Vincent Dazio GDC Report 2019

Post date: Apr 05, 2019 2:52:23 AM

GDC Report 2019

This was my second GDC event, and I noticed a shift in the information and talks this year. GDC had a larger basis in technology over art this year, including the content of the talks that were presented. Unfortunately it seemed the talks were limited heavily this year by type of pass used and I was not able to reach certain talks because of this.

Perusing the event and finding the student work served as a wake-up call to the different skill-set of Ringling students compared to the different schools’ Game programs. Inspecting other schools’ projects and booths, talking with students, and play testing their games hit me with a sense of realization: a majority of these projects had large teams working on them, as many as 18 students working on one project. Interesting also was the focus on game play and mechanics over the art direction, as mechanics and multiple levels outshined the art in certain projects. The heavy focus on art here made me realize that we are unique in our niche here, as we are dropping graduates in other parts of the industry not currently in competition against some of the other schools’ game programs. The technical proficiency of some of the student work was exceptional as well, watching games such as Moncage and seeing the technical level that this game pushed. The multi- room within a cube puzzle game was incredible in its perspective based 3D puzzles, but simpler within its art direction.

The most useful aspect I pulled out of this year was connecting with other artists and programmers whilst waiting at booths or events. I made more connections this year than last, including a game developer from Pakistan working on VR simulation games and meeting a former Ringling graduate whom has started his own business. Seeing the Rainbow Studios booth with a Ringling alumni founder and art director showed that there is a light at the end of the tunnel once we graduate and move into the industry. It also served as a reason why networking is paramount in this industry, fellow alums whom have been through the same course load and pain could easily be your next boss or lead, in to a company, or good connection to get feedback and critique from. The Ringling alum are everywhere in the industry and its nifty to see where they all have ended up