Advice about going to conferences

Community Community & Industry Discussion
1

Hi guys,

I’m new in the world of game development and would like to know if anyone has got something to say about going to a game conference like GDC, Nordic game and whatever they’re all called. Usually, the ticket price is pretty hefty for a private individual, even as a student.

So, does anyone have any comments on whether it’s a good idea, for a guy like me, to attend and what to expect?

Thank you guys.

2

Exhibition tickets are free for students at GDC at least.

If your goal is to learn- I think you are better off reading forums/articles on game development and making games. You aren’t missing anything spectacular.

3

What are you wanting to get out of it?

If you’re promoting a game, GDC isn’t a great place for that, because the rest of the people there are game developers, not your target consumer. In that case, places like PAX would be better.
If you’re looking for a job, or trying to sell game technology, then it’s a great place.

4
  1. Figure out what you’re trying to get out of it.
  2. The conference has a pretty high cost, in time, money, resources, and emotional energy. Feasibility check: Is it the best way to get what you’re looking for? What alternatives are there to get what you want?
  3. If the conference is still your best course of action, don’t just show up. Have a plan. What talks do you want to see? What people/teams do you want to meet? How are you going to get what you want out of it?
  4. Have fun.

Here’s a great link from someone who went to GDC recently and he gives his advice.

5

I don’t know what to expect from the conferences. I’m just starting out in this world and want to learn as much as possible, as fast as possible. Meet and talk to people who are more experienced than I, again, to suck in all the knowledge and inspiration I can get.

Somehow missed the free GDC student tickets. I’ll take a look at that.

I get pretty extreme when I get an idea, meaning I spend literally all available time on fiddling with it. I think it’s also important to get out and get some fresh air, even though it seems crazy :slight_smile:

So, to sum up. What I want from the conference is basically:

  1. To meet and talk to people in the industry.
  2. To get inspired.
6

For me, it’s more of a cut and dry cost vs. benefit analysis.

Costs: $1000 - $3000? (tickets, travel, lodging, food, time, opportunity cost, etc)
Benefit: ??? + $???

if (Costs < Benefit) Go.
else
Don’t go.

How will going to a conference (anywhere) help you make more money? you may not know until you go out of ignorance, but after attending a few times, if you still can’t answer the question, then it might be time to revisit why you’re going or your strategy for getting the most benefit out of it.