Honors Program
Date of this Version
Spring 5-14-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Citation
Laube, Ben. An Analysis of Attending Industry Events as an Independent Game Developer: My Experience at the 2024 Game Developers Conference. Honors Undergraduate Thesis. University of Nebraska-Lincoln. 2024.
Abstract
The game development industry, known for its rapid evolution and competitive nature, presents significant challenges and opportunities for both novice and veteran developers. This paper provides a personal account and reflection on attending the 2024 Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco, aiming to demonstrate the substantial impact such events can have on independent developers. Through detailed descriptions of attended sessions and networking opportunities, including “GDC Pitch: Day 2,” “Getting Hired With a Personal Touch,” “Learn From Our Mistakes,” “Speed Networking,” and the “GDC Expo” this paper explores the value of industry events in terms of knowledge gained, connections made, and professional growth. Key insights from these events include industry suggestions for effective game pitching, strategic job application approaches, and the benefits of maintaining professional networks. Additionally, GDC introduced me to the scale of diversity within game development from various specialties within game development to inherent differences in game industries from different countries. My experience at the GDC Expo underscored the essential role of industry events in fostering innovation, enhancing professional skills, and building meaningful industry relationships for independent developers. Despite my time and resources limitations, the conference provided invaluable experiences that support my belief that participation in such events is crucial for success in the game development industry.
Comments
Copyright Ben Laube 2024.