AUSTIN, Texas, September 26, 2007 – The Independent Game Conference is delighted to announce that Richard Garriott, the creator of Ultima Online and Richard Garriott’s Tabula Rasa®, has agreed to make a Keynote presentation at the event.
Garriott blazed a trail in the computer gaming industry by co-founding Origin Systems with brother Robert and producing one of the most successful, longest-running game series of all time, Ultima. In 1992, Origin was acquired by Electronic Arts. Richard stayed with Origin until April of 2000, when he started a new company called Destination Games™. Destination Games became a part of NCsoft® Corporation in 2001. Richard is launching his first title for NCsoft, Richard Garriott’s Tabula Rasa, October 19, 2007.
“We’re thrilled to have Richard speaking at IGC this year.” said Mark Chuberka, Director for ICG Austin, “As one of the preeminent independent thinkers in the game industry, he has been able to push the envelope in game development and create successful companies as well as highly evolved games. His experience heading up independent studios as well as his success in developing his own world-renowned brands will let the conference participants gain insight into how independent developers can be successful in this industry.”
“I’ve been in the shoes of independent game developers a couple times, so I’m looking forward to speaking to this group,” said Garriott. “Though the games industry has become a huge business, there are still plenty of opportunities for independent game makers to make a name for themselves and to create successful, innovative titles today, especially in the online space. The Independent Game Conference is a great place for those developers and designers to learn the steps to success.”
