
Please note that the times listed below are displayed in a 24-hr format, Pacific Standard Time (PST).
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1:30-2:00
Gearbox and Keywords: Successful Co-Development Takes More than Trust
Speakers and Session Description
[Technicolor Mainstage] When Gearbox Software needed a solution for scaling-up art production, they turned to their longstanding outsourcing partner, Liquid Development–and the results were game-changing.
In this presentation, we tell the story of how Liquid Development, with the support of its Keywords sister studios, helped Gearbox create Borderlands 3, one of 2019’s most popular games. What made the partnership so successful was a shared mentality: that great games come from great people working together– regardless which company employs them.
As we explore the timeline of the Borderlands franchise, we’ll unpack the subtle art of relationship-building in game production, the lessons learned from giving up control, the growth opportunity of pain points, and the importance of checking your ego at the door.
This session is recorded and will therefore not include live Q&A with the audience
2:30-3:00
Level Up Your XDS Pitch: Practical Tips From A Service Provider Turned Buyer
Speakers and Session Description
[Technicolor Mainstage] It has always struck me as odd that there are very few resources on how to “get good” at attending XDS. Service providers who are new to XDS or are inexperienced in general are forced to learn on the fly how to make the most of the few short days of this unique conference. This presentation is an attempt to fix that.
As someone who has made the jump from vendor sales to external development purchasing, I have an uncommon perspective on pitching at XDS from both sides of the table.
This presentation is primer for service providers who are new to XDS (or just want a refresher) on how to get the most out of their client meetings. Simple, actionable steps to communicate clearly with devs/buyers, build relationships, and win business. This session is recorded and will therefore not include live Q&A with the audience.
8:30-9:00
Level Up Your XDS Pitch: Practical Tips From a Service Provider Turned Buyer
Speakers and Session Description
[Technicolor Mainstage] It has always struck me as odd that there are very few resources on how to “get good” at attending XDS. Service providers who are new to XDS or are inexperienced in general are forced to learn on the fly how to make the most of the few short days of this unique conference. This presentation is an attempt to fix that.
As someone who has made the jump from vendor sales to external development purchasing, I have an uncommon perspective on pitching at XDS from both sides of the table.
This presentation is primer for service providers who are new to XDS (or just want a refresher) on how to get the most out of their client meetings. Simple, actionable steps to communicate clearly with devs/buyers, build relationships, and win business.
This session is recorded and will therefore not include live Q&A with the audience.
9:15-9:30
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Speakers and Session Description
Join us alongisde Victor Lucas at the Technicolor Mainstage, to kick off the 8th annual External Development Summit (XDS)
9:30-10:30
Fireside Keynote: Amy Hennig, President, New Media Division, Skydance incl. live Q&A
Speakers and Session Description
[Technicolor Mainstage] Amy Hennig is a name synonymous with innovation and storytelling. A 30 year vet of the games industry, Amy has served as Creative Director and Lead Writer on numerous titles, including Naughty Dog’s acclaimed Uncharted series and Crystal Dynamics’ Soul Reaver / Legacy of Kain franchise. More recently Amy joined Skydance Media to explore new frontiers in interactive storytelling.
Join our fireside chat with Amy to explore her varied career as a game maker and leader. Hear her thoughts on the importance of distributed development, and get insights on where she believes the industry is headed.
This session will include a live audience Q&A in the final 30 minutes.
10:30-11:30
From 911 to Speed Dial: A Case Study in Partnership Evolution (includes live Q&A)
Speakers and Session Description
[Technicolor Mainstage] As an external developer, you’re often required to show proof of experience to land a work-for-hire contract, but where do you get started, when you have little? As a publisher, how do you find the right developer for your work-for-hire project, and build trust and understanding? This session features a case study of the steadily growing partnership between a publisher and a developer. We’ll walk you through how we met, started working together, and have seen our collaborations grow in frequency and size over a timespan of three years.
Key takeaways:
-Publisher & developer perspective of getting a work-for-hire relationship started, and building trust and understanding over time
-A developer’s approach to flexibly managing resources
-A publisher’s experiences maximising opportunities with a reliable partner.
Please note that the first 30 min will be a presentation followed by a live 30 min Q&A. We encourage audience questions and participation!
11:30 - 12:30
Table-Topic: Exploring the “Why, What, and How” of Technical Art Services, Presented by Room 8 Group
Speakers and Session Description
The demand for Technical Art resources has only increased in recent years. Especially now with the wide adoption of realtime solutions across industries, and the increased complexity of technical content required for certain projects. Having a way to centralize knowledge sharing and innovation is needed to address the growing needs in the industry. But this comes with certain challenges:
This goal of this session is to explore all of the different aspects of possible offerings to provide technical art services, and discuss what is already happening today.
Recommended attendees: All are welcome
12:30-13:30
Gearbox and Keywords: Successful Co-Development Takes More than Trust (includes live Q&A)
Speakers and Session Description
[Technicolor Mainstage] When Gearbox Software needed a solution for scaling-up art production, they turned to their longstanding outsourcing partner, Liquid Development, and the results were game-changing.
