Creating a Global Marketplace for MMOGs: Can East and West Really Play Together?

Moderator: Jason Wonacott, Wonacott Communications
Panelist: John Young, Slipgate Ironworks
Panelist: Robert Ferrari, Turbine, Inc.
Panelist: Won Il Suh, Neowiz
Panelist: Min Kim, Nexon America

With the staggering number of MMOG users in Asia and the U.S., developers on both sides of the Pacific are intently trying to figure out how to migrate the category into a successful global business. Can Eastern and Western gamers co-exist, or will the markets always need to be segregated? Together game industry leaders from Asia and the U.S. explore the potential of a global MMOG marketplace. Issues to be discussed include gaming patterns of East vs. West; developing global IP; localizing Asian properties for Western markets; design considerations for Asian players; pricing models; and customer service and retention.

Intended Audience: Company executives, game producers and development directors

Prerequisites: Attendees should have a basic understanding of game design and player habits in both the U.S and Asian markets, online game business models, and the implications these habits and models have on the design and production process.

Format: Panel

Track: Globalization

Date/Time: Tuesday, 9:00 AM

Room: Harbor