The ION Game Conference (formerly known as OGDC) is the only annual game industry event with a laser-sharp focus on the rapidly evolving business of online game development on all its platforms. The 2nd Annual ION Game Conference, to be held May 13-15, 2008 at the Seattle Waterfront Marriott Hotel in Seattle, Washington, will bring online game developers and business leaders together to celebrate and further the online game ecosystem.

Mike Doyle, Online Producer from Relic will be participating in a panel on Real Rights in a Virtual World.

The growth of online games and virtual worlds has been phenomenal, to the point where many of these have also led to the growth of parallel, often “grey” economies. In addition, as these online games and virtual worlds demand ever more time and commitment from their users, concomitant issues of user privacy, security, copyright and property rights clashing with the platform owner’s rights.

This growing battle is revolving more and more around the End-User Licensing Agreements (EULA). Typical restrictions within the average EULA can be seen as violating many basic human rights. For innovation (and profits) to truly take off, especially on the virtual worlds side, significant give-and-take on both sides will be needed to better define and establish “virtual” human and economic rights that adequately protect both users and platform operators.

This panel will bring together top industry leaders that will marry technical, legal and business expertise, discussing recent litigation and trends that can point the industry towards a stronger rights environment for all.

Intended Audience: Chief Executive Officers, Executive and Senior Producers, Chief Technology Officers, Chief Privacy Officers, Executive and Senior Counsel, VP of Development

Prerequisites: Awareness of online game and virtual world business models

Format: Panel

Track:  Business/Legal

Date/Time: Wednesday, 3:30 PM

Room: Harbor