I just got back from the Game Access ‘24 conference in Brno, Czech Republic. I have to say it was one of the best conferences I’ve attended in years. The organizers were (wait for it) organized and helpful to the point where I felt a little guilty. I didn’t know any of the speakers but they were all well-prepared and informative. I’m happy to consider many of them friends now. They presented material that was new to me (which, frankly, isn’t always the case). I learned a lot and had my mind opened if not changed on some things about today’s gaming landscape that I’ve had problems internalizing before. The highlight of the show for me was when my speech was preceded by a string quartet playing music from Epic Mickey and Deus Ex. That was the kind of thoughtful touch that characterized the whole show. I had to pull myself together before getting up on stage. Everyone was incredibly friendly - not just at the conference but everywhere I went in Prague and Brno. I made some good friends I hope to see again. I even met some folks I wouldn’t mind working with in the future. Overall a great time. I assume there will be a Game Access in 2025. I encourage you to go if you can. (Oh yeah… and beer!)
It was so fantastic meeting you and having great conversations with you! I really admire your work and it was awesome to put a (very kind) face to it. I hope it wasn't the last meeting! 😊
Did you go see the astronomical clock?
My guess is this is a result of organisers understanding the value of content over saving money. Even if the profit is not as high, people are happy and will likely return next year and will become organic brand supporters via word of mouth. I think these shows devolve when they become more about how much money can be squeezed out if it than anything else.
Was there last year and have nothing but good things to say about it! Highly encourage anyone interested to attend - last year I not only met a lot of incredible people but got to attend a live The Tiberian Sons (C&C) concert.
It was lovely hearing you speak. I especially enjoyed hearing your view about a remote working environment and how it allows you to hire the best people period and not be limited to location. Gives me hope that more companies will adopt the same mindset which will create more job opportunities for us :)
We've enjoyed working with the Game Access team too for listing their event in our calendar eventsforgamers.com. A great conference indeed!
It was a real honor to meet you and chat with you, especially over breakfast. You're a starman waiting in the sky! Fingers crossed for your new project; I hope it will be a milestone for the immersive sim genre.
Although there was no occasion to talk during the conference, I would just like to thank you for many great insights you gave during the Q&A session and a list of inspiring books to read! Several quotes stayed with me - I hope more conferences in the area will be lucky to host you in the near future!
Thank you for the advice you gave me before my talk - it was truly a pleasure to get to know you! 🙌 Until next time :)
Software Engineer | Game Developer
1moThank you very much for the inspirational talks! As a game developer and a fan of immersive sim genre, it was really great to meet you in person (despite I was too nervous to talk with you other than asking for a photo). In a local gamedev community I often can't find people that thinking the same way about the immersive sims as I do and it was awesome to hear similar thoughts from you, one of the founders of the genre.