Build or Buy? MMO Design and Technology Decisions That Affect Your Bottom Line

Moderator: James Hursthouse, Online Game Services, Inc.
Panelist: George Dolbier, IBM Games and Interactive Entertainment
Panelist: Anthony Brown, Seven Group Digital Media

At what stages of development should various technology decisions be made? Should technology choices drive game design decisions or vice versa? What are the mechanisms and processes through which deployment costs can be accurately estimated? What are the considerations when deciding to build or buy? Utilizing real-world, empirical data relating to the various costs involved in deploying an MMO, this session analyses how design decisions can directly impact the costs associated with a game's commercial infrastructure requirements, and how to avoid infrastructure pitfalls that lead to those 'Oh, Crap!' moments at launch time.

Intended Audience: Anyone interested in developing online entertainment infrastructures.
Prerequisites: A basic understanding of MMO infrastrucuture
Format: Sponsored Panel
Date/Time: Friday, 4:00 PM
Room: Congress