 |
|
|
| |
| |
Opening Keynote Address |
| |
| Time: |
11:00 – 12:00 |
| Speaker: |
Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development |
| |
|
|
|
| |
 |
| Opening Keynote Address |
| Time: |
11:00 – 12:00 |
| Speaker: |
Avni Yerli, Managing Director - Crytek |
| |
|
| Speaker info |
After completing his degree in mechanical engineering in 1994, Avni Yerli started his business career as a project manager at a leading Bavarian planning and consulting company. Afterwards, in 1997, Avni became a Managing Director for a subsidiary of a foreign consulting company. By early 1998 Avni ran his own business as an independent consulter. But as an ardent gamer, it didn’t take very long till Avni joined his two brothers, Cevat and Faruk, and found the interactive entertainment development company Crytek in November 1999. As founding member and Managing Director, Avni is responsible for business development, directing game development and finance with added responsibilities of legal and administration issues.
Crytek is one of the world’s leading independent development studios for interactive entertainment with its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main (Germany) and additional studios in Kiev (Ukraine), Budapest (Hungary), Sofia (Bulgaria), Seoul (South Korea) and Nottingham (UK). The company is dedicated to creating exceptionally high quality video games for the PC and next-generation consoles, powered by their proprietary cutting edge 3D-Game-Technology CryENGINE®.
Since its foundation, Crytek created the multi-award winning PC titles Far Cry®, Crysis, awarded best PC Game of E3 2007 and Best Technology at the 2008 Game Developers Choice Awards and Crysis Warhead®, awarded Best Graphics Technology at IGN Best of 2008 Awards. |
|
|
| |
 |
| Crytek Sponsor Session |
| Time: |
12:30 – 13:30 |
| Speaker: |
Sean Tracy – Technical Artist, Crytek |
| Title: |
“CryENGINE: Create a new level in 45 minutes” |
| Chairperson: |
Ahmed Jadallah, - Technical Manager - Vertex Studio |
| |
| Target audience: |
This session is targeted at level designers, game designers and anybody interested in learning more about the workflow of the CryENGINE toolset. No background knowledge required. |
| Session description: |
With the powerful CryENGINE toolset it is both easy and fast to create new game content. During this session you will learn how to create a fully playable level from scratch using the CryENGINE toolset. Each step taken in the creation of a new level will be show and explained in detail. Terrain creation, texturing, environment setup, AI setup, game logic, scripting and much more will be covered during this session.
The entire content of this session can be tried out at home using the free to download Crysis MOD SDK. |
| |
| Speaker info: |
Sean Tracy is License Support Engineer for CryENGINE2 and CryENGINE 3 at Crytek, Frankfurt. He was hired from the Canadian Military in 2008 and has since become an essential point of contact for licensees seeking support with CryENGINE technology. At Crytek he is responsible for creating and building levels and virtual worlds using the CryEngine2 and CryENGINE3 technology as well as supporting the various projects being created on the CryENGINE.
