Game Connection concept
Concept History The Event TestimoniesConcept
The concept behind the Game Connection is to create a business convention for publishers and developers in the video game industry, so that they can network and meet one another personally. We strive to create an environment for them that is comfortable and provides the best possible atmosphere for doing business. Game Connection Services was added to the agenda in 2004 and has remained an important part of the event as the need for outsourcing in the industry has become increasingly more important to the development process.History
The Game Connection history began in 2001, when Pierre Carde, Director of Lyon Game, decided to set up a convention for the gaming industry where there is just one, simple aim: doing business. This event is far from the loud and crowded shows like E3 or the Tokyo Game Show. The industry needed a quiet place in which professionals could meet the right people.The first convention took place in December 2001 and attracted 27 French developers and 20 international publishers. By the 3rd edition, in November 2003, we had gathered 80 development studios and 69 publishers, representing a total of 27 countries!!!
In 2004, the Game Connection went abroad for the first time, and joined the Game Developer Conference in March.
In 2006, the Game Connection as come full circle with the addition Game Connection Tokyo (for games) and Game Connection Shanghai (for services). We are now present in the three major world markets for the video game industry!
Over the past several years, Game Connection has become a “must-attend” event in the video game industry. A great deal of business has been done at our many events, and Attendees have always enjoyed the convention. These satisfied attendees are our best advertisers!
The Event
The Game Connection's goal is not to put on a show and be more visible than the others, but rather to present, or be presented a project or service(s) in a private, quiet booth, where discussions and negociations can easily take place. The atmosphere is comfortable yet professional.Before the event, all attendees register on our web site and begin scheduling meetings. Through our online meeting system, both parties are informed if they have a meeting request or if one of their requests has been accepted, refused or canceled. Using this system, meetings are only scheduled when both parties are interested, increasing the efficiency of the event and the probability that the right business partners will be found. On the website, developers can display their projects to give publishers an idea of what they will be presenting at the convention.
During the event, each exhibitor (game seller or service provider) has a closed booth in which they can make their presentations to buyers during half-hour meetings. Depending on everyone's schedules, companies can conduct up to 40 meetings in two days!!! Imagine all the time and money you could save!
Testimonies
>> Testimonies
“We directly signed a deal with a company we met. GC is definitely a place to be!”
Virginie Gretz, Ubisoft
“For developers it's a must! If you are an independent developer like we were, and with very limited funds and you want to meet the right publishers, make sure you attend the Game Connection! And it saves so much money!”
John Baez, The Behemoth
“Probably the best-organized developer oriented business event I've attended in 15 years!”
Martyn Brown, Team 17
“Game Connection is the most efficient acquisitions and pitching event of the year. Our company has signed several projects as a direct result of meeting developers at Game Connection. I highly recommend it for development studios of all sizes.”
Caspar Gray, Eidos
“GC makes the best use of the time of all developers and of course of the publishers as well.”
Marko Hein, Nintendo
“I found it extremely useful. The set up was superb, allowing me to make excellent use of my time there. Unlike trade shows, the quiet environment allowed you to focus on your agenda and get right down to business. Meeting rooms were well laid out for quick access. Nice and quiet and developers seemed well organized with their timing and focus”
Adrian Curry, Microsoft
“A very good meeting place for developers and publishers to interact without the distractions of any other aspect of the business”
Ian Baverstock, Kuju
“Great event, very well organized and lots of interesting people to meet. Atmosphere was very conducive to doing some great deals. The development industry has been crying out for an event like Game Connection”
Darren Jobling, Eutechnyx Limited