In May we've lined up Jake Birkett, Lead Designer/Programmer for Big Fish Games Vancouver, to discuss what casual games are and how they are developed. Vancouver is a major development centre for computer games and casual games form a rising segment of the market. Join us as Jake shows us the potential for casual game developers.

Following the presentation we'll have round-the-room introductions and then open networking. This is a networking event so bring your business/contact cards and a story or two to share.

About the presentation:

The “Casual” game industry is booming despite the economic downturn and Jake will be explaining how to get into this exciting market in a variety of different ways. First up he’ll outline what makes casual games different from mainstream games and why they are so popular. Then he’ll discuss the various platforms that casual games can be played on and specific technologies that are required to develop on those platforms. To finish he’ll describe some key points to bear in mind when developing casual games in order to make them more accessible and fun, which will hopefully result in more sales!

About the speaker:

Jake Birkett is a Lead Programmer/Designer at Big Fish Games' new Vancouver studio.

In 2005, after nearly a decade of developing stock control and accounting systems for bookshops in the UK, Jake formed his own company in a bid to realise a lifelong dream to make games. Four years later he has six casual games under his belt including the popular Fairway Solitaire and Unwell Mel download titles for PC and Mac that were developed for Big Fish Games.

Like many 30-somethings Jake has been playing games all his life and loves to put his experience to good use by making great fun casual games. As well as brainstorming new ideas with other designers he enjoys honing the fine details to give games that all-important polished feel.