|
|
|
| |
Networking Lunch Break: 13:30 – 14:30 |
| |
 |
| Blizzard Entertainment Sponsor Session |
 |
| Time: |
14:30 – 15:30 |
| Speaker: |
John Cash, Technical Director –
Blizzard Entertainment |
| Title: |
Massively Multiplayer War Stories |
|
| Chairperson: |
Alison Kelly |
|
| |
| Session description: |
The trials and tribulations of developing, launching, and maintaining a massively multiplayer game service. This session will use events from World of Warcraft’s life so far to help developers understand the scope and scale of the issues that can, and usually will, arise with this genre of game. |
| |
| Speaker info: |
As the technical director for an unannounced MMO project, John Cash is responsible for
assembling and overseeing the team for building the game’s technology from the ground up. He is dedicated
to ensuring that all technical aspects are in place to ensure that the game’s players receive the type of high-
quality entertainment experience that Blizzard Entertainment has built its reputation on. Before starting in this
role, Cash contributed to the success of World of Warcraft for eight years, serving as its technical director and
providing the development team and the player community a robust, stable, and cheat-resistant platform on
which to develop and play the game. Cash is a native of Hershey, Pennsylvania who migrated west over the
years, working for Novell and id Software before arriving in Irvine and joining Blizzard Entertainment. He
attended Bridgewater College in Virginia, where he majored in computer science and mathematics. He enjoys
a wide variety of games, music, and movies, and is an avid Formula 1 racing fan. |
|
| |
 |
| Nordic Game Session |
| Time: |
15:45 – 18:00 |
| Speaker: |
Sten Selander, Business Development Director |
| |
Nordic Game Program |
| Title: |
"How to build the future game industry” |
| |
| Target audience: |
| This session is for everybody interested in the future of games and the future of the gameindustry. Or even interest of the world of interactive content that we can see emerging in Middle East and else where. |
| Session description: |
| Mr Selander will take us on a tour into the future where the game might be a game or might be something completely different. A quick scan of new enabling tech and a philosophical background to games is also promised. In concluding part will be suggestions on how game design will and can be used as elements in social development and education. |
| Speaker info: |
| |
| |
| Nordic Game Workshop/panel discussion: |
Q & A |
|
| |
| |
| Nordic Game Workshop/panel discussion: |
| Challenges for the European games industry with special focus on the Nordic region. |
Speakers: |
Marcus Hyttfors, Product Manager - PAN Vision Publishing
Andres Vergara, Creative Director - GROW
Mats Paulsson, Trade Commissioner, Swedish Trade Council, Sweden
Koopee Hiltunen, CEO, Neogames, Finland |
Moderator: |
Sten Selander, Business Development Director, Nordic Game,
Nordic Council of Ministers |
Q & A: |
Session description: |
| Interactive discussions and audience are invited to particpate, where panelist will discuss the future challenges for the European games industry and have take on if games should be consider culture, entertainment or business or perhaps a combination of above. |
Speaker info: |
| Panel consist of seniors within the Nordic and European games industry with experience from industry support and have long perspective and experience of organizing the industry and create good environments for doing business and also doing successful games business |
| |
|
| |
| Gala Dinner sponsored by Epic Games : 20:00 - 21:00 (Invitees only) |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| Epic Games Sponsor Session |
| Time: |
11:00 – 12:00 |
| Speaker: |
Grayson Edge - Senior Level Designer, Epic Games |
| Title: |
“Revving the Chainsaw: Gears of War 2 Cinematic Production and Level Design” |
| Chairperson: |
Ahmed Metwally – CEO, Timeline Interactive |
| |
| Session description: |
This in-depth discussion will cover how Epic transforms high-level concepts into triple-A titles, how to manage complex production pipelines, and how to leverage specialized creative talent to maximize productivity and minimize
risk. |
| Game Creation Workflow |
Part I: Cinematics
Epic’s cinematic pipeline explained: A review of the strategic and innovative techniques used to create Hollywood-style cinematics for Gears of War 2.
A. Pre-production & Storyboards
Explained here is the Gears 2 pre-production planning process as well as the use of storyboards and animatics to jumpstart production.
B. The Quiet Before the Storm
This section takes a step-by-step look at how Epic managed Gears 2 mocap sessions, implemented “radio dramas” to improve scenes, worked with professional actors and used blocking methods during capture sessions.
C. Putting It All Together
Described here are various new techniques and processes Epic used to meet cinematic requirements for Gears 2. Everything from layouts and pallets to polish and lighting is addressed.
Part 2: Level Design
Epic’s level design methodology: An enlightening look into the Gears of War 2 level design process and how Epic quickly transforms high-level concepts into practical, shippable, products.
A. From Concept To Shelling
This section describes how Epic takes a level from a pre-production concept to a shell that people can examine, critique and play. Stressed here is
the importance of the shelling process.
B. Level Iteration
This section describes critical steps following the shelling phase by
outlining the many processes involved in keeping production on track.
