GDC 2013 adds unique Summit talks on DIY indie games, African game dev

Game Developers Conference 2013 organizers have revealed new Summit talks for its March conference, with lectures featuring VVVVVV creator Terry Cavanagh and Porpentine's DIY game curation showcase, Touch Arcade's iOS press promotion tips, and Leti Games' lessons in African video game development. These talks are part of the Independent Games, Smartphone & Tablet Games, and Localization Summits that will take place Monday, March 25 and Tuesday, March 26 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, CA during the first two days of GDC 2013. For the Independent Games Summit, VVVVVV and Super Hexagon creator Terry Cavanagh will share his curation initiative in 'Free Indie Games: Curating the DIY Revolution.' Co-editor and game designer Porpentine will present overlooked indie games from 2012 and will describe "how outsider voices are challenging and redefining the nature of games." For the Smartphone & Tablet Games Summit, Touch Arcade editor-in-chief Eli Hodapp will argue that 'There's More to Life Than Press Releases and Promo Codes.' He will show examples of a community-building, snowball effect that creates downloads and leads to media coverage without a single press release. Finally, for the Localization Summit, Wesley Kirinya and Eyram Tawia of Leti Games will discuss the political and cultural sensitivities needed in 'The Emerging Landscape of African Game Development.' Using their 7 years of experience as developers in Africa, they will also explore unique challenges such as a very low internet penetration rate and a need to educate the player in using gaming technologies. For more information on these or others in the show's growing lineup, check out GDC 2013's official Schedule Builder, which continues to add new talks every week. The deadline for discounted Early Bird passes, including a lower-priced Summits, Tutorials & Bootcamps Pass, is February 13th. GDC 2013 itself will take place March 25-29 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. For more information on GDC 2013, visit the show's official website, or subscribe to regular updates via Facebook, Twitter, or RSS.