Arrive early to avoid the lineups and be greeted with a welcome drink, thanks to Technicolor Games!

Speakers, moderators, panelists, and table-topic hosts are invited to meet industry peers, have a beverage or two, and be acknowledged for all their efforts in the lead-up to XDS.

This is an invitation-only event.

This is a one-of-a-kind social to properly welcome first-time XDS attendees to the event! Mingle with veteran attendees, and receive some tips and tricks on ways to make the most of your XDS experience. We look forward to seeing you there with PTW, celebrating their 30 year anniversary!

This is an invitation-only event to those who are brand new to XDS.

7:00am – 6:00pm   Registration & Information
8:00am – 6:00pm   XDS Connect Zone
8:00am – 6:00pm   The Hub
8:00am – 6:00pm   Original Force Booster Bar
8:00am – 6:00pm   Shutterstock Café
8:00am – 6:00pm   Parallax Snack Bar
11:00am – 6:00pm  Virtuos Central Bar

Enjoy a light morning snack and some coffee or tea in The Hub, brought to you by Blind Squirrel Games.

Join us alongside Joe Nickolls at the Room 8 Group Main Stage to kick off XDS 2024!

Marc-Alexis has held a multitude of roles within Ubisoft over the last 19 years, ranging from Engineering, to Creative Direction, to Producing and now VP Executive Producer of the Assassin’s Creed franchise. His Masters degree in Software Engineering and experience in creative roles give him a fresh view on game production which is reflected in the variety of titles he’s worked on, notably on the Prince of Persia, Immortals Fenyx Rising and the Assassin’s Creed franchises.

Join this executive fireside chat with Marc-Alexis to hear about his career journey, insights into today’s games industry and the key importance of external development in the space.

FOUNDATIONAL TRACK

When the goal is scalable, long-term partnerships, the relationship between the internal and external team is critical to success. This presentation will look at the processes and practices I’ve developed over 30 years of working with service providers and co-development partners. Focusing on the effectiveness of the relationship is key, but there must be real data, documentation, and actionable strategies if the goal is tangible results. I’ll walk through the practices we use at Amazon Games and present case studies to demonstrate how we make sure projects get off to a good start, how we build success, how to move from “sick” to “healthy” and how a diligent focus on the relationship is key to meeting and exceeding expectations.

Take a break from attending sessions or meetings and grab a meal to keep you going!

EXPERIENCED TRACK

Data Science remains a fundamental service for maintaining competitiveness in the core gaming market. This presentation will provide a detailed look at how data science supported an F2P project, and the importance of data-driven strategies in becoming a better external developer.

The presentation will include visual analysis and discussion of key metrics around user activity and game optimizations. It will also cover market trends, competitor analysis, and audience insights to demonstrate data-driven strategies.

Additionally, the presentation will discuss how data-driven support at service providers can aid leadership in navigating the current market. This presentation is a must-attend for any external developers hoping to learn more about how data science can increase their value and stability, and for developers who are interested in leaning more into using data from external partners to create better games.

Take a break and enjoy coffee or tea in The Hub.

FOUNDATIONAL TRACK

Enjoy a beverage (or two!) after a day of networking and knowledge sharing, presented by Innovecs Games!

Join us for one of the following eight Table-Topics, presented by Globant. Seats are limited, so sign up early!

FOUNDATIONAL TRACK

Meeting new partners and creating a successful relationship is a crucial part of our roles. Seasoned professionals often benefit from referrals or extensive experience with various vendors. However, newcomers to the industry or those assessing a new partner may find these dynamics more challenging.

Both experienced and new professionals are welcomed to join the discussion on key considerations for engaging with a new partner. Topics will include sourcing and initiating contact, recognizing potential red flags and developing strategies to manage risks, and setting the stage for a successful partnership.

FOUNDATIONAL TRACK

Game development costs are skyrocketing, driven by the proliferation of platforms, changing business models, and the diversification of generational expectations for games. While games are being held to higher expectations than ever before, people are playing less games for less time. It is harder than ever to release a hit game. Join us to discuss the top 3 forces driving up the cost of game dev and how external development is being leveraged as a response to create amazing games that players love.

FOUNDATIONAL TRACK

Have you been pondering an interesting legal question but haven’t had the opportunity to ask? In that case, please join us for an AMA with experienced (and very friendly!) in-house and external lawyers where you’ll have a chance to ask and discuss legal questions regarding external development. All are welcome from across the external development landscape.