C. Specialization and Polish
This section describes the unique talents and skills that fall
under the umbrella of level design at Epic and explains how specialized roles during
Gears 2 development leveraged discipline expertise.
|
| Q & A |
| Speaker info: |
As Epic Games’ senior level designer, Grayson Edge is responsible for creating outstanding game environments and gameplay experiences for the award-winning Gears of War and Unreal series of games. With five shipped Epic titles under his belt, Grayson also contributes to Epic’s gameplay design process, proof of concept development and cinematic production. Prior to joining Epic, Grayson was responsible for level design at Scion Studios and Legend Entertainment. |
|
|
| |
 |
| Timeline Interactive Sponsor Session |
| Time: |
12:15 – 13:00 |
| Speaker: |
Ahmed Metwally – CEO, Timeline Interactive |
| |
Mostafa Hafez, Technical Director, Timeline Interactive |
| |
Mohamed Samir, Technical Lead, Timeline Interactive |
| Chairperson: |
Nour Khrais, General Manager – Maysalward |
| Title: |
“Lessons learned from the development of CellFactor:Psychokinetic Wars” |
| |
| Session description: |
| "This in-depth discussion will cover the lessons learned from managing complex development projects across several time zones and going through the technical requirements certification process for XBOX 360 and PS3." |
| Q & A |
| Speaker info: |
Ahmed is Chairman & CEO of Timeline Interactive, ConnectmeTV and
XTEAMS Consulting Services Corp. Ahmed has over 15 years of
experience in sales and system development for large federal governments
and Fortune 500 firms.
Ahmed serves as advisory board member for several start-ups in Canada
and the US. He authored technical books, articles and papers, holds
Technology Patents and is a frequent speaker in Technology conferences.
Ahmed’s experience crosses between the technical and entrepreneurial
world. Ahmed has also held several senior positions at Microsoft Inc and at
ITWorx Inc. where he oversaw the technical delivery and technical sales of
a major product that was later on acquired for $40M+.
|
|
|
| |
| Networking Lunch Break: 13:00 – 14:00 |
| |
| MENA Region Game Development & Market Session |
| |
| |
|
 |
| Keynote Address |
| Speaker: |
Paul Holman- Vice President Research and Development
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe |
| Title: |
"Today Dubai, Tomorrow the World" |
| Chairperson: |
Alison Kelly |
| |
|
| Speech description: |
"The growth of connected consoles has provided a new business paradigm for game developers. Consoles provide a safe, secure, easy to use gaming platform for consumers, whilst for game developers the
last few years have provided the opportunity to create games targeted at specific regions or niche interest groups locally." |
| |
| Speaker info: |
Paul Holman is the Vice President for Sony Computer Entertainment UK-based Research & Development
department. The R&D department provides the full spectrum of services for game developers working the
PlayStation family of products; from support, training and consultancy across EMEA, India and Australia
through to the development of global components of the SDK. Paul started his career in the mid-80's building upon a Physics degree to develop a career in software that
cumulated in a move to Sony Computer Entertainment in 1995 and the addition of an MBA from Imperial
College and the role of Company Director at SCE's SN Systems." |
|
| |
|
 |
| Speaker: |
Ahmed Jadallah - Technical Manager,
Vertex Studio (UAE) |
| Title: |
“Behind the Wheels of Timeless: Next-Gen Production Workflow” |
| |
|
| Speech description: |
Timeless: Chronicles of Atlantis is set to be a Next-Gen action/adventure game for PC and Consoles developed in Dubai Studio City.
The presentation examines the level design workflow and production pipeline utilized in building environments for the game.
The process starts with general pre-production steps such as the initial research, reference materials gathering, planning and concept art.
Next, the actual production starts with modeling and texturing both environment props and characters to make them ready for integration in the game engine.
Finally, we look at creating ambience through audio, particle effects and other environmental cues. |
| |
| Speaker info: |
Ahmad is the Technical Manager and Lead Game Designer at Vertex Studios. A graduate of the American University in Dubai with a Bachelor of Information Technology with a concentration in Application Development. Currently in his senior year of MBA in International Marketing at the same university. He received a diploma in Film Production from the Hollywood Film institute in 2006.
