets, convenience stores (7-Eleven), Target Superstores, CompUSA stores and gaming venues; BAWLS is a premium, non-alcoholic, carbonated beverage made from the guarana berry harvested in the Amazonian Rainforest.
The caffeine found in BAWLS Guarana contains the same amount of caffeine as coffee and nearly three times that of traditional sodas due to a naturally occurring form of the stimulant found in the guarana berry. BAWLS’ unique refreshing flavor tastes like a citrus infused cream soda and its popularity continues to grow over a variety of different sectors including financial institutions, the fashion industry, technology businesses, military bases, extreme sports and college campuses. For more information, please visit www.bawls.com.
Visit booth #70462 / #70463 to pick up a G2Expo flyer from our newest partner, Tagan Technology Co.Also don’t miss “Understanding the Female Gamer” a session held on January 9th moderated by Ismini Boinodiris Roby Co-Founder of WomenGamers.com. Ismini will be hosting a similar session at G2Expo this year. WomenGamers.com has been a media partner and sponsor of G2Expo since our first event February 4th 2006.
The 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show, January 8-11, marks the 40th anniversary of the world's largest annual tradeshow for consumer technology and America's largest annual tradeshow of any kind. Over 140,000 attendees will explore the over 1.6 million square feet of exhibition space to learn about the latest products and services from nearly 2,700 exhibitors.
For Tagan Technology booth details click here.
For “Understanding the Female Gamer” session details click here.
Receive a Limited Edition 2007 13 Month GameStop/EB Games calendar for each ticket purchased online.
These calendars feature full color artwork from unreleased titles including Halo 3, Virtua Fighter 5, Bioshock, and Madden 2008. Valued at $12.99 each, you get one free with every ticket purchased online, while supplies last!
Supplies are limited so purchase your tickets today! Calendars will be disbursed during check in procedures the day of the event. Simply bring your PayPal ticket receipt and mention this promotion to receive your calendar(s).
Miss the promotion? Purchase your calendar online today by clicking here.
Pick up the January 2007 Game Informer magazine and turn to page fifty. Their January 2007 calendar, usually reserved for game release dates, features G2Expo on the 27th.The entry reads, “Held at Wayne Community College in Goldsboro, NC, this gaming expo may not get a lot of attention, but it certainly has a ton to offer. In addition to dozens of gaming tournaments, you’ll hear from a number of interesting speakers.”
With over 2 million subscribers Game Informer is the #1 computer and video game magazine.
Today we introduce our newest G2Expo 2006 speaker footage of Rafael Chandler, entitled “The Future of Narrative in Games”.This video takes a look into the writing and composing processes.
From the two different concepts of myth versus logic story lines as well as the different styles someone may have of stringing a storyboard together.
He even delves slightly into the next generation of consoles and the work that they bring with them as well as the benefits.
Rafael Chandler is the Creative Director of Media Sunshine Inc., a company that provides consulting services to game developers and publishers. Prior to that, he worked for Ubisoft as a writer/designer on the Tom Clancy series of games.
This is another in depth look into the video game industry that isn’t worth missing! Click here to see the video.
