LF07 Keynotes

Each day of the IGDA Leadership Forum will start with an inspiring and insightful keynote lecture.

Ultimate Objectives: Lessons Learned From Building BioWare

- Ray Muzyka – CEO, BioWare Corp., Corporate VP and Director, BioWare/Pandemic
- Greg Zeschuk – President, BioWare Corp., Corporate VP and Director, BioWare/Pandemic

One of the significant challenges facing development studios and teams is balancing the harsh realities of rising budgets and increasingly challenging technology against the need to make truly event products in our hit-driven industry. At BioWare, co-founders Greg and Ray have navigated this difficult territory, both while BioWare was an independent developer, but also as part of a new larger organization as BioWare/Pandemic, with its new financing resources available in addition to the traditional industry sources. BioWare has always been oriented towards pursuing ambitious goals, which sometimes requires making difficult choices; often it’s necessary to make a difficult short term decision to reach the ultimate long term objectives. This talk will discuss what Ray and Greg have learned over the years building BioWare – both the studio and also its numerous successful titles.

10 Surprising Ideas for Leaders on the Future of Games

- Don Daglow – President and CEO, Stormfront Studios

How we can be masters of our own fate in a radical new future where companies and globalization expand ever-faster each year? You may agree or disagree with Don Daglow’s vision of the future, but with a game design career stretching back to 1971 he’s had plenty of time to think about it. In this session Don speculates about 10 ways in which the future of games and gamers will differ from what the analysts, forecasters, mimes and pundits have to tell us. From hardware platforms to user demographics to career paths, this will be an out-of-the-box survey of things for leaders to consider as we ride the industry’s waves and whirlpools. The founder of Stormfront Studios, Don has been through six console “Next Gen” cycles, starting with his tenure as Director of Game Design at Intellivision 25 years ago and reaching to today’s next-gen platforms.

Leading Creativity: Probing Tim’s Brain

- Tim Schafer – President, Double Fine Productions

During this informal and lively closing session, Tim will be interviewed on the intersection of creativity and leadership. Much like Raz would, we’ll delve into the creative mind of Tim to see what makes him tick, how his creativity and imagination persevere under harsh game industry conditions, and how he inspires and leads others to be creative in what they do day-to-day.



“The IGDA Leadership Forum has, without question, the highest quality of content of any game industry event I have ever attended. As far as “”bang for the buck”" it is the best conference for producers and managers in our industry. Any studio looking to upgrade its production and management techniques should make this a must attend event for their studio’s production and management leads. The annual IGDA Charitable Foundation dinner is also not to be missed.”

- Tom Buscaglia, The Game Attorney


“I’ve had the pleasure of attending the IGDA Leadership Forum for 2 years now. The conference is small and focused, which is its greatest strength. Not only does it offer an excellent schedule with high quality speakers, attendees have many opportunities to connect with other developers. This networking and sharing of ideas is what gives someone the additional tools, and perspective to be better at their job. The IGDA Leadership Forum has had a huge impact on my career. Every year, I’ve come away with new friends and mentors, and new inspiration that I can immediately apply to create positive impact within my company. For such a low cost with such high return, I ask you this: How can you not afford to send yourself and your employees to the IGDA Leadership Forum?”

- Kim Sellentin, Associate Producer, Blizzard Entertainment


“I’ve attended the Leadership forum every year since its inception. It’s my can’t miss conference each year for a couple of reasons… 1. It’s a very personal conference, small enough to get to know everyone and large enough to attract great speakers. 2. The game industry tends to build leaders from with in, but being a great developer does not make a great leader. The Leadership Forum provides a wonderful opportunity to develop those traits and learn how others have gotten there. 3. Unlike some large events, this is a very focused conference. The topic is narrow enough to attract a lot of like minded people and broad enough to cross disciplines. I can’t recomend the Leadership Forum highly enoughto any producer, leader, or simply those in our industry seeking to be the best at their craft. ”

- Chuck Hoover, Studio Production Director, Schell Games


“If you’re a manager in the games industry, or you have managers reporting to you, you owe it to yourself to come out or send them to the IGDA Leadership Forum next year. Your competitors are out here trying to figure out how to get better at capturing the lightning and putting it in a package to ship out to customers. We desperately need better trained leaders in the industry, and this is a proven place where they can come and improve their skills. This year I found an insight in every talk to make me better at my job, and to help my reports become better at their jobs. I really don’t feel like I can afford *not* to go. Can you?”

- Brett Douville, Lead Systems Programmer, Bethesda Softworks
© 2011 International Game Developers Association

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