In this presentation, we tell the story of how Liquid Development, with the support of its Keywords sister studios, helped Gearbox create Borderlands 3, one of 2019’s most popular games. What made the partnership so successful was a shared mentality: that great games come from great people working together regardless which company employs them.
As we explore the timeline of the Borderlands franchise, we’ll unpack the subtle art of relationship-building in game production, the lessons learned from giving up control, the growth opportunity of pain points, and the importance of checking your ego at the door.
When Gearbox Software needed a solution for scaling-up art production, they turned to their longstanding outsourcing partner, Liquid Development and the results were game-changing.
Please note that the first 30 min will be a presentation followed by a live 30 min Q&A. We encourage audience questions and participation!
13:30-14:30
Table-Topic: How Could International KPI Collection Make an Impact on the Industry? Presented by Room 8 Group
Speakers and Session Description
A Developer/Publisher and Supplier friendly panel for attendees interested in data collection on an international scale. In this roundtable we will discuss whether multi-studio worldwide anonymous data collection could help inform decisions, gain greater visibility on the industry, and evolve our processes. We’ll brainstorm questions such as:
-Areas of decreased visibility that could be enlightened with new data
-What data can be collected, no matter the focus, location or size of the studio
-How the industry could evolve and improve with the collection of new data
By the end of the discussion we will come to consensus on the most impactful outcomes for international industry KPI collection and put actions into place for potential implementation.
Recommended attendees: All are welcome
14:30-15:30
An Offer You Still Can’t Refuse, Negotiation Keys, Strategies and Mindset for Next Level Success (includes live Q&A)
Speakers and Session Description
[Technicolor Mainstage] Last year Curtis shared a framework for successfully negotiating contracts, rates, or changes to existing engagements, that provided a basic toolset to ensure a win/win scenario for both vendor and publisher. This year he will be leveling up your negotiation skills by sharing specific techniques, surprise strategies and an empowering mindset that will power you to your next level of success in this uncertain world. In this presentation, Curtis Cherrington, Worldwide External Development Senior Manager for Electronic Arts, will share lessons of negotiation that have enabled him to successfully negotiate more than $200 million worth of successful contracts and engagements.
Please note that the first 30 minutes will be a presentation followed by a live 30 min Q&A. We encourage audience questions and participation!
15:30-16:30
Table-Topic: Putting Words Into Action: Respectful Representation in Narrative, Presented by Room 8 Group
Speakers and Session Description
#RepresentationMatters now more than ever. This table topic is designed to give development teams clear and actionable ways to increase representation both behind the scenes and on-screen.
This is not a discussion on why we SHOULD be more inclusive or why we NEED more representation, those times have passed. The IGDA found in the 2019 edition of its annual survey that among game developers worldwide:
81% identify as “white/Caucasian/European”
7% identify as “Hispanic/Latinx”
2% identify as”Black/African-American/African/Afro-Caribbean”
We only have NOW to take action and to elevate underrepresented voices.
A few of the actionable items we’ll be covering include:
Get Specific!
Allow BIPOC & LGBTQ+ folx to lead
Engage Partners
Equity in Rates
Create with Intention
Think Globally
Create Safe Communities for your Community
16:30-17:30
A Discussion About Allyship in External Development (includes live Q&A)
Speakers and Session Description
[Technicolor Mainstage] More than ever, we could use an ally. More than ever, we could be an ally. It’s not an easy conversation. Many of us struggle with the anxiety around”how”. How to say or do the right thing. What not to do. How to make a difference. The answer is to not be comfortable and to confront the discomfort. This will be an open and honest conversation about diversity and inclusion and how you, as a person or as a company, can start with your internal messages.
Please note that the first 30 min will be a presentation followed by a live 30 min Q&A. We encourage audience questions and participation!
17:30-17:40
Daily Re-cap
Speakers and Session Description
Wrap up the first official XDS20 Adapt day with us on the Technocolor Mainstage!
0:00-1:00
Fireside Keynote: Amy Hennig, President, New Media Division, Skydance
Speakers and Session Description
[Technicolor Mainstage] Amy Hennig is a name synonymous with innovation and storytelling. A 30 year vet of the games industry, Amy has served as Creative Director and Lead Writer on numerous titles, including Naughty Dog’s acclaimed Uncharted series and Crystal Dynamics’ Soul Reaver / Legacy of Kain franchise. More recently Amy joined Skydance Media to explore new frontiers in interactive storytelling.
Join our fireside chat with Amy to explore her varied career as a game maker and leader. Hear her thoughts on the importance of distributed development, and get insights on where she believes the industry is headed.
This session is recorded and will therefore not include live Q&A with the audience.
1:00-2:00
An Offer You Still Can’t Refuse, Negotiation Keys, Strategies and Mindset for Next Level Success
Speakers and Session Description
Last year Curtis shared a framework for successfully negotiating contracts, rates, or changes to existing engagements, that provided a basic toolset to ensure a win/win scenario for both vendor and publisher. This year he will be leveling up your negotiation skills by sharing specific techniques, surprise strategies and an empowering mindset that will power you to your next level of success in this uncertain world. In this presentation, Curtis Cherrington, Worldwide External Development Senior Manager for Electronic Arts, will share lessons of negotiation that have enabled him to successfully negotiate more than $200 million worth of successful contracts and engagements.
