Ghostwind
First Post
Here are the various free seminars that will be run at Origins this year. Space will be limited to around 40 people, so you may want to get there a little early depending on the seminar. At the end of each listing are the names of the industry professionals who will be sitting on the panel.
Seminar Schedule for Origins 2003
(Seminars are scheduled to be a maximum of two hours in length.)
Thursday
1:00 pm - Not That We Ever Did This (GAMA sponsored)
Horror stories from the industry pointing out common errors that can easily be avoided, from design and development issues, to production glitches and distribution problems. Discussed by a panel of game designers and developers. [Peter Adkison, Phil Lacefield Jr., Mike Williams, Steve Creech]
2:00 pm - Game-Related Fiction (GAMA sponsored)
A frank discussion of the role of game related fiction within the industry, including whether or not it’s a stepping-stone to greater fortune and acceptance in the wider world of publishing. Included will be a discussion of contracts, rights and other basic business details of this portion of the industry. [Michael Stackpole, Steve Kenson]
3:00 pm - How Did You Get into Gaming? (GAMA sponsored)
Gaming has long been recognized as having a “disease vector model” for spreading. One person learns, teaches some friends, and they teach more friends and so on. Come share stories of how you got into gaming and ideas on how we can lower the barriers to entry into the hobby. [Mike Williams, Chuck Kallenbach II, Michael J. Nickoloff, James Ernest]
4:00 pm - Whither the Industry (GAMA sponsored)
Since the dawn of the gaming hobby, it’s been viewed as a niche into which very earnest players gravitate. RPGs, CCGs, and now collectible miniatures games have certainly expanded the markets, and computer games were supposed, ages ago, to have killed it off. Where do we go from here? Will there be an industry in another 5 years and, if so, what shape will it take. [Peter Adkison, Ken Hite, Mike Williams, Christian T. Petersen, Darren Watts, Martin A. Stever]
7:00 pm - I Can't Believe They Published That! (GAMA sponsored)
We all love gaming and creativity, but sometimes things that are not the best examples of our craft do make it to the market place. A panel of game designers discusses some of the worst games ever to see print, and why they were flawed—as well as solutions to prevent that sort of thing from happening in the future. [Lou Zocchi]
7:00 pm - #9041 Making Independent Film & Video – (Freelance Seminar; Room: Hyatt Union C)
A fun seminar on how to make student and independent films and video. Get a close look at the making of these films. The similarities to independent film writing and producing are amazingly similar to freelancing within the game industry. Learn how several individuals were able to make their films and videos and the way they went about promoting them. [Terry O’Brien*, Andrew Greenberg]
Friday
11:00 am - #9035 Writing for d20 Publishers – (Freelance Seminar; Room: Hyatt Union D)
An in-depth examination of what it takes to successfully develop material suitable for publication in both the electronic and print industries. Learn what publishers generally are looking for and what pitfalls to avoid when writing. The proper and improper use of the Open Gaming License and d20 System Trademark License in writing will also be addressed. [Steve Creech*, Will Hindmarch, Andrew Greenberg, Spike Y. Jones, Mike Mearls]
12:00 pm - Games Are Good (GAMA sponsored)
For decades the religious right has been maintaining that games are evil and prompt players to do all manner of horrible things (in much the same way the Monopoly makes greedy real estate speculators out of its players). Come and share your stories of the good things games have done, and offer substantive suggestions on how those of us who love the hobby can improve its image. [Terry O'Brien, Jonathan Albin, Peter Adkison]
1:00 pm - #9036 Building a Portfolio – (Freelance Seminar; Room: Hyatt Union D)
Join a panel of illustrators as they discuss the ins and outs to designing a solid, professional portfolio. The panel will discuss how to target a specific company with your portfolio as well as digital portfolios. [Jeremy McHugh*, Veronica Jones, Andy Hopp]