To prime the discussion, our panelists will begin with a brief presentation on some of the top legal issues facing the industry today and then the floor will be yours to ask away! Some sample topics include: publishing agreements, corporate issues (such as founding a new studio or pub!), AI and copyright, employment issues (non-competes, remote work, overtime, and more!), Web3 integration, chance based reward mechanics (lootboxes, gacha, etc.), user generated content, and developments in consumer protection law, including dark patterns.

On top of these legal questions, we are also happy to answer any questions that you may have about working with lawyers in general, whether they be members of your in-house team or external counsel (including how to do so in a cost and time efficient manner!). That all being said, we want to answer and discuss the issues that are most important to you, so please feel free to truly ask us anything!

FOUNDATIONAL TRACK

In this Table Topic, we will dig into the subject of culture and leadership; its relevance when you’re a 3-person startup, where it comes from and how it evolves as our companies grow. There are 100’s of books and articles on these subjects, but is the essence to be found in academic books? Or is the answer to be found in the lived experiences we have, learning from our mistakes as we go. Are current leadership styles worthy of the hype and is there even any place for vulnerability and authenticity at the top, especially in the current climate?

Participation in this discussion will provide insight to new Service Partners looking to grow and establish themselves. Developers and Publishers can also get a window into the world of a small startup trying to gain trust and find their place within the industry. Here is an opportunity to share knowledge on how we navigate growth and the pain points that we meet along the way.

EXPERIENCED TRACK

In this table topic, participants will explore the idea of a sustainable development model that leverages external development. Sustainable development, in this context, refers to game development practices that prioritize predictable, reliable revenue and a steady approach to growth.

We will briefly recap key takeaways from previous relevant discussions and build on those ideas. Key questions to explore might include: Can a sustainable development model that leverages external development be effectively implemented within AAA development? How can we build influence within our companies toward adopting a more sustainable development model? Is it possible to demonstrate that leveraging external development for a sustainable future benefits all stakeholders?

Participants will engage in a collaborative, exploratory discussion, gaining insights into advocating for sustainable development that promotes steady growth and job security while leveraging the benefits of external development.

EXPERIENCED TRACK

So much of the video games industry is made up of studios that were born out of passion, of need, of ambition, of serendipity. Behind each studio is an entrepreneur, who built teams and businesses around those teams. As time goes by, founders look at the road they trekked and at the path that lies ahead, and regardless of how it all started, they start to think about what is the next level for the studio.

A common denominator is the desire to see the studio flourish – to see the brand associated with quality, to witness those teams grow (personally and professionally), to pass the test of time, to become a reference. But it’s not an easy journey, full of ups and downs, and as a studio evolves and grows, having a partner that can help wither the storms and seize more opportunities becomes an important consideration.

When thinking about partnering with a potential acquiror, there is always an asymmetry of information. So what how does a potential partner think? What do they look for that is less evident? In this session we’ll provide an informed view of an acquirer’s framework, the dimensions in which they may think and assess, the tangibles and intangibles, the pre and the post-transaction, alongside with practical tips on how to get yourself and your studio ready for a successful transaction – pre and post deal. We’ll also explore some perspectives on what is shaping the service provider market – from technology to geography – equipping you with a more comprehensive understanding of this ever-changing landscape.

EXPERIENCED TRACK

One of the keys to success in any external development partnership is to overcome communication barriers to allow the game dev team and their external partners to build trust and cultivate a safe & effective work environment. Conflict arises when there are assumptions that others think and operate like them. Setting a clear expectation early on eliminates misunderstanding and unnecessary conflicts.Important part of this effort when dealing with global partnership is having a deeper comprehension of the differences between cultures that adhere to lateral and hierarchical leadership so there is a context of how these societies function, make decisions and why. This understanding will not only provide insights into the areas that need improvements within the external engagements and healthier ways to adapt when working with a different culture, it will also develop respect and empathy among the game dev team and their external partners, eventually leading to a seamless collaboration even when the work itself is challenging.

EXPERIENCED TRACK

Emerging from a turbulent year, the case for cooperatives and applied tenets of worker democracy has never been clearer: organizations that directly invest their workforce attract top talent, build durable partnerships, and possess a greater variety of tools to weather adversity. However, scaling these models presents significant challenges and demands intensive focus on company culture.

Table-Topic host, Eli Allen, will draw on 7 years of experience leading a cooperative to guide conversation around the most common questions that arise in conversations around worker ownership: “What exactly is it?” “Why on earth would I choose to do it?” and, “Can I possibly incorporate those ideas into an existing company?”

