Industry legend Chris Taylor will be the keynote speaker for Wednesday, August 20 at this year’s GC Developers Conference (GCDC). Under the title, "The Struggle for Independence and the Making of Demigod," he will address the challenges of developing games today. Moreover, together with Dr. Michael Capps and David Perry, the other two keynote speakers of GCDC 2008, he will participate in a panel discussion on “Best Selling Games” on Tuesday.
Chris Taylor will reminisce about his 20-year career in the interactive entertainment industry covering his budding years and the experiences that inspired him to form his own independent games studio. He will talk about how the industry has changed over the years, and how he has had to adapt his own mindset and the direction of his company to meet its new challenges. Taylor will also speak about the difficulties faced when delivering new, truly innovative games versus the typical sequels and derivative works currently plaguing the industry.
“Expect a surreal journey into my bizarre and twisted mind,” said Taylor, adding, ”Please bring your sense of humor with you.”
For the past 20 years, Taylor has been one of the game industry’s most imaginative and dynamic visionaries. The creator of the first true next-generation RTS game, Total Annihilation, has a well deserved reputation as an innovator who is able to push both technology and gameplay to their limits.
Taylor is the CEO and Creative Director of Gas Powered Games (GPG), which has released the Dungeon Siege series, Broken World, Supreme Commander and its expansion, Forged Alliance. In 2008, GPG will unleash its newest action/RPG, Space Siege, and in 2009, the company will launch the innovative action/RTS game Demigod.
“Our goal is to present keynote speakers that inspire our attendees, while providing valuable insight into the changing landscape of the games industry,” said Frank Sliwka, project director of GCDC. “Chris Taylor's participation takes the already content rich conference program to a higher level and makes GCDC an absolute must-attend event.”
GCDC takes place prior to GC - Games Convention in Leipzig, August 18-20, 2008.