Skip to main content

East Coast Game Conference Announces Full Lineup of Speakers (Event Report)

The East Coast game Conference (ECGC) today announced the full lineup of speakers and sessions for this year’s event, taking place April 25-26, 2012 in Raleigh, NC. Along with exploring the core topic of “content > platforms,” professionals from around the nation will be leading panels, lectures, and discussions on a variety of specific industry tracks. For information on how to attend and experience these sessions firsthand, visit www.ecgconf.com.

 Highlights from the ECGC 2012 program include:

  • Academic: For instructors and administrators from institutes of higher education that offer game programs or are planning to do so, as well as recent or upcoming graduates of game programs. Highlighted Speakers Include: Anne McLaughlin & Jason Allaire, NCSU; Michael Youngblood, Game Intelligence Group, UNC-Charlotte; Tim Johnson, Epic Games 
  • Art: The masters of the pixel will step out from behind the curtain and share some of the techniques that they’ve used to bring top titles to life. Highlighted Speakers Include: Kris Dell, Autodesk; Penka Kouneva, Hollywood composer (Prince of Persia: Forgotten Sands; Gears of War); Patrick Roeder, Digital Roar Studios
  • Programming: Developers will share algorithms, engines, technology, techniques and best practices that today's game companies must cultivate to create immersive, engaging entertainment products. Highlighted Speakers Include: Jim Van Verth, Insomniac Games; Dan Amerson, Activate 3D; Chad Carter, GlobalCove Technologies
  • Game Design: Speakers will discuss new game mechanics, turn over genre conventions and consider new ways to push the boundaries of gameplay. Highlighted Speakers Include:  Chris Hazard, Hazardous Software; Alan Wilson, Tripwire interactive; Lew Pulsipher, Pulsipher Games
  • Business and Serious Gaming: This track will discuss industry trends, emerging business models, international business opportunities, the impact of the economic recession and other topics relevant to executives and studio owners small and large. The track includes an all-star panel of games journalists from IGN, Kotaku, The Escapist, Polygon and Gamasutra discussing the perils and pleasures of writing about games. Highlighted Speakers Include:  Dustin Clingman, ZeeGeeGames; Phaedra Boinodiris, IBM; Steve Reid, Red Storm Entertainment
  • Social and Mobile: Speakers in this track will outline the revolution happening in social networks, handhelds, independent development and how to best take advantage of these trends. Highlighted Speakers Include:  Ethan Levy, BioWare; Daniel Plant & Missy Farrell, Disney-Playdom; Tim Horan, fiveonenine games
  • Unreal University: Unreal University is an academic initiative sponsored by Epic Games to offer professional, hands-on guidance to those interested in using its award-winning Unreal Engine 3 (UE3) technology, including the Unreal Development Kit (UDK). Sessions are free, and topics include level design best practices, mobile game development tips and tricks, and more.

    This year’s ECGC will also once again feature the popular Career Lounge, which includes roundtable discussions with local industry experts and the opportunity for aspiring developers and artists to have their work critiqued. Attendees can further interact with notable developers and publishers in the Expo Hall, including Zenimax Online, GREE International and EA Sports.

Popular posts from this blog

Review: Oscar Moon’s Milkshake Bar Brings Soul, Sweetness, and Soda-Shop Magic to Huntsville

If you’re craving something decadent, nostalgic, and downright joyful, Oscar Moon’s Milkshake Bar at Stovehouse is the kind of place that makes dessert feel like an experience—not just a treat. Part vintage soda fountain, part modern milkshake haven, and all heart, Oscar Moon’s serves up towering shakes, bubbly floats, and classic soda-shop flavors with a side of soulful rhythm. A Vibe Straight Out of a Retro Daydream Step inside and you’re immediately wrapped in warm, glowing nostalgia. The space combines the charm of a 1950s soda counter with the playful energy of a modern dessert bar. There’s soul music pumping through the speakers, staff who greet you like old friends, and—if you’re lucky—a disco-ball moment when the lights go down and the whole shop transforms into a sweet little party. It’s impossible not to smile here. Milkshakes That Are As Over-The-Top As They Are Delicious Oscar Moon’s specializes in over-the-top, photo-ready milkshakes that spill over with whipped cre...
Level Up: Read More »

Get Ready, Gamers and Collectors: TCG Con Sand Mountain 2026 is Coming!

  Calling all nerds, geeks, gamers, and collectors! Mark your calendars and clear your schedules because a massive celebration of all things collectible is heading to Alabama. TCG Con Sand Mountain is set to take over the Sand Mountain Park on Saturday, March 21st, 2026, promising a safe and exciting space for enthusiasts of every stripe to come together and celebrate their passions. Event Details at a Glance Date: Saturday, March 21st, 2026 Time: 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM Location: Sand Mountain Park, 1325 S.M.P.A. Albertville, AL 35950 Space: 30,000 sq ft of collectibles heaven Entry: $10 (Kids 12 & under are FREE!) Facebook Event: TCG Con Sand Mountain A Universe of Categories Whether you are a veteran TCG player or a casual fan of pop culture, there is something for everyone. The convention boasts an impressive array of categories, including: Trading Card Games: Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering (MtG), Lorcana, Yu-Gi-Oh!, One Piece, Flesh and Blood, Digimon, Gundam, Dragon Ball Z,...
Level Up: Read More »

Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo 2026 Returns for Its Biggest Year Yet

Huntsville, Alabama is preparing for one of the state’s biggest celebrations of geek culture as the Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo returns April 17–19, 2026. Now entering its 11th year, the fan-favorite convention will once again take over the Von Braun Center in downtown Huntsville, bringing together thousands of fans for a three-day event dedicated to comics, movies, television, anime, gaming, cosplay, and more. Known as Alabama’s largest celebration of all things geek, the Expo continues to grow each year, expanding its footprint throughout the Von Braun Center with additional ballrooms and event spaces. The expanded layout allows for a larger show floor, more panels, and plenty of room for the massive crowds that attend annually. A Star-Studded Guest Lineup The 2026 Expo features an impressive roster of celebrity guests from across television, film, animation, and gaming. Fans will have the opportunity to meet stars such as Zachary Levi, Ron Perlman, LeVar Burton, Tom ...
Level Up: Read More »