2:00 pm - Breaking in to Game Design (GAMA sponsored)
A panel of brand managers from many different companies will participate in this discussion. These are the people freelancers need to know in order to get work from them. They also can tell you what they're looking for. [Brian Jelke, Michael J. Nickoloff]
3:00 pm - What Does A CCG Need to Survive in Today's Market? (GAMA sponsored)
With the plethora of CCGs already in the marketplace, what differentiates good designs from the poor, and is likely to give a design a better than even chance of being successful. Can a CCG succeed without a major licensing tie-in, or is there room for a good game to succeed still? [Chuck Kallenbach II, Dave Williams, Christian T. Petersen, Dan Tibbles, John Zinser]
4:00 pm - Life-Cycle of A Gamer (GAMA sponsored)
A panel of industry experts examines some of the myths and realities of life as a gamer. When and how to gamers get into gaming. Why do they leave, and why do they come back. Is there anything we can do to bring more in, keep them longer and hasten their return if we lose them. [Peter Adkison, Dan Tibbles, Steve Creech, Mike Mearls]
4:00 pm - #9037 PDF Publication – (Freelance Seminar; Room: Hyatt Delaware A)
Having problems finding work? What about the PDF market? There is a wide range of digital e-books or pdf now available from individuals as well as established companies. The panelists will be discussing the ins and outs of publishing your own pdfs, from laying them out to where and how to sell them. [Matt Snyder*, Chris Davis]
6:00 pm - Do I Really Want to Start My Own Gaming Company? (GAMA sponsored)
A panel of industry experts discuss the perils, pitfalls and rewards of starting their own publishing company. [Lou Zocchi, Phil Lacefield Jr., Rick Loomis, Darren Watts, Kristin Looney, Michael J. Nickoloff]
Saturday
10:00 am - Writing in Someone Else's Universe (GAMA sponsored)
[Author Guest Of Honor personal seminar (onto which others will likely be drafted.)] [Ken Hite, Tim Waggoner, Steve Kenson]
10:00 am - Marketing Games (GAMA sponsored)
One problem shared by companies large and small is getting games into the marketplace and then noticed once they are there. What are the strategies that have worked to gets games noticed? How can we make games as visible and openly accepted here in the US as they are in Europe? [Phil Lacefield Jr., Dan Smith, John Zinser, James Ernest]
11:00 am - The Web: Savior or Antichrist? (GAMA sponsored)
The Internet offers a variety of opportunities for gamers, from multiplayer online games to new sources for games. A discussion of what impact the internet has had on gaming and what it is likely to do enhance or destroy the field in the coming years.
11:00 am - #9038 d20 Design Workshop – (Freelance Seminar; Room: Hyatt Delaware A)
Join us for a hands-on workshop on developing and understanding the game mechanics behind the d20 rules system. Learn what is involved in designing new classes, feats, races, skills, spells and more. Discuss the common mistakes and problems that typically occur during this process and get some great tips from our panel of guests and industry professionals. [Steve Creech*, Will Hindmarch, Andrew Greenberg, Mike Mearls]
1:00 pm - #9039 Marketing Your Art – (Freelance Seminar; Room: Hyatt Delaware A)
How does an illustrator market his or her art? Well, that is what we will be discussing. Join three panelists as they discuss how to get your art viewed by a larger audience, how to develop fans, and how to sell yourself to both the public and a client. [Jeremy McHugh*, Veronica Jones, Andy Hopp]
3:00 pm - What Do I Do When My Players...? (GAMA sponsored)
While each gamemaster works hard to make his adventures unique, players often follow the same patterns of behavior. Game designers and gamemasters discuss methods of dealing with common player problems, introducing new ideas for spicing up games and taking rpg adventures to new levels. [Ken Hite, Peter Adkison, Steve Creech, Mike Mearls]
4:00 pm - Why Are the Europeans the Masters of the Board Game? (GAMA sponsored)
A panel of industry experts discusses the impact of European games on the industry as well as our audience. Are these games something that bring new people to our hobby? Why are European designs so accessible and is there any room in the market for American games to share their success? [Christian T. Petersen, Mike Bennighof]