This session is pre-recorded and will therefore not include a live Q&A with the audience.
2:00 - 3:00
A Discussion About Allyship in External Development
Speakers and Session Description
More than ever, we could use an ally. More than ever, we could be an ally. It’s not an easy conversation. Many of us struggle with the anxiety around”how”. How to say or do the right thing. What not to do. How to make a difference. The answer is to not be comfortable and to confront the discomfort. This will be an open and honest conversation about diversity and inclusion and how you, as a person or as a company, can start with your internal messages.
This session is pre-recorded and will therefore not include a live Q&A with the audience.
3:00-4:00
Table-Topic: ‘And Then There Were Two’, Stories From Opening a Second Studio, Presented by Room 8 Group
Speakers and Session Description
Overseas expansion is a common step on the journey of businesses working with international clients. UK-based visual development studio Atomhawk made this jump by opening a second studio in Vancouver in mid-2017.
This session will provide an honest insight into Atomhawk’s story of expansion into a new continent, including advice on practical challenges and cultural considerations. The table discussion will focus on sharing insights between those in the external development community who have expanded or are looking to do so.
Recommended attendees: Service Providers
4:00-5:00
From 911 to Speed Dial: A Case Study in Partnership Evolution
Speakers and Session Description
[Technicolor Mainstage] As an external developer, you’re often required to show proof of experience to land a work-for-hire contract, but where do you get started, when you have little? As a publisher, how do you find the right developer for your work-for-hire project, and build trust and understanding? This session features a case study of the steadily growing partnership between a publisher and a developer. We’ll walk you through how we met, started working together, and have seen our collaborations grow in frequency and size over a timespan of three years.
Key takeaways:
– Publisher & developer perspective of getting a work-for-hire relationship started, and building trust and understanding over time
– A developer’s approach to flexibly managing resources
– A publisher’s experiences maximising opportunities with a reliable partner.
This session is pre-recorded and will therefore not include a live Q&A with the audience.
8:30-9:00
Virtuos Cafe Coffee Tasting
Speakers and Session Description
Join us in the Virtuos Cafe where our local barista, Griffin Reichl, will bring you through his process for making the perfect cup of coffee. Using a Kalita Wave Dripper, he’ll be brewing a natural processed coffee from the Carmo de Minas Region of Brazil and you’ll be taken through the steps of brewing this coffee at home. He will go over materials, techniques, and common questions that come with making pour-over coffee at home.
Please have at hand:
– Virtuos Coffee Mug
– Timbertrain Coffee
– French Press or any other drip coffee maker
9:15-9:30
Daily Welcome
Speakers and Session Description
Join us alongside Victor Lucas to open the second day of XDS20 Adapt on the Technicolor Mainstage
9:30-10:30
Fireside Keynote: Guha & Karthik Bala, Founders, Velan Studios (includes live Q&A)
Speakers and Session Description
[Technicolor Mainstage] Join our fireside chat with the Bala brothers on their journey from basement startup to makers of AAA, multi-million dollar franchises. We’ll address areas that include entrepreneurial evolution, preparation and decision factors leading to acquisition, innovation, and experience utilizing external development. And we’ll discuss the creative genius behind their recently announced mixed reality title Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit for Nintendo.
This session will include a live audience Q&A in the final 30 minutes.
10:30-11:30
Table-Topic: ‘And Then There were Two’ Stories from Opening a Second Studio, Presented by Room 8 Group
Speakers and Session Description
Overseas expansion is a common step on the journey of businesses working with international clients. UK-based visual development studio Atomhawk made this jump by opening a second studio in Vancouver in mid-2017.
This session will provide an honest insight into Atomhawk’s story of expansion into a new continent, including advice on practical challenges and cultural considerations. The table discussion will focus on sharing insights between those in the external development community who have expanded or are looking to do so.
Recommended attendees: Service Providers
11:30 - 12:30
Visualization in Games, The Production Practicalities (includes live Q&A)
Speakers and Session Description
[Technicolor Mainstage] Behind every iconic feature film, TV series or game title, is a perfectly executed project plan. Drawing from 15 years of THE THIRD FLOOR supporting visualization of in game and marketing cinematics across numerous and varied game titles, Andrew highlights some of the best practices and production techniques used across short term and long term project deliveries.
Using several recent case studies and relatable examples, such as the animated commercials for SuperCell’s, Brawl Stars, the Season story trailers for EA’s Apex Legends and other unannounced titles, Andrew will present and explore the Production departments approach to the beginning, middle and end stages of a visualisation project. Take a look behind the curtain and see how THE THIRD FLOOR sets up, manages and gets successful projects over the line, nurturing long term client relationships and securing our place at the forefront of our respective industry.
Please note that the first 30 mins will be a presentation followed by a live 30 min Q&A. We encourage audience questions and participation!
