September 2006 Sputnik Summary

 

Health and Family and Game Development

 

Speaker: Chris Taylor, CEO Gas Powered Games

 

"I'll aim at several hot topics... original IP development, the good and bad of video game culture (Health and Family), the evolution of a super focused development processes, and a keen eye on keeping costs not only low, but finding ways to develop next-generation titles for quite literally half the cost of past efforts, and lastly, some anecdotes from the development of Supreme Commander."

 

Chris Taylor began his career in the video games business at Distinctive Software in Canada. His first title, Hardball II, won the SPA (Software Publishers Association) award for best sports game of the year. Next, Chris created 4D Boxing, which won many accolades for its innovation as a 3D title. Chris later served as designer and project lead for the original Triple Play Baseball at Electronic Arts.

 

Chris went on to create the highly acclaimed RTS, Total Annihilation, at Cavedog Entertainment. After completing the expansion pack, The Core Contingency, he decided to start his own company. Chris founded Gas Powered Games in May of 1998. GPG released its first title, Dungeon Siege for the PC in 2002, and the sequel in 2005. Chris and Gas Powered Games are in full development on Supreme Commander, slated for release in 2007.