4:00 pm - #9042 Industry Portfolio Review and Talent Search – (Freelance Seminar; Room: Hyatt Delaware D)
For the first time in several years, there will be an organized portfolio review and talent search. Companies will be reviewing portfolios, looking for new freelancing talent and possible staff positions. [Eden Studios (George Vasilakos*), Steve Jackson Games (Steve Jackson), Atlas Games (Will Hindmarch), Decipher (Christian Moore)]
6:00 pm - Technology and the Future of Gaming (GAMA sponsored)
On demand publishing and E-books are two fast developing and growing areas that could have major impact on our industry. Will random number generators in a Palm Pilot replace dice? Will a handheld computer with downloaded scenarios replace those mountains of books? Do high quality, short-run printing houses suddenly open the doors to all manners of publishers for printing up their own games? A panel of visionaries discuss these issues. [Peter Adkison]
7:00 pm - Is Wargaming Immoral? (GAMA sponsored)
There are those who would suggest that by gaming with violence and by running scenarios that allow us to objectify violence and war, we remove ourselves from the reality of it. They would suggest this makes it much easier for us to advocate going to war and seeing it as just a game. A panel of game designers and military experts discuss this issue, as well as the role of wargaming in military preparedness. [Lou Zocchi, Mike Bennighof]
Sunday
10:00 am - #9034 Intro to Freelancing – (Freelance Seminar; Room: Hyatt Union C)
What is "freelancing"? The term applies to wide variety of skills and talents. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of issues a freelancer must be aware of. This seminar keys in of the most important issues associated with becoming a successful freelancer. [Will Hindmarch, Matt McFarland, Spike Y. Jones*, Christian Moore]
12:00 pm - Freelancer Self-Defense (GAMA sponsored)
Game designers talk about contracts, rights and expectations, as well as pitfalls of working for yourself in a volatile industry. [Lou Zocchi, Spike Y. Jones, Mike Mearls, Dan Smith, Steve Creech]
1:00 pm - RPG Design: Is There Anything New Left to Do? (GAMA sponsored)
We’re closing in on the 30th anniversary of D&D’s release. We’ve seen thousands of rpgs in the market. A panel of game designers will discuss the history of rpgs, high points in the art of their design, and whether or not there actually is anything new that can be done with this genre of game. [Terry O'Brien, Ken Hite]
1:00 pm - #9040 Editing in the Adventure Game Industry – (Freelance Seminar; Room: Hyatt Franklin B)
Learn the ins and outs of editing within the Adventure Game Industry. Does every game company require the same talents? What type of style sheets do they use? What resources are available to help? This seminar is an essential to any freelancer wanting to get into editing and a valuable experience for those editors and writers already in the business. [Will Hindmarch, Spike Y. Jones*, Christian Moore]
1:00 pm - #9043 Freelancing As a Team: the Complete Package Proposal – (Freelance Seminar; Room: Hyatt Union C)
What happens when a group of freelancer's pools their experience and skills? Package Proposals. Learn how to develop entire books or even product lines and propose them to a client. The panelists will be discussing the finer points such as how to target a specific client with custom covers and looking for a "hot" product. [Andy Hopp*, Matt Forbeck]
2:00 pm - Graphic Storytelling (GAMA sponsored)
With a story told in a graphic format winning last year’s Origins Award for short fiction, this growing field of industry endeavor needs examination. What are the special skills required to tell a story in a graphic format? How can one get started and what are the prospects for success? [Jolly R. Blackburn, Brian Jelke]
* - Panel Moderator
There will likely be more people on the panels than those listed. Many could not commit until they actually arrived at the show. Anyone looking to track me down will likely find me at Bastion Press' booth #114 when I am not in a seminar. I hope to see as many of you there as possible...