Join us in this forum to explore how principals of worker ownership can be implemented to improve the resilience of your workplace and inform your partnership decisions for the future.

Collider Craftworks will once again be hosting the now-infamous Collider Rooftop Mixers for XDS 2024!

Wednesday night’s rooftop festivities will include a Live DJ and an Open Bar featuring wine, beer & glamorous cocktails!

Please see any of the Collider staff for those bar drink tokens (we’ll have plenty). – CHEERS!

Women@XDS was founded at the XDS23 event to create a supportive environment for women in the male-dominated gaming industry. Join us this year across the street at Batch Vancouver for Women@XDS presented by West Studios to connect, share experiences and expertise and connect with other female-identifying attendees.

Please note, this event is only for female-identifying attendees at XDS 2024.

One of our Presenting Sponsors, Keywords Studios, brings you our coveted Welcome Reception! Come by the Parq Patio and D6 bar for an event to remember, complete with delicious eats and magnificent views of Vancouver, highlighting the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Year over year, it has become clear that the Welcome Reception presented by Keywords Studios is definitely not to be missed!

8:00am – 6:00pm    Registration & Information
8:00am – 6:00pm    XDS Connect Zone
8:00am – 6:00pm    The Hub
8:00am – 6:00pm    Original Force Booster Bar
8:00am – 6:00pm    Shutterstock Café
8:00am – 6:00pm    Parallax Snack Bar
11:00am – 6:00pm   Virtuos Central Bar

Enjoy a light morning snack and some coffee or tea in The Hub, brought to you by Immortals Studios.

Join us alongside Joe Nickolls at the Room 8 Group Main Stage to open the second day of the External Development Summit (XDS)!

Paige Bailey is the engineering lead for GenAI Developer Experience at Google. Paige has a deep understanding of the generative AI landscape, having previously served as an applied machine learning engineer at Microsoft and GitHub, and a product lead for Google’s PaLM v2 and Gemini models. Paige is passionate about making cutting-edge AI technology accessible, and empowering developers to build the next generation of innovative applications.

Don’t miss this one-on-one discussion with Paige covering all things technology, AI, equity, diversity and inclusion, and Paige’s forward looking thoughts on the games industry.

EXPERIENCED TRACK

In true co-dev fashion, Jay Arrera from Pipeworks (Developer) and Jay Minn from Wizards of the Coast (Publisher) share what worked in their recent collaboration on Magic: Spellslingers and in their careers in general. Jay and Jay will provide a framework for helping co-dev projects get started on the right foot, explain how Producers from Developers and Publishers can work together instead of against each other. We will share practical examples about how to encourage co-dev Engineering, Art, Design, and QA teams to collaborate. And we will offer some humorous anonymized examples of when people don’t play well with others.

Take a break from attending sessions or meetings and grab a meal to keep you going!

FOUNDATIONAL TRACK

Join us for an enlightening panel discussion on the nuances of cross-cultural partnerships, exploring key topics such as introductory meetings, negotiation, relationship management, and conflict resolution. Our expert panellists bring unique perspectives from different cultures and lived experiences, and will share both humorous and heartfelt anecdotes that highlight the varied approaches to global business. Gain valuable insights and practical tips on navigating and thriving in the complex landscape of international game development collaborations.

Take a break and enjoy coffee or tea in The Hub.

EXPERIENCED TRACK

Our passions are Game Development and Automation. In this session, we will share our experience in implementing a full and robust automation suite for multiple game titles. We will demonstrate how we reduced the cost of manual QA and saved 20% on total development costs.

This talk will step through this experience and bring a series of development tales that breakdown how the cost savings were made and what the process is to bring those kinds of savings into any team. We’ll cover the workings and explain the practical tips that can scale for any production of any size.

Enjoy a beverage (or two!) after a day of networking and knowledge sharing, presented by Amber Studios!

Join us for one of the following eight Table-Topics, presented by Globant. Seats are limited, so sign up early.”

FOUNDATIONAL TRACK

Technical outsourcing in AAA game development has seen fewer publications compared to art outsourcing. This discussion attempts to fill this gap by exploring challenges in External Development and sharing insights gained while working with worldwide partners. We explore the complex dynamics between developers and outsourcers and discuss how to move beyond a plain “asset manufacturer” step towards integrated partnership, leveraging outsourcer-specific expertise to contribute and extend the core team’s knowledge base and development capabilities This session will help Developers and Service Providers understand the challenges faced by both sides and how to build a more sustainable collaboration based on lessons from the pandemic and recent industry events.

