2006's Board of
Technical Advisors: 

Executive Chairs:

George Sanger,
President
The Fat Man

Linda Law,
Vice President
The Fat Man

Executive Director:

Teresa Avallone,
CEO
Avallone Media Group

Technical Advisors:

Patricia Pizer,
Designer-At-Large
Paronomasia Design

Nicole Lazzaro,
President
XEODesign, Inc.

Mike Steele,
VP/Evangelist
Emergent Game
Technologies

Bob Bates,
Game Designer
and Writer
www.bobbates.com

Mark Terrano,
Design Director
Hidden Path
Entertainment

Special Thanks
To Our
Silver Sponsor

A Conference Hosted by The Fat Man;
Developed by The Avallone Media Group
25550 Boerne Stage Rd. #73, San Antonio, TX 78255
Phone:  (512) 689-5486      Fax: (512) 454-8999
E-mail:
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Speakers Announced for Game-Design Think Tank
Renowned designers aim to inspire the next level of high-tech entertainment

Austin, Texas (August, 2006) Project Horseshoe, a think tank created to tackle some of game design's toughest problems, has announced the lineup of speakers for this fall’s event. Raph Koster (Ultima Online, Star Wars Galaxies), Nicole Lazzaro (president of XEODesign), and Mark Terrano (Design Director, Hidden Path Entertainment) are eager to stir things up, provoke thought, stoke passion, inspire new ideas and challenge beliefs.

When asked why, with such demanding schedules, they were willing to put their time and energy into this event, the three expressed similar motivations.

Terrano is aiming for something unique and noble. “There are a lot of conferences that can help me with the technique and technology of the games we are making now – but I think we are far enough along with that to sit down and talk about how to get to that next level of entertainment, to set aside competition for a weekend and figure out which distant stars we can reach."

Nicole Lazzaro agreed. “The best moments of any game conference are the conversations I have during the breaks. These spontaneous exchanges with the best minds in the industry offer me the most challenge and the biggest payoff. I’m looking forward to a whole conference of nothing but good food and focused discussion. I’m ready to explore the next level of engagement beyond these pastimes we call games!”

That’s no small order, but it’s right on target with the goals of Project Horseshoe.

Using the proven brainstorming strategies and a distraction-free setting, the Project Horseshoe group aims to identify the biggest issues and problems in the area of game design and attack three to six of these in facilitated work groups. Attendees will create preliminary reports for them, including action items, right on the spot. It is an experience that most find both amazingly challenging and rewarding.

Noted game designer and author, Raph Koster, the third speaker, says he's also looking forward to the stimulating conversation and exchange of ideas: “And where better to do it than in good company in a glorious Texas fall?”

About the Speakers
Raph Koster, designer, www.raphkoster.com
Nicole Lazzaro, President, XEODesign, Inc.
Mark Terrano, Design Director, Hidden Path Entertainment

About Project Horseshoe
Project Horseshoe is a think-tank-style conference addressing the industry-wide challenges of modern game design. Approximately 50 of the top minds in the field will be in attendance. Project Horseshoe aims to positively influence the art, science, and business of game design over the next five years in ways that are unlikely to happen otherwise, by taking advantage of proven brainstorming methods and access to the brightest minds in the field. This is an invitation-only event. If you know of someone who should be in attendance, contact Teresa Avallone, Executive Director, teresa@projecthorseshoe.com. For more information on Project Horseshoe visit www.projecthorseshoe.com.

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