Will Fitzgerald III: How To Win at Game Conferences | XP Sessions Ep. 6
4Originally recorded on 07/06/2021.
Combat designer and conference veteran Will Fitzgerald III breaks down how to actually get value from game conferences, fan events like BlizzCon/PAX and developer shows like GDC. We cover why community energy matters, how to schedule without burning out, and where the real networking happens (hint: lobby bars).
Then we go deep on GDC: pass types, the Monday - Tuesday summits/tutorials, and why “Level Design in a Day” and the design workshop are worth it if you can swing it. Plus, a practical playbook for approaching strangers, using the companion app to “multitask” talks/eSports, and swag/travel hacks you’ll actually use.
Who This Helps
Aspiring & junior game devs planning their first conference
Mid-career devs optimizing GDC for learning & leads
Indies looking to meet publishers/peers efficiently
Students building network and portfolio momentum
Chapters:
00:00:00 – New role & PvP design focus
00:02:58 – Fan vs. Dev conferences (why both matter)
00:06:56 – BlizzCon energy & main-stage setup
00:08:17 – PAX scale, indies, and analog gaming
00:16:45 – Over-planning = burnout (how to pace)
00:17:34 – The companion app “double-screen” tactic
00:21:44 – After-hours: Hilton lobby & lobby-bar rule
00:24:16 – How to join conversations without being awkward
00:33:00 – “What are you playing?”—the best icebreaker
00:38:27 – Swag/packing & ship-it alternatives
00:44:58 – Why GDC is humbling (and how to soak it in)
00:46:22 – GDC architecture: passes, summits, expo, talks
#gamedev #gamedevelopment #gamedesign #gamedeveloper #gameproduction #GDC #blizzcon #PAX #gamedev #networking #leveldesign