Ahmads portfolio include the production of an award winning web browser titled "Yahadi Browser" which captured the attention of numerous media channels including TV, Radio and Newspapers locally and internationally including (BBC World, CNBC Arabia and Dubai TV).
He won the Arabian Business Magazine Award as the "Young Entrepreneur of 2002" which was presented by His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum in addition to ten other local, regional and international awards.
Furthermore, he worked as a software developer on the Microsoft Dubai Theme project which was the first imitative of its kind between Microsoft Middle East and the American University in Dubai. He is a member of the IAWMD (International Association of Web Masters and Designers) and the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) and a member of the advisory board of the Dubai Game Expo. |
| |
|
|
| |
 |
| Speaker: |
Nour Khrais, General Manager – Maysalward (Jordan) |
| Title: |
“Put the Fun in Mobile Games with the Cross Platform Gaming”
(in conjunction with the launch of the first commercial Mobile Cross Platform in the Middle East) |
| |
| Speech description: |
Mobile gaming has become an extremely popular way for people to entertain themselves and have fun anytime anywhere. But Mobile game players’ wants more EXTRA Fun and challenge besides normal entertaining and because gaming fundamentally a social phenomenon the players wants also to interact with other gamers. This is what Cross platform technology brings to mobile gaming despite the old limitations it faced; these barriers are falling and over the next few years will not be major factors limiting the growth of this style of game play. MRD discuss basic understanding of cross platform capabilities and constraints, its ease of use, and how MRD put it work in the Mobile gaming as first platform of its kind in the Middle East. |
| Speaker info: |
Nour KHRAIS, Founder and General Manager of Maysalward with over
than eight years of international experience in the Online and Mobile
Value Added Services. Prior to forming Maysalward, he worked in a
multicultural environment. Early 1999 he Joined ACOTEL/Info2cell
Content Business Development Team in Amman and Dubai then later
joined Networks Valley/Yalla.com in Egypt to head the Mobile and
Online Portal Development Team. 2002 KHRAIS decided to explore the
Core level of Mobile Business with SWAPCOM France(now SICAP) a
leader in Mobile Infrastructure VAS platforms where he was
responsible for the MENA market and successfully launched Al
JAZEERA TV NETWORK MOBILE. Nov 2003 Under a Glocalized vision
Khrais Launched the first Mobile Game Development operation in the
Middle East Region offering unique games targeting the Middle East
Europe and Latin American Markets, operating from Amman and Irbid
in Jordan.
Khrais holds a Master in International Business, Global Marketing and
Internationalization, Diploma in Mobile Telecommunication and Bsc of
Agriculture Engineering. His passion for Games and entertainment
enforced with strong business vision and management in mobile value
added services guarantee the success and uniqueness of product and
services production. |
|
|
| |
 |
| Speaker: |
Yasir Agha – Joybox (Syria) |
| Title: |
Introducing Habitual Video Gaming to the Region |
| |
| Speech description: |
Cherry the Girl, will be the first 3D game, pure Arabia, titled for Girls in the MENA region; Cherry is a teenage girl, who’s interested in cooking, working out, taking charge of her parents’ house and other excitements and actions that will take place during the game play.
The game is basically a time challenge and adventure. In Cherry the Girl, JoyBox used some new techniques to make the game play faster and the scene more attractive, like special shades effects, skeletal animations and post screen effects, backing the game up with a script system to make the programming process faster.
The game was developed by JBXEngine which was developed locally in JoyBox Co.; games programming and applications are made through scripting within the JBXEngine which also supports and can be integrated with different games consoles like Xbox, Playstation and others. |
| Speaker info: |
Yasir Agha is the Head of Marketing with JoyBox Co. for Media Technology- Damascus.
He joined the team in 2007; he is known for guiding branding and marketing efforts to make a positive impact in the lives of costumers; responsible on the marketing view, branding and segmentation of JoyBox’s products and services.
Yasir is known for leading innovation and for his commitment to building leading edge video games market capabilities in the region.