12:30- 12:45
XDS Adapt – Surprise Session
Speakers and Session Description
Break up your day with our surprise sessions. What will it be? Join us to find out!
12:30-13:30
Table-Topic: Crunchlife, Finding Balance Admidst the WFH Reality, Presented by Room 8 Group
Speakers and Session Description
How do you find balance in life while working in the games industry in our new reality of WFH? A year ago Mikael moved to LA and started Red Pipe Sound Co, branching out from Stockholm, Sweden. He has five kids and burned out five years ago. He never thought it could happen to him.
What is work life balance and is it possible to find with family, crunch times and a burning passion for what we do in our day to day? As employers and leaders, what can we do to ensure teams and individuals feel appreciated and in balance? What can you do to make the daily lives of these people as good as possible?
Whatever business you work in, these questions are relevant and will be explored in this session.
Recommended attendees: All are welcome
13:30-14:30
Panel: What Testing for Clients Looks Like In A Covid World (includes live Q&A)
Speakers and Session Description
[Technicolor Mainstage] This XDS Adapt session explores and generates discussion on how testing for games has shifted during COVID 19, and how it continues to evolve. Companies around the world have to adopt the work-from-home model which has pushed QA departments and management to shift their day to day processes in order to embrace the new normal. We will be asking our panel from all sides of the industry, about how they have moved from their traditional corporate rules and guidelines to commercially release their games while also being responsible for the teams that are working on these projects during this time.
Please note that the first 30 min will be a presentation followed by a live 30 min Q&A. We encourage audience questions and participation!
14:30-15:30
Achieving “Great” With a Distributed Workforce (includes live Q&A)
Speakers and Session Description
[Technicolor Mainstage] The COVID-19 pandemic has demanded the gaming industry move to a nearly fully remote workforce, with little expectation of an imminent return to the office. Although working with distributed teams is not new to many in our industry, a context where most of the team is working from home is not nearly as familiar. Much like the transition we made in the gaming industry with the move from an ‘outsourcing’ mindset to one of global partnership and distributed team management, this difficult time can also be an opportunity to leverage a new form of collaboration. Attendees will take away a framework to clarify how remote team collaboration best practises are being operationalized and made sustainable in their organizations, as we strive for a healthy and inclusive industry culture.
Please note that the first 30 min will be a presentation followed by a live 30 min Q&A. We encourage audience questions and participation!
15:30-16:30
Table-Topic: Managing Client Expectations – A Vendor Focused Working Session
Speakers and Session Description
For this vendor focused Table-Topic, we will discuss the challenges that we experience as service providers, potential pitfalls to avoid, and share successful tools + techniques which will make us more effective at achieving the creative goals of our projects and expectations of our partners.
Together, we’ll cover topics such as: How to maintain schedules against the world clock, Managing multiple channels of communications, Managing upwards – how to help organize projects which may not have a set of established processes, and Collaborating with your client through feedback loops.
Having managed small conference roundtables in the past, we’ll have a selection of pre-seeded questions to keep dialogue moving, but, as a working session, topics may shift organically during the hour. Participants will be expected to share experiences and be active. As a follow-up, a summary of points will be published for the XDS community.
Recommended attendees: Service Providers
16:30-17:30
Panel: Making of the Seahorse Trainer
Speakers and Session Description
[Technicolor Mainstage] Don’t miss this panel discussion with the makers of the acclaimed short film The Seahorse Trainer. This project is highly applicable to external development as the producers utilized a highly distributed team and”creative” pipeline to support remote contributors. The film has become a 2020 Academy Award qualifier.
Film synopsis: Seamour is a lonely old man with a passion for training seahorses. Desperate to have his most prized seahorse perform an ambitious trick, the final day of training has come and he must see the stunt come to life. But when the hourglass turns, Seamour realizes he needs to overcome something from his troubled past to achieve his magnum opus.
This session is pre-recorded and will not include audience Q&A. However, the speakers will be online in XDS Connect during the session for your to connect with.
17:30-17:40
Daily Re-cap
Speakers and Session Description
Wrap up the second day of XDS20 Adapt with our MC, Victor Lucas, on the Technicolor Mainstage!
23:30-00:30
Achieving “Great” With a Distributed Workforce
Speakers and Session Description
[Technicolor Mainstage] The COVID-19 pandemic has demanded the gaming industry move to a nearly fully remote workforce, with little expectation of an imminent return to the office. Although working with distributed teams is not new to many in our industry, a context where most of the team is working from home is not nearly as familiar. Much like the transition we made in the gaming industry with the move from an ‘outsourcing’ mindset to one of global partnership and distributed team management, this difficult time can also be an opportunity to leverage a new form of collaboration. Attendees will take away a framework to clarify how remote team collaboration best practises are being operationalized and made sustainable in their organizations, as we strive for a healthy and inclusive industry culture.
This session is recorded and will therefore not include live Q&A with the audience.
