The CMP Game Group announced on Monday its purchase of The Game Initiative, which produces numerous gaming conferences and events including the successful Austin Game Conference.
Following an announcement last month that it would be doubling GDC’s floor space in 2007, this latest move continues to indicate that the CMP Game Group is looking to fill a perceived void in the wake of E3’s downsizing.
Philip Chapnick, senior vice president, Applied Technologies Group, CMP Technology, said in the press release, “We’d like to congratulate The Game Initiative for a phenomenally successful Austin Game Conference this year; we look to continue to grow and strengthen the show and to serve the attendees, speakers, sponsors and exhibitors with a top quality event.”
CMP, which also runs Gamasutra.com and Game Developer Magazine, has historically targeted its editorials and conferences toward those specifically in the industry, but recent moves suggest that the group may be expanding their focus. With a greater exposure and floor space for GDC 2007, the traditionally “insider” atmosphere of the show may shift more toward the consumer and media markets.
