Let’s Play: Video Game Development in Canada and Japan
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March 10th, 2015 @ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm EDT
Cost: FreeDetails »
New: PPT slides available for download (PDF) Daniel Epstein Canadian game design
Last year, the global games market was estimated to have generated $81.4 billion. In 2017, that number is expected to reach $102.9 billion*. How did the video game industry become so strong? And what is in store for the future? Atsuo Nakayama and Daniel Epstein, both game industry practitioners, will take us into the world of video games as we examine the development of the industry in both Japan and Canada
Daniel Epstein, designer and educator at Sheridan College, will discuss Canada’s place in the international game development scene. With prestigious studios such as Ubisoft Montreal and Bioware leading mainstream development, as well as small indie teams creating instant classics like Guacamelee! and Super Time Force, how do we talk about a national identity for game design? In 1972, Margaret Atwood proposed that ‘survival’ is the central symbol for Canada in literature. During this talk, Mr. Epstein will look at that theme in Canadian games of the past three decades.
Atsuo Nakayama, Studio Head, Executive Vice President of Bandai Namco Studios in Vancouver, examines the growth of the Japanese game market to date as well as expected future trends. With particular emphasis on the mobile gaming market, Mr. Nakamaya will look at opportunities and challenges facing the industry in the coming years.
*Newzoo, http://www.newzoo.com/insights/global-games-market-will-reach-102-9-billion-2017-2/
About the Speakers
Dan Epstein is a documentarian, designer, and educator who teaches game history in Sheridan College’s Bachelor of Game Design program. He holds a BA from the University of Toronto and an MFA from Ryerson University. He tweets at @danieljepstein.
Atsuo Nakayama, Studio Head, Executive Vice President of Bandai Namco Studios (Vancouver) handles mobile business in the North American market, backed by his strong track record as a marketer at DeNA and a tech/media industry consultant at Deloitte. He is also the author of three published books including the recently released, The Third Wave of Japanese Games. He holds an MBA from McGill University. He tweets at @atsuonakayama.