0:30-1:30
Panel: Making of the Searhorse Trainer
Speakers and Session Description
[Technicolor Mainstage] Don’t miss this panel discussion with the makers of the acclaimed short film The Seahorse Trainer. This project is highly applicable to external development as the producers utilized a highly distributed team and”creative” pipeline to support remote contributors. The film has become a 2020 Academy Award qualifier.
Film synopsis: Seamour is a lonely old man with a passion for training seahorses. Desperate to have his most prized seahorse perform an ambitious trick, the final day of training has come and he must see the stunt come to life. But when the hourglass turns, Seamour realizes he needs to overcome something from his troubled past to achieve his magnum opus.
This session is pre-recorded and will not include audience Q&A.
1:30-2:30
Visualization in Games — The Production Practicalities
Speakers and Session Description
Behind every iconic feature film, TV series or game title, is a perfectly executed project plan. Drawing from 15 years of THE THIRD FLOOR supporting visualization of in game and marketing cinematics across numerous and varied game titles, Andrew highlights some of the best practices and production techniques used across short term and long term project deliveries.
Using several recent case studies and relatable examples, such as the animated commercials for SuperCell’s, Brawl Stars, the Season story trailers for EA’s Apex Legends and other unannounced titles, Andrew will present and explore the Production departments approach to the beginning, middle and end stages of a visualisation project. Take a look behind the curtain and see how THE THIRD FLOOR sets up, manages and gets successful projects over the line, nurturing long term client relationships and securing our place at the forefront of our respective industry.
Behind every iconic feature film, TV series or game title, is a perfectly executed project plan. Drawing from 15 years of THE THIRD FLOOR supporting visualization of in game and marketing cinematics across numerous and varied game titles, Andrew highlights some of the best practices and production techniques used across short term and long term project deliveries.
Using several recent case studies and relatable examples, such as the animated commercials for SuperCell’s, Brawl Stars, the Season story trailers for EA’s Apex Legends and other unannounced titles, Andrew will present and explore the Production departments approach to the beginning, middle and end stages of a visualisation project. Take a look behind the curtain and see how THE THIRD FLOOR sets up, manages and gets successful projects over the line, nurturing long term client relationships and securing our place at the forefront of our respective industry.
Please note that the first 30 mins will be a presentation followed by a live 30 min Q&A. We encourage audience questions and participation!
2:30-2:45
XDS Adapt – Surprise Session!
Speakers and Session Description
Break up your day with our surprise sessions. What will it be? Join us to find out!
2:30-3:30
Table-Topic: Transitioning Work-From-Home, From Crisis to Long Term Strategy, Presented by Room 8 Group
Speakers and Session Description
An exploration of our industry as we catch our breath for a moment, having successfully deployed work-from-home during the lockdown crisis; as we now start to look at how we re-imagine our business in the long term. What does company culture look like with a remote work force, and what best practices can we put in place to ensure retention and high morale? What successes and failures can we learn from?
Recommended attendees: All are welcome
3:30-4:30
Panel: What Testing for Clients Looks Like in a COVID World
Speakers and Session Description
[Technicolor Mainstage] This XDS Adapt session explores and generates discussion on how testing for games has shifted during COVID 19, and how it continues to evolve. Companies around the world have to adopt the work-from-home model which has pushed QA departments and management to shift their day to day processes in order to embrace the new normal. We will be asking our panel from all sides of the industry, about how they have moved from their traditional corporate rules and guidelines to commercially release their games while also being responsible for the teams that are working on these projects during this time.
This session is recorded and therefore will not include a live Q&A with the audience.
4:30-5:30
Fireside Keynote: Guha & Karthik Bala, Founders, Velan Studios
Speakers and Session Description
[Technicolor Mainstage] Join our fireside chat with the Bala brothers on their journey from basement startup to makers of AAA, multi-million dollar franchises. We’ll address areas that include entrepreneurial evolution, preparation and decision factors leading to acquisition, innovation, and experience utilizing external development. And we’ll discuss the creative genius behind their recently announced mixed reality title Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit for Nintendo.
This session is recorded and will therefore not include live Q&A with the audience.
9:15-9:30
Daily Welcome
Speakers and Session Description
Join us alongside Victor Lucas to open the third day of XDS20 Adapt on the Technicolor Mainstage
9:30-10:30
Fireside Keynote: Vince Zampella, Head of Respawn Entertainment (includes live Q&A)
Speakers and Session Description
[Technicolor Mainstage] Vince Zampella is the Head of Respawn Entertainment, a studio he co-founded in 2010 and later acquired by EA in 2017. Vince also leads the team at DICE LA, an EA studio based in Playa Vista, CA. As Head of Respawn and DICE LA, Vince oversees the studios’ game teams, providing guidance and support across multiple projects.
Prior to founding Respawn, Vince co-created Infinity Ward – a studio specializing in military action shooters. Infinity Ward’s creation, Call of Duty, was first published in 2003 by Activision and quickly became one of the industry’s most prolific video game franchises.
Join us for this in-depth discussion into Vince’s career, current projects and a look at how Respawn and DICE LA is leveraging external development to support AAA titles.
This session will include a live audience Q&A in the final 30 minutes.