Would a moderator please Sticky this until the Convention has run its course?
Thanks!!!
Seminar Schedule for Origins 2003
(Seminars are scheduled to be a maximum of two hours in length.)
Thursday
1:00 pm - Not That We Ever Did This (GAMA sponsored)
Horror stories from the industry pointing out common errors that can easily be avoided, from design and development issues, to production glitches and distribution problems. Discussed by a panel of game designers and developers. [Peter Adkison, Phil Lacefield Jr., Mike Williams, Steve Creech]
2:00 pm - Game-Related Fiction (GAMA sponsored)
A frank discussion of the role of game related fiction within the industry, including whether or not it’s a stepping-stone to greater fortune and acceptance in the wider world of publishing. Included will be a discussion of contracts, rights and other basic business details of this portion of the industry. [Michael Stackpole, Steve Kenson]
3:00 pm - How Did You Get into Gaming? (GAMA sponsored)
Gaming has long been recognized as having a “disease vector model” for spreading. One person learns, teaches some friends, and they teach more friends and so on. Come share stories of how you got into gaming and ideas on how we can lower the barriers to entry into the hobby. [Mike Williams, Chuck Kallenbach II, Michael J. Nickoloff, James Ernest]
4:00 pm - Whither the Industry (GAMA sponsored)
Since the dawn of the gaming hobby, it’s been viewed as a niche into which very earnest players gravitate. RPGs, CCGs, and now collectible miniatures games have certainly expanded the markets, and computer games were supposed, ages ago, to have killed it off. Where do we go from here? Will there be an industry in another 5 years and, if so, what shape will it take. [Peter Adkison, Ken Hite, Mike Williams, Christian T. Petersen, Darren Watts, Martin A. Stever]
7:00 pm - I Can't Believe They Published That! (GAMA sponsored)
We all love gaming and creativity, but sometimes things that are not the best examples of our craft do make it to the market place. A panel of game designers discusses some of the worst games ever to see print, and why they were flawed—as well as solutions to prevent that sort of thing from happening in the future. [Lou Zocchi]
7:00 pm - #9041 Making Independent Film & Video – (Freelance Seminar; Room: Hyatt Union C)
A fun seminar on how to make student and independent films and video. Get a close look at the making of these films. The similarities to independent film writing and producing are amazingly similar to freelancing within the game industry. Learn how several individuals were able to make their films and videos and the way they went about promoting them. [Terry O’Brien*, Andrew Greenberg]
Friday
11:00 am - #9035 Writing for d20 Publishers – (Freelance Seminar; Room: Hyatt Union D)
An in-depth examination of what it takes to successfully develop material suitable for publication in both the electronic and print industries. Learn what publishers generally are looking for and what pitfalls to avoid when writing. The proper and improper use of the Open Gaming License and d20 System Trademark License in writing will also be addressed. [Steve Creech*, Will Hindmarch, Andrew Greenberg, Spike Y. Jones, Mike Mearls]
12:00 pm - Games Are Good (GAMA sponsored)
For decades the religious right has been maintaining that games are evil and prompt players to do all manner of horrible things (in much the same way the Monopoly makes greedy real estate speculators out of its players). Come and share your stories of the good things games have done, and offer substantive suggestions on how those of us who love the hobby can improve its image. [Terry O'Brien, Jonathan Albin, Peter Adkison]
1:00 pm - #9036 Building a Portfolio – (Freelance Seminar; Room: Hyatt Union D)
Join a panel of illustrators as they discuss the ins and outs to designing a solid, professional portfolio. The panel will discuss how to target a specific company with your portfolio as well as digital portfolios. [Jeremy McHugh*, Veronica Jones, Andy Hopp]
2:00 pm - Breaking in to Game Design (GAMA sponsored)
