Courtesy of the GDC Vault is another free video from GDC 2012. This time around, independent developers from the past and from the present come together to discuss the independent resurgence happening thanks to emerging digital platforms and the rapidly declining cost-of-entry for making games. Session Name: Back to the Garage: The Return of Indie Development (From Those Who Were There and Some Who've Just Arrived) Speaker(s): Markus Persson, Jordan Mechner, Tim Sweeney, Adam Saltsman, Jane Pinckard, John Romero Company Name(s): Mojang, Mechner, Epic, Semi Secret Games, UC Santa Cruz, Loot Drop Track / Format: Business and Marketing and Management Overview: The game industry is witnessing an indie renaissance. After years of big publisher domination and cold war spending that escalated AAA budgets to hit $40 million+ , development is returning to the garage. The emergence of digital distribution and proliferation of new platforms, combined with an evolution in tools and technology, has made game making as much fun as game playing, attracting new players but also familiar faces. But as many learned the first time around, not all roads are paved with gold. In the panel the speakers explore real-world examples of successes and failures in their own careers to distill lessons of critical relevance to indie game makers today.

About the GDC Vault

In addition to this presentation, the GDC Vault offers numerous other free videos, audio recordings, and slides from many of the recent GDC events, and the service offers even more members-only content for GDC Vault subscribers. Those who purchased All Access passes to events like GDC, GDC Europe, and GDC Online already have full access to GDC Vault, and interested parties can apply for the individual subscription Beta via a GDC Vault inquiry form. Group subscriptions are also available: game-related schools and development studios who sign up for GDC Vault Studio Subscriptions can receive access for their entire office or company. More information on this option is available via an online demonstration, and interested parties can send an email to Gillian Crowley. In addition, current subscribers with access issues can contact GDC Vault admins. Be sure to keep an eye on GDC Vault for even more new content, as GDC organizers will also archive videos, audio, and slides from other events like GDC China and GDC 2013. To stay abreast of all the latest updates to GDC Vault, be sure to check out the news feed on the official GDC website, or subscribe to updates via Twitter, Facebook, or RSS.