FOUNDATIONAL TRACK

In the constantly changing world of gaming, regularly assessing the health of your projects is essential for identifying potential issues, mitigating risks, and optimizing success. The challenges of constant layoffs, project cancellations, and studio closures make it even more critical to maintain robust project health. This interactive table topic session will explore health check strategies for game projects, tailored specifically for developers and service providers involved in external game development. We will brainstorm on practical tips and real-life case studies to help assess and improve project health. Key discussion points include:

• Conducting a team health check to boost overall performance
• Identifying key performance indicators (KPIs), optimizing management strategies, and mitigating risks effectively.
• Staying competitive in a rapidly evolving industry to maximize your chances of success.

This collaborative discussion will allow you to engage with peers, share experiences, and gain insights on maintaining project health in the context of distributed and external development frameworks. Whether you are a developer, publisher, or service provider, this session will equip you with the knowledge to ensure your projects thrive. Join us to level up your game development strategies and ensure your projects succeed!

FOUNDATIONAL TRACK

In high-stakes collaborations, achieving desired outcomes while nurturing partnerships through trust and authenticity can feel like walking a tightrope. These essential relationships often determine success or failure.

Navigating the tension between meeting short-term goals and cultivating enduring partnerships is particularly challenging. Understanding what promotes smooth cooperation and collaborative growth is crucial.

This table topic brings buyers and vendors together to explore shared challenges and exchange insights. We’ll delve into key ingredients for fostering trust and facilitating teamwork, while examining buyer-vendor dynamics to uncover what works, what doesn’t, and why.

FOUNDATIONAL

Hiring outsourcing teams/services in game dev is a perfect way to solve some development problems. You simply delegate tasks (or sometimes every single component of your game) to an external team and wait for the magic to happen. Sounds easy, right? Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Conferences and talks quite often focus strictly on game dev matters, rather than on the behind-the-scenes magic that makes the important things, such as finding a partner and eventually signing a contract, even possible. And yet, almost all developers need external support — from small companies to industry giants. In smaller companies, the producer/business manager is often responsible for contact/establishing business cooperation. However, it is worth pointing out that they don’t really focus on what happens before signing the contract. For them, the most important factor is the result, which is a well-done job delivered on time.

This table topic will be dedicated to this part: what to do in order to increase the chances of a successful partnership, what to remember, what to watch out for and pay attention to (which goes for both parties, service providers and game creators alike). In general, I would like to provide some guidance on how to improve the way we buy external services — starting from whether there is an appropriate process and a dedicated person in the organization, moving on to verify purchasing needs and reducing their costs, and ending with focusing on assessing suppliers and verifying strategic partners.

EXPERIENCED TRACK

We’ll discuss how both Dev/Pubs and Service Providers perceive their relationship and learn how they successfully grow from Client-Vendor to a true Partnership with collaboration, accountability and sustainable business practices that provide reliable service over random staffing.

EXPERIENCED TRACK

This table topic discusses the basis of strategic planning for studio growth, as well as tactics for effective team management through growth. Layoffs, shareholder value, crunch, genAI taking our jobs and studio closures – how do you navigate growing your studio during uncertainty? How do you plan effectively and execute your plan, while your staff are stressed out and flooding you with questions on their job security, and your clients or exec team are squeezing your budgets? This session provides a set of practical tools for the two key areas that every manager needs to run a growing studio: Strategic Planning both for service providers and first-party developers, and Practical Team Leadership for all. We will discuss strategy tools used in MBA schools, as well as leadership and communication tactics to help you navigate uncertainty.

EXPERIENCED TRACK

Join us for an enlightening session with Territory Studio co-founder Marti Romances who will focus on the art of motion design for film, games, IPs, and real-world brands. This Table-Topic is a must-attend for anyone passionate about the latest advancements in technology, user experience (UX) design, interactive media, and innovative creativity.

Marti will explore the intersection of technology, creativity, and human-centric design, discussing the challenges and opportunities experienced working on films, games, and brands. Topics include the key to designing for a positive user experience; the need for forward-facing ideation and prototyping; how to pioneer the use of new technologies that are revolutionizing the gaming experience; and, how the lines between spectacle, immersion, and brand identity are becoming increasingly blurred with the rise of extended reality (XR).