This session will include a live audience Q&A in the final 30 minutes
10:30-11:30
AMC & Wargaming – Building a Long-Lasting Partnership in 3D Art Creation (includes live Q&A)
Speakers and Session Description
[Technicolor Mainstage] AMC Romania and a special guest from Wargaming will reveal into how they built a highly successful 3D art creation partnership over the years. They will dive into the story; how it all started, the key ingredients of a long-lasting collaboration, the role of communication between the two partners and last but not least, what are the perspectives and lessons learned along the way.
AMC’s relationship with Wargaming began in 2014 as a small asset based collaboration, and by 2017 grew to a full-time collaboration that retained a large number of our artists. Since then the partnership steadily grew, with Wargaming trusting our team with increasingly complex tasks and bigger contributions to their ongoing and future titles.
Please note that the first 30 min will be a presentation followed by a live 30 min Q&A. We encourage audience questions and participation!
11:30 - 12:30
Table-Topic: Transitioning Work-From-Home, From Crisis to Long Term Strategy, Presented by Room 8 Group
Speakers and Session Description
An exploration of our industry as we catch our breath for a moment, having successfully deployed work-from-home during the lockdown crisis; as we now start to look at how we re-imagine our business in the long term. What does company culture look like with a remote work force, and what best practices can we put in place to ensure retention and high morale? What successes and failures can we learn from?
Recommended attendees: All are welcome
12:00-13:00
Table-Topic: Build Effective Partnerships – How to Get Great Results from External Vendors Longer, Presented by Room 8 Group
Speakers and Session Description
Growing demand on external studios is higher than ever to deliver more content better and faster. The surge of higher fidelity new consoles and new platforms will continue to increase complexity. The industry is asking for expanding distributed development and content creation. Driving cost down is a factor but not always. As an industry we must have the ability to turn our external partners from capable to extraordinary. We need to transform our vendors to partners across the world. Outsource partners that operate, produce, and grow as an extension of the overall project will deliver better results with less friction.
In this session we will discuss the obstacles and challenges that get in our way of achieving our mutual objectives and supporting healthy, growing external partners. Main areas of discussion will focus on; methods to know your teams on both sides, understanding different working styles, and how to allow your vendor to grow with you.
This Table-Topic will reference points addressed in the earlier presentation from Ryan Faraji on”Revolutionize Vendor Growth & Opportunities:
Recommended attendees: All are welcome
13:00-14:00
Revolutionize Vendor Growth & Opportunities (includes live Q&A)
Speakers and Session Description
[Technicolor Mainstage] If someone says what you can do exceptionally well in your role, it’s the ability to turn our external partners from capable to extraordinary. Vendors are all different across the world in how they operate, produce, and grow. How can you revolutionize the way you work with vendors in creating new opportunities for the advancement of your content. In the presentation, I will be presenting key pillars from taking a small studio to evolving them to be a cornerstone of our production:
Growth of Core Content
When starting with a small company, they usually have a focus area or specialization. We will utilize for that core function and put additional resources in place to help grow the skills to adapt to a more advanced workflow.
Domain Piloting
The core content is a high starting point, but what other content areas can be expanded? Taking some pilot content and using the same supporting resources to explore areas for expanded growth.
Pressure Testing
Now that we have genuinely mastered top quality content production, what pressure levels can we scale too? How do we work with the vendor on building a training plan for talent growth and retention?
Please note that the first 30 min will be a presentation followed by a live 30 min Q&A. We encourage audience questions and participation!
14:00-14:15
XDS Adapt – Surprise Session!
Speakers and Session Description
Break up your day with our surprise sessions. What will it be? Join us to find out!
14:00-15:00
Table-Topic: Distributed, Global Workforces, Presented by Room 8 Group
Speakers and Session Description
For the first time ever genuine remote game development isn’t just for indies and freelancers, but studios of all shapes and sizes as well. The question is no longer if remote development outside the office is possible, but if developers are ever actually going to go back? ? What started out as a fire drill full of technical and communication hurdles has swiftly become the”new norm”, with reports indicating the vast majority of developers want to maintain an in-studio/remote time split even after it is safe to return to an office setting.
So then, what does it mean to be a truly distributed workforce? We’re not talking about Studio A in Seattle, Partner A in Malaysia, and Partner B in Belarus – we’re talking 100-500+ people comprised of both internal and external teams around the world all working remotely long-term (post Covid). What are the concerns/risks? How do we collectively overcome them and adapt production pipelines? What are the benefits? How does breaking down the need for punching in/out of a physical location un-gate talent utilization, efficiency gains, and work/life balance for everyone involved shipping a product?
It’s time to stop thinking about things in terms of”what we do now” and start talking about how we all embrace the next chapter in how games are developed.
