My name is Hugo Castro, I am the person responsible for bringing a bunch of people together in 2007 to start working in a videogames expo, that with the years would become one of the most important videogames initiatives of Mexico.
In a nut shell, GAMACON was created to boost the video games, animation and creative media development industry in the State of Baja California. It’s more than just an entertainment expo; it has an agenda that covers the educational needs and economic development of the industry that now helps different regions of Mexico as well.
We work all year to create these opportunities (some of us volunteering for free, and some of us pro-bono). And once a year, we have our annual event that consists of 5 sub-events:
- Business meeting
- Symposium (Conferences and workshops)
- Startup Weekend (Hackathon)
- Expo
- Videogames music concert with a symphony orchestra
This year we have our annual event on Nov 4-6, 2016, in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, at the Convention Center of the Centro Estatal de las Artes. And we certainly need your support. This is an event that is partly funded by the Federal Government, but only enough to cover 50% of the cost. And with the current exchange rate of the dollar vs the peso, this only make things a little harder for us to cover everything.
Before moving on to the details of the event, I would like to tell you a story, it’s a little long, but it’s totally worth to stick to the end, so you could appreciate why we do this, why every year we work to create opportunities for students, and Mexican development companies, why we put so much passion, heart and soul into this initiative.
I'm often asked what one of the most relevant stories of Gamacon is. There are two really good stories, but for now, I will stick with only one, which I believe has had the most impact on me personally. The first Gamacon expo was created in March 2008, and for the gala closing event, we did a very famous videogames music concert the first time in Mexico that we will call SFVMC (some famous videogames music concert). So many things went wrong, my team and I weren't ready for a 1000 people expo, and the complicated music concert that was SFVMC.
Financially, I lost a lot of money. My two passions together in one event: Music and Videogames. I didn’t want to know anything about them; I didn’t want to know anything about Gamacon. But for the people that attended, they were really impressed with the expo, and thanks to the support of the SFVMC production team, the concert was mind blowing for them. They didn’t know everything that went wrong.
At the end of the concert one of the co-creator of SFVMC wanted to talk to me, and asked me why so many things went wrong. I humbly said that we were only a group of friends that wanted to make a great videogames expo, and ended up lacking the experience to deliver what we needed, that we failed. Strangely he replied that he didn’t see it that way, that he believed we did a great job. He continued saying that every show he goes to, the staff is more than 50 people, and we were only 7 for the expo and the concert. He said: “How did you guys do it? It’s incredible. Yes, many things were wrong, but you have a great team.” ”I would have never thought of doing a show in Mexicali, since it’s not a huge metropolis”. And I asked, then why did you come? He replied that the way I spoke to him about what we wanted to achieved, how we wanted to create the opportunities that we didn’t have when we were younger to create videogames as a living, how we wanted Mexico to be an important pillar in the videogames industry, the passion with which I described every detail of the project, made him believed that one day Gamacon would be one of the most important videogames expo in Mexico, and that he wanted to be part of the beginning of it. He finished by saying: “The videogames industry couldn’t be in better hands than yours.” At that precise moment, I loved music and videogames again. And I said to myself that my team and I would learn from our mistakes and continue with Gamacon!
Fast forward to 2016, Gamacon today is an initiative that is supported by the Mexican Federal Government, an initiative that has been adopted by the Baja California State Government, the IT cluster, the private sector and the state Universities. It’s an initiative that welcomes nearly 4500 people, development studios from different parts of the world and Mexican development studios from different states of Mexico, that helps hundreds of Universities students following their dream of making videogames. We have achieved so much and created many opportunities in the past years, but we’re just getting started and we need your support to create and achieve more!!!
Linked to the Baja California IT Cluster, the Secretariat of Economy, ProMexico, ProSoft, the Mexican Association of Information Technologies Industry, the Convention and Tourism Committee, educational institutes, and the private sector, we converge all the activities related to video games and unified all efforts, planning and coordinating them to reach a common goal. The common goal is to prepare the talent and generate business opportunities for all Mexican development studios, helping to nurture and foster the growth of companies in this industry, making Mexico an important pillar of this industry in the world.
This year will be the 7th edition of GAMACON (we skipped 2012 & 2013), every year getting bigger and more important for this industry, and it’s currently called the most important event north of Mexico.
Now let’s talk more details about each of our sub-events:
BUSINESS MEETING – MEET THE INDUSTRY
At business roundtables, meet with game developers and artist from Mexico and other parts of the world, educational institutes, regional committees, and the government institutions in charge of the economic development of the State.
This is one of most important events of Gamacon. Here we get together with the Mexican Government, Universities, Mexican development studios and foreign studios and discuss about the different projects and business opportunities that we can create, as well of some business-to-business meeting between the participants.
SYMPOSIUM - INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
Conferences and workshops targeted at University students and current developers alike put them on the path to success.
Gamacon provides the opportunity for the audience to hear professionals’ experiences, learning about trends and identify opportunities within this industry.
