Last week, Spritz was on site at Moscone Center for the 2015 Game Developers’ Conference #GDC2015, a much anticipated event for the local games community, assisting international client Silicon Studio. In comparison to other popular gaming events, such as PAX or E3, GDC is more strongly concentrated on the development and design aspect of games, offering extensive summits on game creation using rendering engines like Unreal Engine and Unity, issues of representation in the industry, as well as game-centric discussions on storytelling, coding and construction, as well as game-related artistry.

A reputable Tokyo-based middleware and development firm partnered with the likes of Pixar and ARM, Silicon Studio made a splash at the GDC Expo with its sleek, white booth, boasting large, 80” screens to feature and demo the newest features of its rendering engine Mizuchi, alongside flagship optical effects middleware YEBIS 3, and C# gaming engine Paradox. Spritz made arrangements for Silicon Studio events and outings, locating party venues, transportation, and local tours. Spritz also sourced brand ambassadors to help with promotional, on-site activities, and coordinated orders for premium branded products, such as mints and premium chocolates. With the ambassadors distributing uchiwa fans and chocolates for some sweet relief on the jam-packed expo floor, Silicon Studio drew in attendees for their demo and information sessions.

Mobile games surely proved their growing strength at GDC this year, with a significant mobile game app and advertising presence. Most of all, the expo floor seemed captured by virtual reality systems, with Oculus taking up a central spot spanning three booths, with Crescent Bay gear utilized at various other booths for more in-depth gaming experiences. Samsung VR was also available for demo, and Razr’s ambitious Hacker Dev open-source VR headset and software skeleton was available to try.

GDC also hosted GDC Play, both a playground and exhibition floor for emerging, indie game studios whose creations could be soon to launch, or still in development. Friday student ticket discounts flooded the Career Center, where software studios and development tools sought new employees. Additional indie game showcases and lounges, and an Atari showcase from the Video Game History Museum, added to the excitement.

For more information on Silicon Studio and their products, check out their English language website here, or read more about their middleware in the March issue of Develop magazine.