He manages the strategy and direction of JoyBox’s customer marketing, demand generation and campaigns, communications, events, advertising, public relations and analyst relations activities. |
|
|
| |
 |
| Speaker: |
Steve Tsao, CEO - Tahadi Games (UAE) |
| Title: |
“Online Games in the Region, and the advancements in In-Game Advertising” |
| |
|
| Speech description: |
With over a quarter billion people and one of the fastest internet growth rates in the world, Tahadi is bringing the rapidly growing phenomenon of online adventure games to the Arab world. We combine the strength of Jabbar Group with our proven track record of success in different parts of the world.
With exciting games, and successful partners, Tahadi Games looks to challenge the market to grow even faster.
First Games include:
Ragnarok Online by Gravity (NASDAQ - GRVY)
Crazy Kart by Shanda (NASDAQ - SNDA)
*** New Title to be announced during Dubai Game Expo! ***
Online Games have been the solution to markets susceptible to piracy of intellectual property. Additionally, with a rising internet penetration, online games is poised for growth throughout the region. China went from a market of 99.99% piracy to the fastest billion dollar markets for games. Tahadi Games plans to broaden the exciting games market in the region through introduction of online games and access.
With a captive audience of thousands of gamers, In-Game Advertising is rapidly finding its place in the market place. Tahadi Games will share its success and experience in working with regional brands in In-Game Advertising. |
| |
| Speaker info: |
Steve Tsao is the CEO of Tahadi Games, one of the Arab world leading online games providers. Part of the Jabbar Group, Tahadi is launching the most popular interactive online games in Arabic, including MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing games).
Prior to assuming his role in Tahadi, Steve held positions in a number of international companies such as Corning and DuPont, IP Ventures Group and IP E-Games. Over the past 12 years, he founded multiple online game publishers/operators and successfully launched over 10 online games in markets such as the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, and Others.. |
|
|
| |
 |
| Speaker: |
Nick Bryant, Managing Director – Txt TV FZLLC – MBC Group (UAE) |
| Title: |
“Social Networks / Virtual Worlds” |
| |
| Speech description: |
The popularity of Text-to-TV chat channels, internet chat rooms, social networks and virtual worlds in the region point to one thing – there is a strong desire to meet, chat and socialise.
ME2 is a mobile-based application designed to address this demand. Versatile and culturally sensitive Me2 provides a compelling interactive experience in an environment with low internet penetration and high mobile penetration. Most importantly it provides a clear revenue stream based on the well established micro-payments model and using trusted payment channels. |
| Speaker info: |
Nick Bryant started his career in Advertising and Broadcast sponsorship in the UK. In the late 90’s he became commercial Director of Open…, the interactive arm of Sky Television. Following a stint at Showtime in London Nick came to the UAE to found Txt TV, a joint venture between Showtime and MBC. MBC bought Txt TV in 2007 and the company diversified in to service provision and mobile application development. As Managing Director of Txt TV and a Group Director of MBC, Nick is responsible for driving development in on-line gaming, social networks and other new media initiatives. |
|
|
| |
 |
| Speaker: |
Behrouz Minaei, Managing Director
Computer Game National Institute of Tehran (Iran) |
| Title: |
Emerging Game Industry in Iran |
| |
| Speaker info: |
Behrouz Minaei-Bidgoli obtained his Ph.D. degree from Computer Science & Engineering Department of Michigan State University, USA, in the field of Data Mining and Web-Based Educational Systems. Now, he is assistant professor in the Department of Computer Engineering, Iran University of Science & Technology (IUST). Now, he is also managing director of Iran National Foundation of Computer Games in Tehran. |
|
|
| |
 |
| Speaker: |
Amir Hossein Fassihi, Development Director - Fanafzar |
| Title: |
The Rise of Game Development in Iran |
| |
| Speach description: |
Computer Games have become highly popular in Iran since their debut in the world but recently there has been a surge in games development and as a result many game studios are active in the development of computer games. Many talented artists and technical specialists can be found among the high population of youngsters in Iran and the future of the games development industry in Iran seems to be bright.
This session will focus on the existing state of game development in Iran. |
|
|
| |
| |
Q & A (15 Min) |
| |
|
 |
| |
|
|
|
