Creative Clusters: Fostering Creative Environments
Creative media work can be done anywhere, particularly in our internet age. But it is clear that some areas of the world have higher concentrations of talented creative people, which are labeled Creative Clusters. This talk will outline what elements must exist in a community to foster concentrations of technically savvy, creative people. Creative clusters that currently exist will be illustrated along with strategies people can use to foster more creativity in their local community. The talk will close with illustrations of the local Austin creative community and Austin's evolution from a relatively small town state capital, to a creative center over the last few decades.
Presenters
Gordon Walton has been authoring games and managing game development since 1977. He is currently VP and Exec Producer at Playdom Austin. Prior positions include VP and co-Studio General Manager at BioWare Austin working on Star Wars®: The Old Republic™, VP, Executive Producer and Studio Manager at Sony Online Entertainment in Austin, working on an unannounced product and Star Wars Galaxies at Sony Online Entertainment, prior to this he was VP and Executive Producer of The Sims Online at Electronic Arts/Maxis, and in the same role for Origin Systems managing Ultima Online™; He also served as Senior VP and General Manager of Kesmai Studios, where he oversaw the development of several MMOGs including Air Warrior™ and Multiplayer Battletech™. Gordon has owned and managed two development companies and was development manager for both Three-Sixty Pacific and Konami of America, Inc. He has personally developed more than 30 games and overseen the development of more than 200 games. Gordon is a regular speaker at industry gatherings and advises multiple game educational programs.
Monday, March 11