Don’t miss this journey into the future on how to create unforgettable experiences in the ever-evolving landscape of technology and design. This session promises to engage a diverse audience of designers, UX professionals, tech enthusiasts, creative minds, futurists, innovators, gamers, entertainment industry professionals, business leaders, and ethical design advocates.

EXPERIENCED TRACK

The last two years have been rough for the entire game industry. Mass layoffs, studio closures, cancelled projects, scale-downs, scarcity of opportunities, stalled negotiations, the list goes on. While we may not be entirely through the crash, there is already much we can learn from these experiences.

As an external development community, going through a market disruption like has a severe impact on our relationships, businesses, and operations, whether you are a Developer/Publisher or a Service Provider affected by the constantly changing circumstances. During this table topic we will have a chance to share our experiences from the last years, discuss ways to improve external development moving forward, and investigate whether there are ways to mitigate a crisis like this in the future.

FOUNDATIONAL TRACK

In this Table Topic, we will dig into the subject of culture and leadership; its relevance when you’re a 3-person startup, where it comes from and how it evolves as our companies grow. There are 100’s of books and articles on these subjects, but is the essence to be found in academic books? Or is the answer to be found in the lived experiences we have, learning from our mistakes as we go. Are current leadership styles worthy of the hype and is there even any place for vulnerability and authenticity at the top, especially in the current climate?

Participation in this discussion will provide insight to new Service Partners looking to grow and establish themselves. Developers and Publishers can also get a window into the world of a small startup trying to gain trust and find their place within the industry. Here is an opportunity to share knowledge on how we navigate growth and the pain points that we meet along the way.

Collider Craftworks will once again be hosting the now-infamous Collider Rooftop Mixers for XDS 2024! Thursday night’s mixer is a can’t miss!

Come and experience a “Taste of Argentina” featuring Live DJ, Open Bar, Argentinian Wines (Vinos de Argentina) and everyone’s favourite Argentine party food – Empanadas!

Please see any of the Collider staff for those bar drink tokens (we’ll have plenty). – SALUD!

Ever wonder what XDS would look like in a zombie apocalypse? Join us at Craft Beer Market to find out! Enjoy drinks, dancing, and games, or take refuge in the XDS Spark Lounge while casually networking in the ultimate survival scenario. The Thursday night party at XDS is an event not-to-be missed, especially if you want to win the XDS 2024 Best Dancer Award.

8:00am – 4:00pm    Registration & Information
8:00am – 4:00pm    XDS Connect Zone
8:00am – 4:00pm    The Hub
8:00am – 4:00pm    Original Force Booster Bar
8:00am – 4:00pm    Shutterstock Café
8:00am – 4:00pm    Parallax Snack Bar
11:00am – 4:00pm   Virtuos Central Bar

Enjoy a light morning snack and some coffee or tea in The Hub, brought to you by Ophion Studios

We’re excited to introduce a groundbreaking session at the 2024 XDS Conference: The Chai & Diversity Hour, presented by Little Red Zombies. This first-of-its-kind fireside conversation will confront the urgent and critical issues of diversity and inclusion in our industry, focusing on both the buyer and service provider sides of the business. With a special emphasis on ethnic representation in external development, this discussion will provide invaluable insights and perspectives that are often overlooked. Our commitment is to elevate the voices of those from ethnic communities and diverse backgrounds, ensuring they are heard and recognized. We also extend a warm welcome to our friends in the LGBTQ+ community, as we strive to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for all.

This event is hosted by:

Harish Rao (Outsource Manager – Art & Concept Sony Interactive Entertainment) Harish Rao is a distinguished technologist and creative executive with over 30 years of leadership in-game art production across eminent companies such as Blizzard Entertainment, Sony PlayStation, and The Walt Disney Company. Renowned for his expertise in the full spectrum of the creative process, from concept development through to marketing, Mr. Rao excels in mentoring creative talent and developing innovative content for global transmedia platforms. His strategic acumen in licensing and partnership development, combined with a robust artistic background from Cal Polytechnic University, empowers him to deliver transcendent gaming and transmedia experiences that engage audiences worldwide.

Ayan Abdu (Account Manager – BOSi Art Studios) Ayan is a seasoned professional with a proven track record of partnering with top-tier game studios, organizations, and agencies to produce exceptional results in the gaming industry. She played a pivotal role in pioneering a women’s advisory board and led the establishment of its first advisory board in gaming, with a focus on the Americas and the Global South. The fund successfully allocated a quarter of a million dollars in resources to support women-led esports organizations and companies in emerging markets.

