20 Kiwi Game Developers Exhibit at Digital NatioNZ ‘Homegrown’
25 September 2013

Telecom together with the New Zealand Game Developers Association (NZGDA) is bringing more than 20 local developers to DIGITAL NATIONZ, New Zealand’s first digital entertainment expo in an effort to showcase the strength and breadth of expertise in online and digital gaming at work right here in NZ.

“This is a great opportunity for our growing community of over 500 developers to show off the local talent and the amazing projects they are working on. Kiwi developers range from ‘one man bands’ to fully fledged studios that are turning out some of the hottest games internationally,” says Stephen Knightly, Chairperson of the NZGDA.

As the naming rights sponsor of Homegrown, Telecom is supporting the rapidly growing developer scene with the inclusion of a big screen where gamers can play games from some of the local developers. Gamers can also bring their own portable devices to plan on in the Telecom Social Circle, where bean bags will be set up, along with a mobile charging unit.

“With its 24/7 demands for data, gaming is a significant part of the entertainment offering for Telecom into the future. Our Network also supports New Zealand gamers with taking their products to the world, that’s why we’re supporting Homegrown at DIGITAL NATIONZ” says Telecom’s Head of Brand Communications and Digital, Kellie Nathan, who adds, the gaming community have been amongst the first technology users to truly demonstrate what can be achieved with the faster broadband connections now available, such as fibre and VDSL.

“In recent years, we’ve seen gaming emerge from the basement and become accepted as high quality entertainment for the mainstream, and with that are some serious demands of users’ home connections, requiring faster data, and zero tolerance for lag. We’re excited to be joining some of our top NZ gamers and game developers at DIGITAL NATIONZ, and encourage attendees to give our Ultra Broadband range a go in achieving the at-home online gaming experience they demand. Additionally, we think Telecom’s Network is the perfect partner for helping gamers on the go to keep up with the play, serving challenges and stats to mobile devices”

Telecom Homegrown stands in the main arena bowl will have different NZ developers showing their games and answering questions. While Grinding Gear Games and Outsmart Studios will be located at the Telecom Social Circle area, located upstairs. Gamers who play and share their experience on Twitter through the dedicated hash tag #telecomhomegrown over the weekend, will be up for some great prizes.

FINAL SPEAKERS ANNOUNCED FOR THE LG DIGITALKZ SESSIONS

CAPCOM Dead Rising 3 producer, Mike Jones will be joining the event in an open Q&A styled session aimed at creating increased audience engagement to discuss the upcoming title as well as previous work at the AAA publisher.

Jeff Nusz, one of the main “V-Motion Project” developers from Assembly will take the stage to explain how the very real concept using a combination of PC’s, Mac’s and motion sensors was created.

Jeff’s work has been recognised with awards from Cannes, Axis, SXSW, Webbies, Best and FWA, and his approachable tech write-ups have been featured on major technology sites Wired, Smashing Magazine and the Creators Project. He is also the creator of acclaimed and awarded online games Sprout and Anika’s Odyssey, and exhibits interactive artwork in New Zealand and Australia.

Speakers at THE LG DIGITALKZ SESSIONS

The speaker sessions are run in association with Media Design School.

MORE THAN $22,000 PRIZE POOL FOR KIM DOTCOM VS 100

The Kim Dotcom VS 100 challenge, announced more than a week ago, has been a huge success, with submissions to participate overwhelming organisers, even without any prizes being announced.

The registration for the direct qualifier to the challenge ends September 25th. Those who do not qualify directly will still get a chance to play Mr Dotcom on the day, but will need to be there to enter the random qualifier rounds.

DIGITAL NATIONZ can now disclose the prizes up for grabs as well as more info on how the event will work.

The game, Modern Warfare 3 will be played on XBOX360 in a one on one battle.

THE FIRST EIGHT PEOPLE TO WIN AGAINST KIM DOTCOM WIN

ALMOST $2,000 WORTH OF PRIZES

Participants who beat Kim after the first 8 will still be eligible to win the grand prize described below.

ONE GRAND PRIZE WINNER, DETERMINED BY DOTCOM, WILL WIN:

TOTAL PRIZE VALUE OF MORE THAN $6,60

REGISTRATION FOR WORKSHOPS AT DIGITAL NATIONZ NOW OPEN!

DIGITAL NATIONZ aims to expose people to exciting new technologies by providing first access opportunities to connect with the emerging digital landscape. As part of this drive, there will be two exciting hands-on workshops to DIGITAL NATIONZ across a wide range of digital technology topics.

AUGMENT YOURSELF! This hands-on workshop gives you an introduction to augmented reality, using your smartphone, some fancy app-based software and creativity.

MOBILE FILMMAKING AND MOBILE SOCIAL MEDIA: Participants will work with a number of smartphone apps and create short mobile-mentaries (mobile documentaries) and viral videos.

http://digitalnationz.com/workshops/