Late last month, CODE Travel Grant recipients made the journey to Game Developers Conference, the event that really coined that term, in San Francisco, USA.
Game Developers Conference 2023, San Francisco USA
Several of our developers came representing themselves joining the other 28,000 or so delegates from around the world. Our developers attending were assisted by CODE's first Travel Grant round awarded in late 2022.
Game Developers Conference Schedule 2023, San Francisco USA
So why would you fly across the world to a game development conference, even if it is a large one?
CODE has reached a maturity now where a fair amount of our developers from our Dunedin programme are actively on a launch trajectory with their games and lining up publishers, platform deals and industry partners is exactly what they are looking for.
Entering GDC 2023, San Francisco USA.
There is a significant difference pitching at an event like GDC in San Francisco in the sheer number of potential publishing partners or investors that can be approached.
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) Kiwi mixer event hosted during GDC.
But what about service providers in the sector?
We also had two audio designers travel with us. Both designers are at different stages in their career and it can make the difference in making new contacts in the industry or reaffirming older relationships. Both are incredibly valuable to building businesses.
Dunedin audio designers and CODE Travel Grant recipients, Tom Jensen (Shilka Audio) and Paul Fox (Soundcreature Interactive), making connections at GDC.
What were the outcomes?
It's always a bit difficult to tell straight after a conference what may have come out of it, but with a bag full of business cards, a busy LinkedIn account and new relationships and friendships made, everyone attending is likely to get something out of it.
CODE Travel Grant recipients, Lisa Blakie (Atawhai Interactive) and Erekose Watson (Mune Studio), take in the San Fran sights following GDC.
CODE will be opening up Travel Grants as a national programme in the coming months. Check our Funding page for more information.
Comentários