Grab a much needed pick me up to get you through the last day of XDS! Presented by Aspiring Unicorn Games.

EXPERIENCED TRACK

Join us for an engaging round table discussion at this year’s conference, where we delve into the essential strategies and insights for building a successful central external development team.This session will bring together industry leaders, seasoned developers, and strategic partners to explore the best practices for establishing and managing a robust external development team. We will discuss key topics such as:

• Defining Value Addition: What does “value add” mean for the organization? Establishing a clear understanding of how the team will contribute to overall business objectives.
• Identifying Core Competencies: What specific skills and expertise are necessary for the team to effectively deliver on value-adding initiatives? This includes both technical and soft skills
•  Cultural Alignment and Stakeholder Engagement: How can the team’s values and mission align with the broader organizational culture? How will the team engage with stakeholders to understand their needs and expectations? Establishing strong relationships with stakeholders will help align efforts with organizational goals.
• Collaboration Framework: How will the team collaborate with existing departments? Establishing effective communication channels and collaboration frameworks is essential for maximizing value.
• Performance Metrics: What key performance indicators (KPIs) will be used to measure the team’s success in adding value? This topic should cover both qualitative and quantitative metrics.
• Risk Management: What potential risks are associated with building this team, and how will they be mitigated?
• Future-proofing your team: Exploring the evolving landscape of game development and how to adapt your external team structure to meet emerging challenges.

Whether you’re a seasoned executive or an up-and-coming developer, this round table will provide invaluable insights and practical takeaways to enhance your approach to external development. Together, let’s unlock the potential of collaborative innovation in gaming!

Join us for one of the following eight Table-Topics, presented by Globant. Seats are limited, so sign up early.

FOUNDATIONAL TRACK

Meeting new partners and creating a successful relationship is a crucial part of our roles. Seasoned professionals often benefit from referrals or extensive experience with various vendors. However, newcomers to the industry or those assessing a new partner may find these dynamics more challenging.

Both experienced and new professionals are welcomed to join the discussion on key considerations for engaging with a new partner. Topics will include sourcing and initiating contact, recognizing potential red flags and developing strategies to manage risks, and setting the stage for a successful partnership.

FOUNDATIONAL TRACK

Game development costs are skyrocketing, driven by the proliferation of platforms, changing business models, and the diversification of generational expectations for games. While games are being held to higher expectations than ever before, people are playing less games for less time. It is harder than ever to release a hit game. Join us to discuss the top 3 forces driving up the cost of game dev and how external development is being leveraged as a response to create amazing games that players love.

FOUNDATIONAL TRACK

Technical outsourcing in AAA game development has seen fewer publications compared to art outsourcing. This discussion attempts to fill this gap by exploring challenges in External Development and sharing insights gained while working with worldwide partners. We explore the complex dynamics between developers and outsourcers and discuss how to move beyond a plain “asset manufacturer” step towards integrated partnership, leveraging outsourcer-specific expertise to contribute and extend the core team’s knowledge base and development capabilities This session will help Developers and Service Providers understand the challenges faced by both sides and how to build a more sustainable collaboration based on lessons from the pandemic and recent industry events.

FOUNDATIONAL TRACK

In the constantly changing world of gaming, regularly assessing the health of your projects is essential for identifying potential issues, mitigating risks, and optimizing success. The challenges of constant layoffs, project cancellations, and studio closures make it even more critical to maintain robust project health. This interactive table topic session will explore health check strategies for game projects, tailored specifically for developers and service providers involved in external game development. We will brainstorm on practical tips and real-life case studies to help assess and improve project health. Key discussion points include:

• Conducting a team health check to boost overall performance
• Identifying key performance indicators (KPIs), optimizing management strategies, and mitigating risks effectively.
• Staying competitive in a rapidly evolving industry to maximize your chances of success.

This collaborative discussion will allow you to engage with peers, share experiences, and gain insights on maintaining project health in the context of distributed and external development frameworks. Whether you are a developer, publisher, or service provider, this session will equip you with the knowledge to ensure your projects thrive. Join us to level up your game development strategies and ensure your projects succeed!

EXPERIENCED TRACK

In a table topic facilitated by Sam Carlisle at XDS Ignite in March, participants explored the idea of a sustainable development model that leverages external development. Sustainable development, in this context, refers to game development practices that prioritize predictable, reliable revenue and a steady approach to growth.

