Here’s Everything You Need to Know about the 2023 CGDC Community Expo

The 2023 Christian Game Developers Conference (CGDC) is just around the corner, and we’re thrilled to invite you all to join us again in beautiful Azusa, California at the Azusa Pacific University. The conference will be taking place from July 20th to 22nd, and one of the most exciting aspects of the event is undoubtedly the CGDC Expo.

Introducing the CGDC Community Expo Day

For the first time ever, our CGDC Expo will be open to the public. On Saturday, July 22nd we are inviting the public to come try out the games that are showcased in our expo from 1pm to 7pm. We hope to turn this into an annual event that invites gamers in the local Azusa area in to see what you’ve been making, and maybe even purchase your game or any other merchandise you have on display.

The expo will be open just for our conference attendees on Thursday and Friday evenings after dinner, as well as Saturday morning after breakfast until lunch. We know these are reduced expo hours compared to previous years, but our goal is to help everyone who is demoing a game in the expo be able to fully participate in the conference programming, while still allowing ample expo time for everyone.

Because this is the first year that we’re doing this, your focus should be on observing player engagement, building your mailing lists, and gathering valuable insights to further develop or polish your project. As with past expos, do not expect to sell a bunch of units – our expo highlights fellowship, like-mindedness and feedback!

To maximize engagement at your booth, consider offering swag such as stickers, candy, pins, or even consider running a larger prize drawing for people who sign up for your mailing list. You could also give away a prize for the person who posts the highest score in your game.

Here’s why you should consider participating

This serves as an opportunity for creators like yourself to unveil your games or game prototypes to a supportive community of new and old friends, gather invaluable feedback, and connect with other developers, artists, musicians, and storytellers. It’s a chance to spark and gauge interest in your project and enjoy conversations with potential players. Whether you’re in the early stages of development or nearing completion, we welcome games at any point along the journey. We want to see what you’ve been working on, and others do too!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does it cost to participate in the Expo?
   Participating in the Expo is absolutely FREE of charge! We provide the basic amenities for your presentation, and if you require anything further, please contact us in advance.
   
2. What is provided to me
   For booth and table exhibits, we provide internet access and a space for your display. You’ll also get a one half-table (more available if space permits) and chairs. Technology demonstrations are generally scheduled at the conference, with sign-ups occurring on the first day. If your tech demo requires additional resources, please contact us in advance with the details.
   
3. Will I have access to an outlet or reliable Wi-Fi?
   Yes! We provide all Expo participants with electrical access, including surge protectors and extension cables. The conference venue will have on-site Wi-Fi, and you can connect to it using a guest account to conduct your presentations and demos.
   
4. Who should I contact if I have additional questions?
   If you have any questions not covered here, you can visit our Expo FAQ page for more information. Alternatively, you can reach out to Amy Green at amy@cgdc.org for any additional inquiries. We will strive to respond as soon as possible and assist you with any concerns you may have.

To register for the Expo and access detailed information about what you’ll need, what will be provided to you, guidelines, and feedback etiquette, see below. As the conference draws near, we can’t wait to welcome you back to Azusa. We had such a great time last year, and for anyone who was unable to attend, we invite you along next month! In the meantime, start thinking about whether or not you’d like to showcase your game – see you soon!