Bruce Sterling to Predict the Future of Games in the Year 2043 in Keynote Address...

Bruce Sterling to Predict the Future of Games in the Year 2043 in Keynote
Address at Austin GDC
Futurist and Pioneer to Present a Vision of Computer Entertainment 35 Years
from Today

SAN FRANCISCO, July 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Think Services Game Group announced
today that noted science fiction writer and futurist Bruce Sterling has been
confirmed as a keynote speaker for the Austin Game Developers Conference
(Austin GDC) 2008. Sterling's keynote titled, "Computer Entertainment 35
Years From Today," provides a vision of what the gaming landscape will look
like in the year 2043 and describes four possible scenarios for the kind of
gaming-world future generations will encounter. Pong, released 36 years ago,
broke the mold of game development leading to incredible advancement in the
realms of graphics, game play, interactivity, and storytelling. How might
present-day game developers react to the knowledge of amazing innovations that
will be on the horizon in 35 years? Sterling will explore this question at
Austin GDC, being held September 15-17 at the Austin Convention Center.
As the editor of the influential 1986 short story collection Mirrorshades,
Sterling has defined the cutting edge of the science fiction genre and is most
recognized as the originator of the cyberpunk genre. His uncanny ability to
always spot unrealized opportunities and future trends has made him an
undeniable influence in circles of innovators across all mediums.
"We are thrilled to have Bruce Sterling as a keynote speaker this year. He
will not only inspire our industry's storytellers to see the future of gaming,
and their role in shaping that future but also provoke the minds of all of
Austin GDC's attendees," said Susan O'Connor, Austin GDC Advisor and Game
Writer.
"Austin GDC aims to speak to the untapped technical and creative potential
of existing and future platforms; Bruce Sterling's talk champions that goal,
inspiring developers to extend beyond the current and to propel games
development into the future," said Izora de Lillard, Event Director.
"Keynotes such as Sterling continue to make the Austin Game Developers
Conference so unique and progressive."
As a celebration of what's new and upcoming in game development, Austin
GDC will also play host to the Worlds in Motion Summit and the Independent
Games Festival Showcase. Early registration discounts are available until
July 31st. For more information on Bruce Sterling's keynote, other sessions,
and online registration, please visit the official website at
http://www.austingdc.net.
About the Think Services Game Group
A core provider of essential information to the professional game
industry, the Think Services Game Group offers market-defining content, and
drives community through its award winning lineup of print, online, event and
research products and services. These include Game Developer Magazine, Game
Developer Research, the Webby Award-winning Gamasutra.com,
GameCareerGuide.com, WorldsInMotion.biz, GameSetWatch.com, GamesOnDeck.com,
SeriousGamesSource.com, the Game Developers Conference, the Austin Game
Developers Conference, the Paris Game Developers Conference, GDC Mobile, the
Game Career Seminars, the Independent Games Festival and Summit, and the Game
Developers Choice Awards. For more information, please visit
http://www.tsgamegroup.com/).
About Think Services
Think Services connects specialized communities worldwide using innovative
media, educational events, consulting, training and certification. Providing
comprehensive opportunities for people to learn from, network with, and
inspire each other, Think Services builds strong brands and works within
communities to foster a unique affinity with its products and services. The
division's flagship products include the Game Developers Conference, the Webby
Award-winning Gamasutra.com, Game Developer magazine, the International
Customer Management Institute, HDI, and Dr. Dobb's Journal. Think Services is
a subsidiary of United Business Media, a global provider of news distribution
and specialist information services with a market capitalization of more than
$2.5 billion. To learn more, visit http://www.think-services.com.
SOURCE Think Services Game Group

Craig Sinel, craig@fortyseven.com, or Sibel Sunar, sibel@fortyseven.com, both
of fortyseven communications, +1-323-658-1200, for Think Services Game Group;
or Ben Veechai, +1-415-947-6280, bveechai@think-services.com, or Ahmad White,
+1-415-947-6207, awhite@think-services.com, both of Think Services Game Group