In this session, we will briefly recap the key takeaways from the March discussion and build on those ideas. Key questions to explore might include: Can a sustainable development model that leverages external development be effectively implemented within AAA development? How can we build influence within our companies toward adopting a more sustainable development model? Is it possible to demonstrate that leveraging external development for a sustainable future benefits all stakeholders?

Participants will engage in a collaborative, exploratory discussion, gaining insights into advocating for sustainable development that promotes steady growth and job security while leveraging the benefits of external development.

EXPERIENCED TRACK

So much of the video games industry is made up of studios that were born out of passion, of need, of ambition, of serendipity. Behind each studio is an entrepreneur, who built teams and businesses around those teams. As time goes by, founders look at the road they trekked and at the path that lies ahead, and regardless of how it all started, they start to think about what is the next level for the studio.

A common denominator is the desire to see the studio flourish – to see the brand associated with quality, to witness those teams grow (personally and professionally), to pass the test of time, to become a reference. But it’s not an easy journey, full of ups and downs, and as a studio evolves and grows, having a partner that can help wither the storms and seize more opportunities becomes an important consideration.

When thinking about partnering with a potential acquiror, there is always an asymmetry of information. So what how does a potential partner think? What do they look for that is less evident? In this session we’ll provide an informed view of an acquirer’s framework, the dimensions in which they may think and assess, the tangibles and intangibles, the pre and the post-transaction, alongside with practical tips on how to get yourself and your studio ready for a successful transaction – pre and post deal. We’ll also explore some perspectives on what is shaping the service provider market – from technology to geography – equipping you with a more comprehensive understanding of this ever-changing landscape.

EXPERIENCED TRACK

We’ll discuss how both Dev/Pubs and Service Providers perceive their relationship and learn how they successfully grow from Client-Vendor to a true Partnership with collaboration, accountability and sustainable business practices that provide reliable service over random staffing.

EXPERIENCED TRACK

This table topic discusses the basis of strategic planning for studio growth, as well as tactics for effective team management through growth. Layoffs, shareholder value, crunch, genAI taking our jobs and studio closures – how do you navigate growing your studio during uncertainty? How do you plan effectively and execute your plan, while your staff are stressed out and flooding you with questions on their job security, and your clients or exec team are squeezing your budgets? This session provides a set of practical tools for the two key areas that every manager needs to run a growing studio: Strategic Planning both for service providers and first-party developers, and Practical Team Leadership for all. We will discuss strategy tools used in MBA schools, as well as leadership and communication tactics to help you navigate uncertainty.

Take a break from attending sessions or meetings and grab a meal to keep you going!

FOUNDATIONAL TRACK

Games harness a unique power to quickly and effectively rally people worldwide for climate action. At XDS, Caroline Calaway will lead a roundtable to build on the momentum she helped generate at a United Nations roundtable earlier this year, where a plan was set in motion to launch a global in-game survey assessing climate sentiment. This initiative, started by the games x climate non-profit PlanetPlay, aims to collect crucial data to influence UN policymakers in keeping global temperature rises within the 1.5-degree limit set by the Paris Agreement.

The XDS session will focus on brainstorming strategies to not only amplify the results of the survey to encourage further participation from other game companies but also to explore broader engagement tactics. Participants will discuss how the external development community can continue to drive and sustain climate action across the gaming industry. This roundtable will serve as a strategic platform for discussing innovative ways to embed climate action into our projects and partnerships, fostering a unified industry commitment to environmental sustainability.

Join us for one of the following eight Table-Topics, presented by Globant. Seats are limited, so sign up early.

FOUNDATIONAL TRACK

Have you been pondering an interesting legal question but haven’t had the opportunity to ask? In that case, please join us for an AMA with experienced (and very friendly!) in-house and external lawyers where you’ll have a chance to ask and discuss legal questions regarding external development. All are welcome from across the external development landscape.

To prime the discussion, our panelists will begin with a brief presentation on some of the top legal issues facing the industry today and then the floor will be yours to ask away! Some sample topics include: publishing agreements, corporate issues (such as founding a new studio or pub!), AI and copyright, employment issues (non-competes, remote work, overtime, and more!), Web3 integration, chance based reward mechanics (lootboxes, gacha, etc.), user generated content, and developments in consumer protection law, including dark patterns.