A panel of brand managers from many different companies will participate in this discussion. These are the people freelancers need to know in order to get work from them. They also can tell you what they're looking for. [Brian Jelke, Michael J. Nickoloff]
3:00 pm - What Does A CCG Need to Survive in Today's Market? (GAMA sponsored)
With the plethora of CCGs already in the marketplace, what differentiates good designs from the poor, and is likely to give a design a better than even chance of being successful. Can a CCG succeed without a major licensing tie-in, or is there room for a good game to succeed still? [Chuck Kallenbach II, Dave Williams, Christian T. Petersen, Dan Tibbles, John Zinser]
4:00 pm - Life-Cycle of A Gamer (GAMA sponsored)
A panel of industry experts examines some of the myths and realities of life as a gamer. When and how to gamers get into gaming. Why do they leave, and why do they come back. Is there anything we can do to bring more in, keep them longer and hasten their return if we lose them. [Peter Adkison, Dan Tibbles, Steve Creech, Mike Mearls]
4:00 pm - #9037 PDF Publication – (Freelance Seminar; Room: Hyatt Delaware A)
Having problems finding work? What about the PDF market? There is a wide range of digital e-books or pdf now available from individuals as well as established companies. The panelists will be discussing the ins and outs of publishing your own pdfs, from laying them out to where and how to sell them. [Matt Snyder*, Chris Davis]
6:00 pm - Do I Really Want to Start My Own Gaming Company? (GAMA sponsored)
A panel of industry experts discuss the perils, pitfalls and rewards of starting their own publishing company. [Lou Zocchi, Phil Lacefield Jr., Rick Loomis, Darren Watts, Kristin Looney, Michael J. Nickoloff]
Saturday
10:00 am - Writing in Someone Else's Universe (GAMA sponsored)
[Author Guest Of Honor personal seminar (onto which others will likely be drafted.)] [Ken Hite, Tim Waggoner, Steve Kenson]
10:00 am - Marketing Games (GAMA sponsored)
One problem shared by companies large and small is getting games into the marketplace and then noticed once they are there. What are the strategies that have worked to gets games noticed? How can we make games as visible and openly accepted here in the US as they are in Europe? [Phil Lacefield Jr., Dan Smith, John Zinser, James Ernest]
11:00 am - The Web: Savior or Antichrist? (GAMA sponsored)
The Internet offers a variety of opportunities for gamers, from multiplayer online games to new sources for games. A discussion of what impact the internet has had on gaming and what it is likely to do enhance or destroy the field in the coming years.
11:00 am - #9038 d20 Design Workshop – (Freelance Seminar; Room: Hyatt Delaware A)
Join us for a hands-on workshop on developing and understanding the game mechanics behind the d20 rules system. Learn what is involved in designing new classes, feats, races, skills, spells and more. Discuss the common mistakes and problems that typically occur during this process and get some great tips from our panel of guests and industry professionals. [Steve Creech*, Will Hindmarch, Andrew Greenberg, Mike Mearls]
1:00 pm - #9039 Marketing Your Art – (Freelance Seminar; Room: Hyatt Delaware A)
How does an illustrator market his or her art? Well, that is what we will be discussing. Join three panelists as they discuss how to get your art viewed by a larger audience, how to develop fans, and how to sell yourself to both the public and a client. [Jeremy McHugh*, Veronica Jones, Andy Hopp]
3:00 pm - What Do I Do When My Players...? (GAMA sponsored)
While each gamemaster works hard to make his adventures unique, players often follow the same patterns of behavior. Game designers and gamemasters discuss methods of dealing with common player problems, introducing new ideas for spicing up games and taking rpg adventures to new levels. [Ken Hite, Peter Adkison, Steve Creech, Mike Mearls]
4:00 pm - Why Are the Europeans the Masters of the Board Game? (GAMA sponsored)
A panel of industry experts discusses the impact of European games on the industry as well as our audience. Are these games something that bring new people to our hobby? Why are European designs so accessible and is there any room in the market for American games to share their success? [Christian T. Petersen, Mike Bennighof]
