The third iteration of GameON:Finance had a clear emerging business models angle to discussions. Much of the talk centered on alternate monetization schemes, much more so than how to successfully pitch your idea to a publisher.

Also, new to this year’s program, were funding case studies. Three different developers gave quick blasts on how they were funded and the challenges they overcame, before diving into room-wide discussion. And the complimentary public and private funding panels gave greater insight into risk mitigation and investment strategies from different types of investors.

Given that more so than ever, studios are looking outside the traditional  publisher funding model, it was encouraging to see such a diverse audience at the conference this year. From banks to movie studios and everyone in between, there was no shortage of people to talk to about money.

As the chair of the advisory/program committee, it was nice to see all the content and speakers gel and complement the conference theme. Also, stepping in at the last minute to give the opening keynote for the Zynga bail was a fun challenge (no joke, I got the call as I was in the taxi heading to the hotel from the airport). And, the closing “futures” panel was a blast to moderate - I don’t think I’ve gotten that many laughs from a set of panelists before ;)

For more in-depth coverage, check out the IT Business article and the overview at Edge Online.

Finally, some photos from the action:


Greg Short (EEDAR) covers the numbers.

 


A room with a view. About 200 attendees participated.

 


The Design Exchange venue had the coolest hand dryers ever!

 


Appropriately, Agnes Zak of funding body Telefilm Canada introduced the funding case studies/success stories panel.

 


Justin Hall (GameLayers) performs spectacularly during his case study - though perhaps not quite a success story, yet…

 


John Sutyak (DDM) delivers the evening keynote on project specific financing.

 


The Honorable Sandra Pupatello (Minister of Economic Development & Trade) opens day 2 of the conference.

 


Ubisoft Montreal/Toronto CEO, Yannis Mallat gave a keynote focused on breakthrough innovation.

 


Wade Tinney (Large Animal Games) and Justin Hall (GameLayers) talk shop.

 


Public funding panel: Erik Robertson (Nordic Game Program), Jennifer Blitz (Ontario Media Development Corporate), Brad Giblin (Film Victoria [Australia]) and moderator Ian Kelso (Interactive Ontario).

 


Private funding panel: Ping Li (Accel Partners), Alec Dafferner (GP Bullhound), John Albright (JLA Ventures/Blackberry Partners Fund), Paul Lee (VanEdge Capital) and moderator Jim Laird (Bedlam Games).