Author: by Staff

As we noted a few weeks ago, one of the top trends of 2008 and the foreseeable future will continue to be outsourcing. The organizers of the Game Outsourcing Summit at the 2009 Game Developers Conference have announced the full lineup of speakers and sessions intended to eliminate the trial and error of this seemingly daunting task. Notables from Pandemic, Activision, Eidos Shanghai, Lakshya Digital and more will offer their hard earned lessons learned on how to successfully outsource your operation. The top scheduled sessions follow: - Activision's Aaron Pulkka, who's experience includes building outsource departments for two major publishers, will deliver an enlightening talk on "Putting It All Together - Building the Right Outsourcing Team". He'll focus on "building, improving and running your department including due diligence, staffing, budgets, bidding, expectations, and more." - In "Unknown Soldiers: Technical Artists", Jesse Rapczak from global outsource company Exigent will discuss the importance of technical artists who work tirelessly as they experiment, tweak, and research ways to make an art director happier. He'll not only share how the role of technical artist is "key to getting what you need from your potential outsource partner", but also tips for creating or improving your technical artists. - Carey Chico, executive art director at Pandemic Studios (Mercenaries 2: World in Flames) will discuss how to "keep teams spread across the globe on the same page" in "A Client Perspective - Process Made Painless". He'll teach attendees "how to plan and execute the right outsource process" with proven methods and lessons on what can go right and wrong. - Art and design studio Massive Black's 3D director will deliver a complementary lecture titled "A Vendor Perspective - Process Made Painless", in which he'll detail what companies should look for in their outsource partners, with tips on "what info to provide, questions to ask, and how to leverage the strengths of the outsource provider." Attendees will take away advice that will help minimize surprises and get the right results the first time. - Manvendra Shukul, co-founder and CEO of New Delhi, India-based studio Lakshya Digital, will share useful advice on how "Making the Most of India - A Cultural Checklist", with advice on making business trips to the country something more than just another due-diligence operation, and "great ideas for how to experience the real India and maximize your success." - In "Welcome to a Great Experience in China!", Eidos Shanghai's general manager Christine Thaarup will introduce and explore what the country has to offer as "the land of opportunities with a growth and energy to build, learn and develop faster than anywhere else in the world." "In a world economy in crisis, outsourcing has never been more crucial or relevant than right now," says the Summit's advisor and Exigent's chief creative officer Paul Steed. "Making games is a totally global thing! The 2009 Outsource Summit goes into the trenches and delivers specific information aimed at both new and experienced developers." "This one day super-summit is all about useful tips and effective practices to inform and arm you better for your next project. We’re covering everything from culture to creating your own outsource department. A lighter tone heavy on content gives you a full day that’s more than worth your while." The Outsourcing Summit will take place on March 24th, 2009 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. For additional event details, more information on the scheduled sessions, and the full speaker line-up, visit the Game Outsourcing Summit section at the official Game Developers Conference site.