On top of these legal questions, we are also happy to answer any questions that you may have about working with lawyers in general, whether they be members of your in-house team or external counsel (including how to do so in a cost and time efficient manner!). That all being said, we want to answer and discuss the issues that are most important to you, so please feel free to truly ask us anything!

FOUNDATIONAL TRACK

In high-stakes collaborations, achieving desired outcomes while nurturing partnerships through trust and authenticity can feel like walking a tightrope. These essential relationships often determine success or failure.

Navigating the tension between meeting short-term goals and cultivating enduring partnerships is particularly challenging. Understanding what promotes smooth cooperation and collaborative growth is crucial.

This table topic brings buyers and vendors together to explore shared challenges and exchange insights. We’ll delve into key ingredients for fostering trust and facilitating teamwork, while examining buyer-vendor dynamics to uncover what works, what doesn’t, and why.

EXPERIENCED TRACK

One of the keys to success in any external development partnership is to overcome communication barriers to allow the game dev team and their external partners to build trust and cultivate a safe & effective work environment. Conflict arises when there are assumptions that others think and operate like them. Setting a clear expectation early on eliminates misunderstanding and unnecessary conflicts.Important part of this effort when dealing with global partnership is having a deeper comprehension of the differences between cultures that adhere to lateral and hierarchical leadership so there is a context of how these societies function, make decisions and why. This understanding will not only provide insights into the areas that need improvements within the external engagements and healthier ways to adapt when working with a different culture, it will also develop respect and empathy among the game dev team and their external partners, eventually leading to a seamless collaboration even when the work itself is challenging.

EXPERIENCED TRACK

Emerging from a turbulent year, the case for cooperatives, B Corps, and tenets of worker democracy has never been clearer: organizations that directly invest their workforce attract top talent, build durable partnerships, and possess greater tools to weather adversity. However, scaling these models presents significant challenges and demands intensive focus on company culture.

Wild Blue Studios has operated as a fully worker-owned cooperative providing art services to AAA titles for nearly 7 years. In this session, founder and studio director, Eli Allen will address the two most common questions that arise in conversations around worker ownership : “What exactly is that?” and, “Why on earth would you choose to do it?”

Join us in this forum to explore how principals of worker ownership can be applied to strengthen your service org and why you should care about it when shopping for vendor partners.

EXPERIENCED TRACK

Join us for an enlightening session with Territory Studio co-founder Marti Romances who will focus on the art of motion design for film, games, IPs, and real-world brands. This Table-Topic is a must-attend for anyone passionate about the latest advancements in technology, user experience (UX) design, interactive media, and innovative creativity.

Marti will explore the intersection of technology, creativity, and human-centric design, discussing the challenges and opportunities experienced working on films, games, and brands. Topics include the key to designing for a positive user experience; the need for forward-facing ideation and prototyping; how to pioneer the use of new technologies that are revolutionizing the gaming experience; and, how the lines between spectacle, immersion, and brand identity are becoming increasingly blurred with the rise of extended reality (XR).

Don’t miss this journey into the future on how to create unforgettable experiences in the ever-evolving landscape of technology and design. This session promises to engage a diverse audience of designers, UX professionals, tech enthusiasts, creative minds, futurists, innovators, gamers, entertainment industry professionals, business leaders, and ethical design advocates.

EXPERIENCED TRACK

The last two years have been rough for the entire game industry. Mass layoffs, studio closures, cancelled projects, scale-downs, scarcity of opportunities, stalled negotiations, the list goes on. While we may not be entirely through the crash, there is already much we can learn from these experiences.

As an external development community, going through a market disruption like has a severe impact on our relationships, businesses, and operations, whether you are a Developer/Publisher or a Service Provider affected by the constantly changing circumstances. During this table topic we will have a chance to share our experiences from the last years, discuss ways to improve external development moving forward, and investigate whether there are ways to mitigate a crisis like this in the future.

Join us for the XDS Wrap Party + Awards! Enjoy live music, beverages, canapés and reminisce on the past four days at XDS. This is the perfect opportunity to say farewell, and find out who will go home with one of the XDS 2024 Gary awards!

Take a break and enjoy coffee or tea in The Hub.

Last but not least… Try to keep just a little bit of energy in reserve for Friday night… It’s the Collider Rooftop Suite XDS Afterparty!

Let’s close out the week powerfully with the Official XDS Afterparty – featuring buckets of beer on ice, fine wine & cheap snacks (BYOB for the harder stuff). And let’s play Pool, Poker & Foosball tournament style for prizes!