It’s March 20 and GDC 2024 Day One and two are officially done, with so much still to look forward to seeing.
I definitely made yesterday a much slower pace day (today is a completely different story—as you’ll find out). But that didn’t mean it wasn’t as action packed day.
I opted to check out what was going on at a few of the open, attend a few Producer-talk sessions, and see what other interesting conversations could be had roaming Moscone West.
Here’s a recap of everything I was up to on GDC Day Two.
Web3 Games and Blockchain Chats
After looking at some amazing artwork from the Game Makers Sketchbook Gallery on Level 2 (and geeking out on a Warcraft Rumble inspired piece)
I happened across the GDC Summit and Next-Gen Tabletops corner. With mild fascination in hand (thanks to being in fintech when crypto talks became all the rage), I ended up stopping by to chat briefly with the WeMix team.
The team took time to share their opinions on the adoption of web3 tech (growing but still has a long way to go) and about the NA launch of their Night Crows title based of their own decentralized blockchain network and currency.
It was interesting to hear how studios were adding (or not adding) new-gen web 3 tech within their in-game economies, and I can’t help but wonder just how much more prevalent it is now as it continues to evolve and mature.
Next I happened across a team member from the company AELF, whose brain I also poked as I myself continue to be unfamiliar with web 3 and DeFi adoption within the gaming world. As we spoke about adoption rates, he noted how increased regulations have had an effect – observing that he expects it to be fully regulated at some point.
He was very confident in the future of next gen tech though, and from our conversation I learned how studios like Ubisoft were continuing to explore the tech into their games (as seen with their partnership with Immutable back in November and their own NFT initiative Quartz). He shared his thoughts on how now is the time studios are experimenting, just to see what sticks and to learn from their failures.
Upon further investigation, I also discovered that in 2023, Unity introduced a new asset store category for developers interested in adopting the tech within their game economies.
He observed that it will be the next generation who will be accelerating to path to increased adoption of web3 and blockchain in gaming.
It reminded me of my belief that the games industry has a powerful effect on pushing the boundaries of new technology even before other tech industries have a chance to understand it.
I definitely had a lot to think about as I went off to what was next on my list, with a new hat and the perfect pillow-turn-blanket for the airplane ride home in hand.
Games On the Tables
The top floor of Moscone West was very quiet. And as soon as I stepped off the elevator, I immediately noticed a large area with tables with game boxes and boards sitting on each one.
As a TTRPG kickstarter backer for Studio Hermitage’s Our Brilliant Ruin game, I knew I had to check out whatever Table Top games people at GDC were playing in the Cardboard Lounge.
Now, did I recognize any of them?
Absolutely not.
But I had a fun chatting with one of area personnel as he explained all the games they had available for attendees looking for something to play while at the GDC.
Production Life Chats With Fellow Producers From Around the World (and Studios)
When attending GDC, one of the statements to really remember is that GDC is made by developers, for developers.
And that means that the opportunity to learn more about what really goes on behind the scenes is everywhere. It was something I took advantage on, as midway through the day I decided to hop into a 3 hr workshop where I sat amongst producers from studios like Night School from Netflix Games, Moonlight Studios, and so many others.
Being able to sit at the table and talk about the challenges faced by those in the often misunderstood role of the producer (and I don’t mean tv or entertainment) was surreal. Together we talked through different use cases in conflict management, thought about how those in producer roles can impact the culture of the teams we support, and engage in exercises on communication.
It was a reminder that ultimately, those who make games are people and those who are in a producer-type role have a unique opportunity to be the keyholders to helping great games happen. With all the very human challenges that come with it.
Playing Games Thanks to Games Fintech Company Xsolla
In quite the interesting twist of fate, I decided to go to an event hosted by a company I ALMOST got a job in (I was unable to relocate at the time they needed someone—no hard feelings!).
When it comes to the industry, nothing is more critical for developers and studio stakeholders to think about than payments. Which is one of many things Xsolla provides, but great news for me – It’s nothing I needed to think about as I was there to relax and connect through the power of play.
And play I…didn’t.
There were car tracks and board games on the tables. And video games set up against the wall. People were lined up for the complimentary donuts and snacks (because we were all hungry at that point lol)
However, after grabbing my snack I instead ended up being introduced to a fellow producer —and we spent the rest of the evening talking about game development, relationship management, project and product alignment.
What can I say except, game developers and industry folk really love to talk about how to make great games.
Which is a beautiful thing.
That’s it for Day 2! Day 3 is going to be wildly different (It’s Expo Day!) and already I am making bets on how much stuff will end up being taken by my kids.
Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn for some near real-time updates on who I meet and what I’m up to next at GDC!
What are your thoughts on Next Gen tech adoption in the world of gaming and tabletop games? Tell us what you think! Share your reactions in the comments below or join the conversation on Boss Rush Network’s Discord and Facebook.
Featured Image: Jai V
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