4:00 pm - #9042 Industry Portfolio Review and Talent Search – (Freelance Seminar; Room: Hyatt Delaware D)
For the first time in several years, there will be an organized portfolio review and talent search. Companies will be reviewing portfolios, looking for new freelancing talent and possible staff positions. [Eden Studios (George Vasilakos*), Steve Jackson Games (Steve Jackson), Atlas Games (Will Hindmarch), Decipher (Christian Moore)]
6:00 pm - Technology and the Future of Gaming (GAMA sponsored)
On demand publishing and E-books are two fast developing and growing areas that could have major impact on our industry. Will random number generators in a Palm Pilot replace dice? Will a handheld computer with downloaded scenarios replace those mountains of books? Do high quality, short-run printing houses suddenly open the doors to all manners of publishers for printing up their own games? A panel of visionaries discuss these issues. [Peter Adkison]
7:00 pm - Is Wargaming Immoral? (GAMA sponsored)
There are those who would suggest that by gaming with violence and by running scenarios that allow us to objectify violence and war, we remove ourselves from the reality of it. They would suggest this makes it much easier for us to advocate going to war and seeing it as just a game. A panel of game designers and military experts discuss this issue, as well as the role of wargaming in military preparedness. [Lou Zocchi, Mike Bennighof]
Sunday
10:00 am - #9034 Intro to Freelancing – (Freelance Seminar; Room: Hyatt Union C)
What is "freelancing"? The term applies to wide variety of skills and talents. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of issues a freelancer must be aware of. This seminar keys in of the most important issues associated with becoming a successful freelancer. [Will Hindmarch, Matt McFarland, Spike Y. Jones*, Christian Moore]
12:00 pm - Freelancer Self-Defense (GAMA sponsored)
Game designers talk about contracts, rights and expectations, as well as pitfalls of working for yourself in a volatile industry. [Lou Zocchi, Spike Y. Jones, Mike Mearls, Dan Smith, Steve Creech]
1:00 pm - RPG Design: Is There Anything New Left to Do? (GAMA sponsored)
We’re closing in on the 30th anniversary of D&D’s release. We’ve seen thousands of rpgs in the market. A panel of game designers will discuss the history of rpgs, high points in the art of their design, and whether or not there actually is anything new that can be done with this genre of game. [Terry O'Brien, Ken Hite]
1:00 pm - #9040 Editing in the Adventure Game Industry – (Freelance Seminar; Room: Hyatt Franklin B)
Learn the ins and outs of editing within the Adventure Game Industry. Does every game company require the same talents? What type of style sheets do they use? What resources are available to help? This seminar is an essential to any freelancer wanting to get into editing and a valuable experience for those editors and writers already in the business. [Will Hindmarch, Spike Y. Jones*, Christian Moore]
1:00 pm - #9043 Freelancing As a Team: the Complete Package Proposal – (Freelance Seminar; Room: Hyatt Union C)
What happens when a group of freelancer's pools their experience and skills? Package Proposals. Learn how to develop entire books or even product lines and propose them to a client. The panelists will be discussing the finer points such as how to target a specific client with custom covers and looking for a "hot" product. [Andy Hopp*, Matt Forbeck]
2:00 pm - Graphic Storytelling (GAMA sponsored)
With a story told in a graphic format winning last year’s Origins Award for short fiction, this growing field of industry endeavor needs examination. What are the special skills required to tell a story in a graphic format? How can one get started and what are the prospects for success? [Jolly R. Blackburn, Brian Jelke]
* - Panel Moderator
There will likely be more people on the panels than those listed. Many could not commit until they actually arrived at the show. Anyone looking to track me down will likely find me at Bastion Press' booth #114 when I am not in a seminar. I hope to see as many of you there as possible...
Would a moderator please Sticky this until the Convention has run its course?
Thanks!!!
