Siliconera Speaks Up: Does the press belong at GDC?

By Louise . March 29, 2009 . 9:25am

This week’s question was brought on by GDC, which just so happened to be on this past week. It stands for the Game Developer’s Convention, but does the press have any place there?

Louise:
My initial thought was no. It’s the Game DEVELOPERS Convention and people of the press aren’t game developers. But as I thought more about it, I changed my mind. Now that gaming is more widely known, there needs to be at least some press there to cover GDC. Since E3’s status has been down-graded during the recent years, companies have been unveiling major industry news at GDC. GDC now is as much for the gamers as it is for the game developers.

With that said, I still believe that developers should get first priority at GDC. I’m glad that they switched it to invite-only this year. This definitely cuts down on the number of looky-loos on the convention floor. In a nutshell, yes press has a place at GDC, as long as all the developers who want to go get first pick of the seats for panels and what not.

Jenni: I definitely agree with Louise. The press does have a place at GDC, what with gaming becoming mainstream. But members of the press shouldn’t get precedence over other game developers. This conference is all about them, and I’ve always thought of GDC being a more formal and business-like event.

That being said, I think press attendance should be limited. The Independent Games Festival, Game Developers Choice Awards, Game Design Challenge, keynote speakers, expo and company announcements should be open to the press. But the events that cater specifically to developers, like the tutorials, roundtables, lectures, summits, networking parties/events and workshops, should be just for developers.

Ishaan: As a big supporter of the effort to bring the development and journalism sides of the industry closer to each other, I’m going to have to say, yes, the press has every right to be at GDC. It’s the one event where the press gets a chance to take a look at what goes on behind the scenes of game development and gain some insight into the minds of developers without having to worry about the consumer.

A more informed games press means better and fairer coverage. Everyone wins.

Spencer: When E3 shrank more key announcements were made at GDC and publishers started demoing games behind the scenes. GDC started to become a press event then because it was another place where game journalists could gather. The difference between GDC and E3 is it’s less run by PR. You can explore the show freely and if you’re brave enough to speak with developers you might even discover upcoming projects. Also, having the press at the show gives developers a chance to grill them at the Meet the Gaming Press panel.

TAGS: Siliconera Speaks Up

Next >

< Prev

Joanna

I have the same position as Jenni, the press is welcome, but developers get 'special' treatment as it is an event for them.

daizyujin

Just a point but, considering Siliconera is a member of the press, seems like you are asking a tiger if it is ok to be a carnivore. What do you expect the answer to be?

Ishaan

Except that we didn't attend GDC this year. Stop trying to turn everything into a controversy.

daizyujin

Whatever man. Didn't realize I hurt your feelings.

Dangalf

While your points about giving the whole industry more visibility and coverage are good ones, I would like to keep the press out of GDC for other reasons. Primarily because companies act and talk differently under the lens of the media that they would amongst peers. A by-developers-for-developers event allows companies to discuss challenges, show early demonstrations of technology and share ideas without worrying about gaming blogs or sites posting negative impressions about early builds on the Internet. Or running stories that cause backlash against the developer such as "Bioware lead programmer says the PS3 is a pain in the *ss to program for".

I would like the industry to have a forum where they don't need to look over their shoulders or have scores of PR people on hand to spin things properly and control what information gets out. Ideally, it would be a big non-disclosure agreement bound event where developers can really learn from eachother and evolve better practices in game development.

If GDC continues allowing press attendance and coverage, it will eventually become another E3, and someone will have to start a new, developer only developers conference.

Louise

That's a good point. I do agree that the press has a way of being drama-mamas at times.

kryptonics

I believe that the information from GDC should be spread for the benefit of everyone. Fledgling game developers need all the help they can get. It is invaluable for them to hear about Shigeru Miyamoto's "kidnappings" and Hideo Kojima making the "impossible" possible through understanding and working within limitations.

And because of the press, we can all rest assured that Keita Takahashi (Katamari Damacy) is not on drugs or abusing alcohol. ;P

http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php...

Pichi

Just keep all that "E3" type of thing out. Media should just focus on the developer discussions and topics. I didn't like that other places were waiting it out like they were ready for announcements, its not supposed to be that way.

Maybe a small private thing would be best if the media continues to play that card. That can be where the "smackdown" from developers can have discussion and such without being conscience of the media.

suto_vu

The press belongs there as reporters, but I'm not so sure I'd give them the stage again. I thought Heather Chaplin's tirade against the industry was ignorant, sensationalist, and a cheap way to sell her book.