Recommended attendees: All are welcome
16:00-17:00
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – Ubisoft Montreal and Singapore: A Co-development Saga (includes live Q&A)
Speakers and Session Description
[Technicolor Mainstage] For more than a decade Ubisoft Singapore has been a key partner of the Assassin’s Creed franchise. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla was not just another co-development project: a new approach to the Co-development organization, a reinforced Asian studios collaboration and a fresh take on the brand made this journey special. Together with our Ubisoft Montreal Co-Development team we would like to take you through this journey, our co-development best practices, challenges and how did we overcome them to deliver the largest Assassins’ Creed mandate ever produced by Ubisoft Singapore. Both studios will unite again for this presentation, with speakers from both Ubisoft Montreal and Ubisoft Singapore. Direct ties to external development will be addressed in finding alignment in game vision and direction, and properly managing scope.
Please note that the first 30 min will be a presentation followed by a live 30 min Q&A. We encourage audience questions and participation!
17:00-18:00
Glass Egg Happy Hour
Speakers and Session Description
Join us for a virtual happy hour with our resident mixologist, Andrew Fletcher, who will teach you how to craft your Moscow Mule using the Glass Egg Cocktail Kit. While connecting with your peers over cheeers, Andrew will review the history of the Moscow Mule and share some fun tips and tricks with you such as unique garnishing options, how to make syrups at home, spirit substitutions and more. Andrew will also be available for a live Q&A session following the happy hour so come prepared with your most creative cocktail questions!
Please have at hand:
– Glass Egg Cocktail Kit
– Vodka
– Soda
– Ice Cubes
– Copper Mug or similar
17:30-17:40
Daily Re-cap
Speakers and Session Description
Wrap up the third day of XDS20 Adapt with our MC, Victor Lucas
17:00-18:00
Table-Topic: Managing Expectation with Japanese Developers, Presented by Room 8 Group
Speakers and Session Description
Japan is a major contributor to the games industry, but working with Japaneses developers and publishers remains elusive to many service providers. This table topic will focus on tools and communication advice, as well as ways to manage your expectations when working with Japanese game developers. Those with experience are welcome to join and share their strategies.
Recommended attendees: All are welcome
23:30-00:30
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – Ubisoft Montreal and Singapore: A Co-development Saga
Speakers and Session Description
[Technicolor Mainstage] For more than a decade Ubisoft Singapore has been a key partner of the Assassin’s Creed franchise. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla was not just another co-development project: a new approach to the Co-development organization, a reinforced Asian studios collaboration and a fresh take on the brand made this journey special. Together with our Ubisoft Montreal Co-Development team we would like to take you through this journey, our co-development best practices, challenges and how did we overcome them to deliver the largest Assassins’ Creed mandate ever produced by Ubisoft Singapore. Both studios will unite again for this presentation, with speakers from both Ubisoft Montreal and Ubisoft Singapore. Direct ties to external development will be addressed in finding alignment in game vision and direction, and properly managing scope.
This session is recorded and will therefore not include live Q&A with the audience.
23:30-00:30
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – Ubisoft Montreal and Singapore: A Co-development Saga
Speakers and Session Description
[Technicolor Mainstage] For more than a decade Ubisoft Singapore has been a key partner of the Assassin’s Creed franchise. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla was not just another co-development project: a new approach to the Co-development organization, a reinforced Asian studios collaboration and a fresh take on the brand made this journey special. Together with our Ubisoft Montreal Co-Development team we would like to take you through this journey, our co-development best practices, challenges and how did we overcome them to deliver the largest Assassins’ Creed mandate ever produced by Ubisoft Singapore. Both studios will unite again for this presentation, with speakers from both Ubisoft Montreal and Ubisoft Singapore. Direct ties to external development will be addressed in finding alignment in game vision and direction, and properly managing scope.
This session is recorded and will therefore not include live Q&A with the audience.
0:30-1:30
AMC & Wargaming – Building a Long-Lasting Partnership in 3D Art Creation
Speakers and Session Description
[Technicolor Mainstage] AMC Romania and a special guest from Wargaming will reveal into how they built a highly successful 3D art creation partnership over the years. They will dive into the story; how it all started, the key ingredients of a long-lasting collaboration, the role of communication between the two partners and last but not least, what are the perspectives and lessons learned along the way.
AMC’s relationship with Wargaming began in 2014 as a small asset based collaboration, and by 2017 grew to a full-time collaboration that retained a large number of our artists. Since then the partnership steadily grew, with Wargaming trusting our team with increasingly complex tasks and bigger contributions to their ongoing and future titles.
This session is recorded and will therefore not include a live Q&A with the audience.
1:30-2:30
Table-Topic: Managing Expectation with Japanese Developers, Presented by Room 8 Group
Speakers and Session Description
Japan is a major contributor to the games industry, but working with Japaneses developers and publishers remains elusive to many service providers. This table topic will focus on tools and communication advice, as well as ways to manage your expectations when working with Japanese game developers. Those with experience are welcome to join and share their strategies.
Recommended attendees: All are welcome
2:30-3:30
Fireside Keynote: Vince Zampella, Head of Respawn Entertainment (includes live Q&A)
Speakers and Session Description
[Technicolor Mainstage] Vince Zampella is the Head of Respawn Entertainment, a studio he co-founded in 2010 and later acquired by EA in 2017. Vince also leads the team at DICE LA, an EA studio based in Playa Vista, CA. As Head of Respawn and DICE LA, Vince oversees the studios’ game teams, providing guidance and support across multiple projects.
