Why do we work in game audio? Wait. Why does a game audio pro continue to work in game audio? That's the real question. For newcomers the answer is that it seems so cool to work in games, and, hey, maybe someone will pay me to be creative. It's a career in music. Wow! But, then there's the reality of the everyday effort, to find employment, to stay employed, to pay the bills on a sound guy's salary, and to try so very hard in a corporate environment to create some beautiful audio for a game player to experience. Yeah. Why do we do this? It's really hard. Really, really, hard. There are so many other jobs to be had that are loads easier, pay more, and are only a tiny fraction as stressful. So, why? Well, I think it's because we really, deeply care about our art and our art form. We see it's potential and can't help striving to fulfill it. And that leads me to another question. Why is there an audio track at AGDC when there is also an audio track at GDC? My answer (and reason why I'm on the advisory board) is that there are game audio pros that need a conference that directly addresses their needs. All track sessions must be aimed at an intermediate or advanced level audience. You will not learn how to break into the games business. You've done that already... in spades. Nuf said.

See you in September.

Linda