We are expecting about 900 students this year to take advantages of the different conferences and workshops that we’re preparing for them.
Here’s a list of our confirmed speakers:
Alex Gonzalez – Entrepreneur/Author
“Entrepreneurship: Follow your dreams”
Roy Wooley – Visual effects expert
“From a though to reality, the creative process”
Richie Bisso – CTO Hyperkinetics Studios
“The creativity behind decision making”
Luis Fernando Martinez – Mexico country manager Razer USA Ltd
“From a Startup to a solid and self-sustainable company”
Kiyoshi Tsuru – ESA Mexico representative TMI Law
“The videogames industry in Mexico as a business”
Gabriel Reyes – CEO iDigital
“What goes with creating an idea?”
Rob GilesRitter & Jessie Cano – CEO & Studio Manager Haiku Studio
“The creative process to produce an indie videogame”
Harish Rao – Executive producer Monster VR
“VR/AR creative process in indie development”
Luis Daniel Ramirez – Voice Actor LolaMx
“Localization services: a sustainable business in Mexico”
Yoshitomo Moriwaki – CCO Hyperkinetic Studios
“The different ways you can be a game designer in the video games industry”
More to come….but we need your support!
EXPO - IT’S ALL ON DISPLAY
On the expo floor, the industry meets the consumer!
Universities and studios promote their programs, demos and services.
Additional activities feature cosplay, videogame tournaments, art galleries, wrestling matches, live music, meet & greet with special guests from the film and videogames industry, and more!
Special guests invited:
Gerard K Marino – Music composer for the God of War series
Shota Nakama – Music arranger for Final Fantasy. Video Game Orchestra creator & Capcom Live producer.
Roy Wooley – Visual effects expert. Worked on Rob Zombie’s Halloweend, the Hunger Games, and was in the SyFy channel show Face Off.
Mario Castañeda – Latin-American voice actor for Goku in the Dragon Ball series.
Alex Gonzalez – Went around the world on bicycle. Author, entrepreneur and motivational speaker.
Nadyasonika – Mexican international cosplayer, model and singer.
STARTUP WEEKEND - DEVELOP YOUR IDEA OR PROJECT
In just 54 hours, you will experience the highs, lows, fun, and pressure that make up life at a startup.
As you learn how to create a real company, you'll meet the very best mentors, investors, cofounders, and sponsors who are ready to help you get started.
At the end of the startup we already have three guardian angels that are willing to look at the three best products and consider invest in them. This is a great opportunity for the young students!
GAMACON SYMPHONY - THE MUSIC LIVES!
A spectacular evening of game music with a symphony orchestra, choir and rock band, with synchronized lightning and each game’s footage playing videogames music.
Each score directed by the music’s original composer!
We will have the participation of two symphony orchestras: The Red Rio Nuevo Orchestra, composed of young kids from 12-18 years old; and The Summoners Orchestra, composed of young adults from the Los Angeles area.
CAPCOM LIVE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN LATIN-AMERICA!!!
Gamacon Symphony will have Capcom Live as special guest for the first time in Mexico and Latin-America.
The official Capcom concert produced by Shota Nakama and Tommy Tallarico. The show features exclusive footages synchronized with the most memorable music from the Capcom franchise such as Street Fighter, Resident Evil, Mega Man, Devil May Cry and many more. www.capcomlive.com
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
November 2016
Date(s) Time Event
Nov 4 9am – 5:30pm Conference Sessions
Nov 4 6pm – 9pm Business Meetings
Nov 4-6 6pm Startup Weekend
Nov 5-6 11am – 8pm Gamacon Expo
Nov 5 8pm Orchestra Concert
YOU CAN PARTICIPATE!!!
Business Meetings – Meet the developers that could make your next game.
Outsourcing – Get in touch with companies looking to outsource parts of their next project.
Local Investment – Find the location and staff to open a local office of your business.
Acquisitions – Discover your next offshore game studio.
Angel Investors – Give yourself the opportunity to present your project to potential investors and sponsors.
Sponsorship – Support the Industry as a whole by sponsoring Gamacon itself!
BENEFITS OF THE PROJECT
Video games are the entertainment industry that has growth more rapidly in the last years, having already moved to second place the movie industry. They are the entertainment industry that generates the most revenue worldwide, and we’re missing out.
Considering our geographic advantage of Baja California over the rest of Mexico, by being neighbors to the State of California, where most of the leading development studios are based in the US, it’s absurd not to promote and boost this millionaire industry in this State. Under this convenience, several US companies are willing to participate with us by giving conferences and workshops to prepare the talent we need.
Business meeting benefits:
- New technologies for universities and local and regional studios already established.
- New business opportunities
- Potential investors.
- International promotion of Baja California development studios.
- Access to companies (national and international) that will potentially get involved in the different State Chambers.
- Business networking with other companies from Mexico, and other parts of the world.
- Acquire data as to how Baja California is seen and compared to other parts of Mexico within the industry.
Symposium benefits:
- Training in new technologies.
