IMGDC Announces Bartle, Mulligan Keynotes

Online game pioneer Richard Bartle and MMO veteran Jessica Mulligan are the first keynote speakers announced for the upcoming Independent MMO Game Developers Conference 3.0 conference in Las Vegas, organizer Last Straw Productions announced today. IMGDC 3.0 runs April 17th to the 19th, and is not affiliated with the Game Developers Conference or its associated events. "One thing IMGDC has always been incredibly proud of is the caliber of speakers and sessions at the event," says Last Straw CEO Jonathon Stevens. "This year is no exception with speakers from Turbine to Sony Online Entertainment to large venture capital firms." Richard Bartle was the co-writer of the first MUD in 1978, an achievement generally credited birthing multiplayer online games, and also authored "Designing Virtual Worlds". Jessica Mulligan oversaw direction and development for Turbine MMO Asheron's Call, and authored MMO business development book "Developing Online Games: An Insider's Guide." The IMGDC 3.0 schedule consists of five different tracks: Design & Development, Business & Legal, Casual & Educational, Visual & Audio, and Alternative Platforms, including roundtables, pannels and sections. "With the return of Richard Bartle and the addition of Jessica Mulligan as keynote speakers, we're showing the world that this event is one you don't want to miss," said Stevens.