A Gathering of Video Game Legends

To help people learn more about one of the world’s fastest growing industries, Westwood College in Anaheim recently brought together 10 of the leading video game professionals in its "A Gathering of Video Game Legends." On February 28, people flocked to Angel Stadium in Anaheim to hear the veterans share their inside knowledge on both the current and future of interactive entertainment.

Each speaker shared their expertise on the subject. Browser-based gaming, digital comic book gaming, and scriptwriting were among the many topics discussed at the gathering. Despite their many areas of interest, all speakers seemed to agree upon the importance of flash-based gaming in the online realm.

"Because of its ease of use and ability to download quickly, Flash is the future of online gaming… The gaming student who develops the next best thing in flash will surely be a success." - Dave Perry, co-founder of Acclaim Games

Another topic that was discussed was how aspiring video game programmers could get involved in the industry. Voldi Way, founder of WayForward, said, "To get your foot in the door you need a body of work to show prospective employers. There is no better way to build that book than through gaming competitions like the ones you'll find at Westwood College."

More than 350 people attended the event hosted by Westwood College’s gaming program at the Diamond Club at Angel Stadium. "Attendance at the Legends of Gaming event exceeded expectations, and the level at which people were engaged was very intense," said Lou Osborn, Westwood Anaheim Campus President. "Current and future students of gaming realized they had a unique opportunity to gain valuable insight into how they can get started on a career path they are passionate about, and we were proud to provide the opportunity." Game and Art Design accounts for approximately 18 percent of Westwood’s student body, making it of Westwood College

Speakers included: Brian Fargo (inXhile Entertainment); William Fisher (Quicksilver Software); Dave Fisher (Gamespy); Justin Lloyd (Infinite Monkey Factory); David Perry (Acclaim Games); Bill Roper (Cryptic Studios); John Say (Say Design); Feargus Urquhart (Obsidian Entertainment); Voldi Way (WayForward); and Ru Weerasuriya (Ready at Dawn Studios)