Game Connection Launches 2008 Level Up Program

Organizers for game business matchmaking service Game Connection have announced a 2008 follow-up to last year’s Level Up program. The programs aims to help developers and service providers present their games or services to prospective buyers at the next Game Connection Europe - taking place in Lyon on November 5-7, 2008. Participating companies must be independent and less than two years old. They must also have never previously attended Game Connection. Five selected companies will have the opportunity to exhibit for free at Game Connection Europe. New this year, the winners will have a closed meeting room, similar to the other exhibitors. The winning companies will be selected by the Game Connection Advisory Board composed of industry experts from various countries and backgrounds. The board intends to specifically look for companies showing “a deep understanding and vision of the industry’s needs, out-of-the-box thinking and risk-taking.” Candidates will be asked to explain what makes their game or service original and innovative, as well as how it can help the video game industry evolve. The board will be accepting submissions until August 30, 2008, and the winners will be announced in September. In 2007, a total of 48 companies from 17 different countries applied to the first edition of the Level Up program. Recounting his studio’s experience following its participation to Game Connection Europe 2007, Ocean Media Vedran Klanac said, “The Level Up program is one of the best things that ever happened to us as a company. It totally boosted our business. Six months later, projects are being offered to us on a weekly basis.”