In an effort to help game developers gain a better understanding of current market conditions in the world of computer gaming, the San Jose Center for Software Development and DFC Intelligence co-hosted its first Get Real Game Night last Friday.

　　The conference opened with a presentation on the state of the game market by David Cole, President of DFC Intelligence. Although developers are facing many challenges, according to Cole, the overall future looks positive.

　　While the PC gaming market has not experienced the type of growth originally anticipated, demographically the market is growing. Most of this can be attributed to the children of baby boomers - most of whom were raised on Atari and Nintendo - now maturing. However, according to Cole, even with a larger audience, developers are still finding it difficult to make a profit. He blamed difficulties on the rising production costs, the glut of products competing for shelf space and mindshare, and game expenses that exceed revenues.

　　Cole also identified two market trends developers may want to examine when creating games. The first is online gaming. As one of the fastest growing segments, Cole believes its potential is huge. However, in order for it to reach critical mass, it must reach a broader audience. To do so, it must become easier to use. Another trend emerging pertains to game genres. With the overwhelming number of "me-too" titles in the first-person shooters and real-time strategy categories, Cole believes that developers who can create successful games have the opportunity to can carve out new genres. He cited Tomb Raider as an example.

　　The conference also included panel discussions on approaching venture capitalists for funding, incorporating force feedback in games, and working with online game services.

　　As part of the conference, attendees had the opportunity to play several new games, including the latest beta version of Bungie's upcoming game, Myth. Even though the game isn't scheduled to come out until this fall, the version at the conference looked slick - a pure blood fest combat game complete with fireball throwing dwarfs.

　　According to Sandy Herz, CSD Executive Director, the center plans to hold a similar conference in January to examine PC game software's performance during the holiday season.