- Improve the academic programs of the Universities and the talent of the students.
- International acknowledgement of our talent incubation program in this industry.
- Opportunities for internships and workshops with visiting companies.
- State wide labor resource development in this industry.
- Job opportunities for development studios and aspirant candidates.
Expo benefits:
- Improve tourism in Mexicali.
- Improve business for hotels and restaurants.
- Promote commerce for local businesses and companies.
- International promotion of the City of Mexicali as a host of important, innovative and attractive events.
- Promotion of culture and art.
TESTIMONIES OF PARTICIPATING COMPANIES
"…Wanted to reach out to you and everyone who worked so hard to make Gamacon as successful as it was… was one of the most eye opening experience I’ve ever had at a convention… you have a really talented group of people working for you… I can’t wait to see Gamacon and the gaming industry grow in Mexico!.." – Britanni Johnson, Actress – “Guardian Angel, Borderland series”
"… This event is of great importance and of high impact to the community, since besides offering entertainment, it offers the possibility to the community to hear experiences from important personalities from the video games industry…it gives us the opportunity to show the products and works that our students have created…it let us, the academic institutes, to link our programs with the productive sector, letting us create alliances…we hope these type of events continue…” – Dania Licea, IT school dean – “CETYS Universidad”
"…We are very happy with the event this year since we gain better results…It really show considerable to be a bigger event and better organized…we had the chance to meet important personalities from the video games industry like Nolan Bushnell…We were able to increase our contacts network in all areas, universities, government and national and international studios…we were able to get 5 potential customers for mobile applications and create strategic alliances with local companies…we hope that with this type of events, the community, the younglings, the universities and the Government, start looking at this industry that is a millionaire in foreign countries, and that we still haven’t started taking advantage in Mexico…” – Kristoffer Ancona, CEO – “Dot Studio”
"…the event returned stronger than ever…all attendees can take something interesting from it regardless of their likes…this is something that makes GAMACON stand out of the others, as right there is a space to promote university majors in digital design or animation that might appeal to a large number of attendees…it’s very good to see how an event like this has so many perspectives even though it’s not located in a big metropolis…a very different experience…” – Pamela Lima, co-editor – “Game Master Magazine”
"… you rocked and loved the event…I better stay in touch with you for future events…BRAVO!!!…glad it went so well!!!!" – Derek Maki (on behalf of Meghan Ashley, Marvel model), President – “Coolwaters Productions LLC”
"…Thanks again for your hospitality and a great (and memorable!) time in Mexicali!…I hope we can work together again sometime…All the best to you and your crew…" – Steve Downes, Actor – “Master Chief, Halo series”
"…many high praises for the excellent organization of GAMACON 2014…without doubt it positions our city on a national and international level…for our institution it’s a very important event…it was the perfect setting to promote our new major: Engineering in animation and visual effects…this event was one of our most important for promotion this year…GAMACON will be an invaluable ally for positioning our institution, turning into the most important meeting place for talent in our country…” – Juan Jesús Algravéz, Rector – “Universidad Politécnica de Baja California”
“…Mexico is rich with creativity and we would love to see more game developers emerge from the BC region… Now that we know first hand what the city of Mexicali is looking to achieve (along with the state of Baja California) we can now address each group with a better understanding of the end goal(s)…” – Joe Santos, sales manager at “Unity Technologies”
“…The business meetings in a smaller circle as part of the event proved very interesting and productive… I am looking forward to more connections during the next Gamacon… we would like to come back next year with a bigger team…” – Jochen Siess, general manager at “Slang”
“…For us it was a very interesting experience in regards to what is going on with the video games and software development industry in Baja California…the most important added value of Gamacon is the networking we were able to obtain with the different participants…I congratulate your organization and thank you for the time you and your team gave us…I’m looking forward to continue collaborating with you in the future…” – Alejandro Torres, sales director at “Nvidia Mexico”
“…I have been to many places to give conferences or place a booth, and this has to be one of the best experiences that I have had in the almost 5 years I’ve been at full time within this industry…” – Hugo Juarez, co-editor at “Game Master Magazine”
“…I’ve already talked to the people at the magazine offices of the potential of Gamacon and we’re very interested in continuing with everything you have in the future…” – Daniel Idelson, marketing manager at “Game Master Magazine”
“…today I believe this is one of the most important events of the country…it gave me the opportunity to make networking with important people of the industry…I would like to come back next year to Gamacon and have a bigger booth…” – Ricardo Villareal, CEO at “Xibalba Studios”
“…we believe this is a great initiative to boost the video games development industry in Mexico…it helped us understand the market a little more and how it works, as well as make networking with contacts that will help our company grow, which we just recently opened…” – Kristoffer Ancona, CEO at “Dot Studio”
“…Gamacon was a great event for all those companies that are looking for new business opportunities…” – Arturo Jauregui, producer at “Lapis Lazuli”
MILESTONES
$18,000 Goal
$45,000 Nolan Bushnell, founder of Atari attends Gamacon!