Prior to founding Respawn, Vince co-created Infinity Ward – a studio specializing in military action shooters. Infinity Ward’s creation, Call of Duty, was first published in 2003 by Activision and quickly became one of the industry’s most prolific video game franchises.
Join us for this in-depth discussion into Vince’s career, current projects and a look at how Respawn and DICE LA is leveraging external development to support AAA titles.
This session is pre-recorded and will not include live Q&A with the audience.
This session will include a live audience Q&A in the final 30 minutes
3:30-4:00
Stick or Switch – Should I Sell My Business?
Speakers and Session Description
[Technicolor Mainstage] Acquisition in the creative services and outsourcing sector continues to be a burning hot topic and one which leaves many business owners questioning whether or not they should sell or stay; switch or stick.
Following the sale of my business, Atomhawk to Sumo back in 2017, I am frequently asked by service company owners: how does selling your business work? How do you market a business and structure a deal? What were the deciding factors? Do you regret selling? I also receive a lot of queries from people in buyer companies wanting to understand the pain points of the process so they can improve their own proposition and deliver a smoother, more satisfactory acquisition.
If you do decide to sell, find the right buyer and deal to fulfill your needs and the goals of the company going forwards. Take your time to get it right as it is a once in a lifetime opportunity for most.
This session is pre-recorded and will therefore not include a live Q&A with the audience.
4:00-4:15
XDS Adapt – Surprise Session!
Speakers and Session Description
Break up your day with our surprise sessions. What will it be? Join us to find out!
4:30-5:30
Revolutionize Vendor Growth & Opportunities
Speakers and Session Description
[Technicolor Mainstage] If someone says what you can do exceptionally well in your role, it’s the ability to turn our external partners from capable to extraordinary. Vendors are all different across the world in how they operate, produce, and grow. How can you revolutionize the way you work with vendors in creating new opportunities for the advancement of your content. In the presentation, I will be presenting key pillars from taking a small studio to evolving them to be a cornerstone of our production:
Growth of Core Content
When starting with a small company, they usually have a focus area or specialization. We will utilize for that core function and put additional resources in place to help grow the skills to adapt to a more advanced workflow.
Domain Piloting
The core content is a high starting point, but what other content areas can be expanded? Taking some pilot content and using the same supporting resources to explore areas for expanded growth.
Pressure Testing
Now that we have genuinely mastered top quality content production, what pressure levels can we scale too? How do we work with the vendor on building a training plan for talent growth and retention?
This session is recorded and will therefore not include a live Q&A with the audience.
9:15-9:30
Daily Welcome
Speakers and Session Description
Join us alongside Victor Lucas to open the final day of XDS20 Adapt on the Technicolor Mainstage
9:30-10:30
Fireside Keynote: Craig Duncan, Studio Head, Rare (includes live Q&A)
Speakers and Session Description
[Technicolor Mainstage] In Craig’s words,”Every single day I have the opportunity to lead the talented team at Rare. Making games the world doesn’t have, as part of Xbox Game Studios.”
Join this fireside chat as we discuss his varied leadership roles at Codemasters, Midway Games, Sumo Digital and Rare. Craig is an advocate for external development and has helped to shepherd distributed content and co-development in the engineering space whilst nurturing smaller dev studios. This is a discussion you don’t want to miss.
This session will include a live audience Q&A in the final 30 minutes.
10:30-11:30
Stick or Switch – Should I Sell My Business? (includes live Q&A)
Speakers and Session Description
[Technicolor Mainstage] Acquisition in the creative services and outsourcing sector continues to be a burning hot topic and one which leaves many business owners questioning whether or not they should sell or stay; switch or stick.
Following the sale of my business, Atomhawk to Sumo back in 2017, I am frequently asked by service company owners: how does selling your business work? How do you market a business and structure a deal? What were the deciding factors? Do you regret selling? I also receive a lot of queries from people in buyer companies wanting to understand the pain points of the process so they can improve their own proposition and deliver a smoother, more satisfactory acquisition.
If you do decide to sell, find the right buyer and deal to fulfill your needs and the goals of the company going forwards. Take your time to get it right as it is a once in a lifetime opportunity for most.
Please note that the first 30 min will be a presentation followed by a live 30 min Q&A. We encourage audience questions and participation!
11:30-12:00
XDS Wrap Show & Awards, Presented by Airship Images
Speakers and Session Description
Join us for the XDS Wrap Show & Awards, presented by Airship Images! Enjoy some entertainment while reminiscing 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 XDS20 Adapt Gary awards!
List of Awards:
– Most Innovative Presentation
– XDS Unsung Hero
– Best Virtual Exhibitor Booth
– Best Table-Topic
– Most Enganged Attendee
– Best Attendee Wardrobe
17:00-17:30
Speaker Award Re-Play
Speakers and Session Description
Re-watch the XDS20 Adapt top speaker(s) receive the Most Innovative Presentation Award!