I am not a gamer. I attempted to engage, but it was boring to me. Nonetheless, the gaming space is interesting. There is also a huge gamification movement, in many manifestations, which is much, much more interesting. Games are part of progressive brand strategies too.
Today games are distributed by generally large companies on 4-5 platforms plus mobile, another handful. But it's entirely possible for games to go the way of the music industry. Independent development and independent distribution. Or maybe you just want your own startup, like Rovio or Zynga. Mobile games, in particular, have minimal entry barriers, and float weightlessly over the top of the mobile ecosystem from clouds.
Game developers are the subject of the film, Indie Game. It traces the obsessions and dreams of independent game developers, a modern day maker community.
The scheduling is fortunate, it's Spring break for potential developers!
Unfortunately the film, judging by its trailer, hews closely to the guy geek stereotype in its attempt to tell the story. Noticeably absent are girl gamers. It was an area noted by entrepreneur and researcher Brenda Laurel. So we are still waiting for Game 2.0. But you can be sure DisneyTM has MMPORGs aimed at young girls today.
You can see the film Indy Game tonight, a presentation of the Software Association of Oregon, with advance tickets (since it could sell out) - http://igtmportland.eventbrite.com/ - at the Hollywood Theater www.hollywoodtheatre.org 4122 NE Sandy Boulevard 7PM $15
