It will also be biased because the managing editor of this publication, as well as one of the contributing editors, lives in Texas. And both went to the University of Texas at Austin.

And don’t mess with Texas.

That being said, next month the Austin Game Developers Conference makes its inaugural debut in, not surprisingly, Austin, Texas. The event, to be held September 11-12, promises a unique program that should appeal to a diverse crowd, from the novice game developer to the more experienced. And, other than the fact the conference is being held in Austin (more on that later), one of the prima facie appeals is the independent spirit of the conference. No large media publisher behind this event, rather, the conference is being put together primarily by two individuals, Christopher V. Sherman and Steve Farrer. While these two individuals have the game industry background and event production experience that would seem to bode well for a professionally run conference, the fact that it is being put together by a couple of guys who had an idea, has a comfortably familiar ring to it. The conference is priced at $95 and, according to Sherman, "anyone can attend". A discounted rate of $65 is available for students.

The conference includes a track for mobile games and four tracks for online game development. And, certainly, one of the more appealing aspects of the conference for developers looking for a deal will be LivePitch, a matchmaking initiative with Criterion Software’s GameOn! to put unsigned development projects in front of leading publishers.

While the spirit of the conference is independent in its feel, this is not to imply low-budget or small-time. In fact, current conference sponsors include Nokia, Nvidia, MicroForte, Gamespy, Renderware, Metrowerks and more. Further, the conference’s advisory board may also provide a hopeful indication for success. Advisors include, among others, Gordon Walton and Rich Vogel of Sony Online Entertainment, Mike Wilson of Gathering/Take Two, Matt Scibilia of Critical Mass Interactive, and Chad Barron of Criterion Software.

This conference may also be distinguished by its "very focused" nature, says Sherman. According to the event organizer, all the presenters were "carefully selected" by the advisory board and all the speakers have years of experience in their fields.

LivePitch
The conference organizers are hoping for 400-500 attendees this year and are already aware of people coming from as far away as Australia and Korea. In addition to the conference tracks, one of the more enticing aspects of this conference for the unsigned developer is LivePitch, which allows unsigned developers to get in front of publishers at the conference. And it’s free. All the developer must do is apply at LivePitch.com. The application is forwarded to the publisher participants who review who they want to meet with one-on-one at the conference. LivePitch schedules the meetings and makes it happen. Notes Sherman, "it's great for developers because, based on your product, you could score several meetings at the show. You do your pitching in one place, versus spending the time, money, and energy required to fly all over the country."

In terms of the number of publishers participating in LivePitch, Sherman says that will ultimately be determined by the quality and quantity of participating developers. All of the companies listed on LivePitch.com will be included in the screening process and will receive applications from developers who register on LivePitch.

Austin
Finally, while all of the above would certainly seem incentive enough to attend the conference, for those who have never been to Austin, after much discussion, the following are "editor picks" for things to do in Austin when you’re not in a session or pitching your game:

Sixth Street. The "party" strip in downtown Austin lined with bars, clubs, and restaurants. Often described as Austin’s version of New Orleans’ Bourbon Street.

South Congress. Also known more hiply now as "SoCo", South Congress is lined with funky shops and restaurants and at least one celebrity is usually sighted. Guero’s Taco Bar is a must stop.

Salt Lick. This barbecue place just outside Austin is a local institution. It’s BYOB so, if you’re a drinker, be sure to grab your beer before you leave the Austin city limits. Once you make that left turn to Driftwood, ain’t no more liquor store.

The Oasis. While The Oasis is one of the places all the locals take out-of-towners, it has still managed to be one of those places the locals will go even when sans visitors. The deck has one of the best views in Austin. Be sure to arrive before sunset.

Bats. Austin is home to the largest urban bat colony in North America. From March until November approximately 1.5 million Mexican free-tail bats make their home under the Congress Avenue Bridge. Every evening, as the sun sets, they take flight to forage for food. You haven’t lived until a million bats have flown over your head. Enjoy a beverage on the patio of the Hyatt, then walk just a few steps down to the bridge, sit on the grassy knoll, and watch them fly into the night.

Broken Spoke. While Austin is mainly known for its funky attitude, it’s still in Texas, y’all. This is a genuine Texas country music dance hall. Take your digital camera and take pictures. These will be the ones you send to your mates.

Tex-Mex. There are 5 million Tex-Mex restaurants in Austin. Okay, maybe not exactly 5 million, but there are loads and most of them are perfect Tex-Mex personified which is why we can’t narrow to just one recommendation. If you want funky Tex-Mex try Chuy’s. If you want more old-school Tex-Mex, it’s Jaime’s Spanish Village or Nuevo Leon. For hipster Tex-Mex, visit El Sol y La Luna.

Migas. This is not a place or activity, it’s a food. Migas are a Mexican egg dish made with onions, jalapenos, tomatoes, and bits of corn tortillas, all in one scrambled mess. And they will cure what ails you. This publication’s editor actually makes the best migas known to man and has literally been flown across the country to prepare her version but, absent that, migas from Austin restaurant Trudy's are a remarkably close second. Which means they are excellent.

Conclusion
Will Austin Game Developers Conference be everything you dreamed and more? Who knows. This is the first year, so at this juncture there’s no historical way to measure. But, based on the people and companies behind it and the fact that it’s only $95 (only $65 if you’re a student), it certainly seems worth a shot. And, at the end of the day, you’re in Austin. If you don’t walk away with a publishing deal or any smarter on the subject of social design for MMP games, then barbecue at the Salt Lick, blues at Joe’s Generic Bar on Sixth Street, or a margarita while you watch thousands of bats disappear into the night should help take the sting out of airfare and hotel.