Interview Wolfgang Marzin

Gamescom vs. Games Convention : interview de Wolfgang Marzin

Interview

PN : First of all, we'd like to know more about what made the GC what it has become today: how did you plan the first GC, and how did you organize its development over the next few years?

Wolfgang Marzin : From the very beginning, both the drafting of the concept and the further development of the GC – Games Convention were undertaken in close co-operation between the representatives of the industry and Leipziger Messe. Together we drew up a concept that addressed all target groups equally. Where the private visitors have the opportunity to test the latest games in the entertainment halls, the GC Business Center provides trade visitors with a separate area in which to conduct business. Since the successful premiere of the GC in 2002 we have developed further components and added these on to the show. These include the international GC Developers Conference, the GC family forum for media skills and the GC Freestyle gamer camp, which is particularly popular with younger visitors.

PN : Who is the owner of the Games Convention? Is it a private company, or the Leipzige Messe itself?

Wolfgang Marzin : The GC – Games Convention is a product of the Leipziger Messe. All of the rights belong to us.

PN : This year's GC saw more than 200,000 visitors : did you expect that number?

Wolfgang Marzin : Yes, 200,000 was our target. This year we activated a widespread press and advertising campaign throughout Europe to promote the GC 2008. This paid off, as could be witnessed in the high level of interest amongst both visitors and the media. With 203,000 visitors the Games Convention is now the largest games fair in the world.

PN : If we had to remember one element of this GC, which one would it be? And a second?

Wolfgang Marzin : I am particularly proud of the large number of new products. Over 300 world, European and German premieres were presented in Leipzig, including blockbusters such as Spore, Tomb Raider Underworld and Little Big Planet. But this year's games music concert will also be long remembered. The American cult concert Video Games Live appeared in continental Europe for the first time, enthralling visitors with their blistering show.

PN : Nintendo's absence didn't seem to bother visitors that much: what do you think about that?

Wolfgang Marzin : Obviously we regretted the decision of Nintendo. It was based on a new corporate marketing strategy and the decision was made independently of the conceptual design of the GC – Games Convention. However, many visitors failed to register the non-appearance of Nintendo as many publishers presented their games on the Wii and Nintendo DS.

PN : There are some real worries about next year's GC, due to the GamesCom happening in September. Do you think two exhibitions is definitely a possibility?

Wolfgang Marzin : There is no question in my mind. Over the past seven years the GC – Games Convention has shown that it is the most significant international fair in the trade, alongside the Tokyo Games Show. Our detailed market knowledge means that we are ideally equipped to face competition from other fair locations. From our exhibitors we know that the vast majority of these favour Leipzig as the location of the Games Convention 2009.

PN : The GamesCom seems largely inspired from the Games Convention, even opening times are copy-pasted from the GC website: can't you prevent that from happening?

Wolfgang Marzin : The GamesCom is a cheap pirate copy. We will continue to work professionally with the original and in this it is vital that the requirements of the industry are recognised. For seven years now we have been in close contact with the global players of the games sector, providing a tailor-made show year for year.

PN : When did you actually decide to organize a new GC next year?

Wolfgang Marzin : The continuation of the GC was never in doubt, after all, it is a firm date in the diaries of exhibitors, visitors and media representatives. The final impetus for us came from a survey conducted by the Institut für Marktforschung during this year's show. Only 10 percent of exhibitors were against a continuation of the GC. There was also a clear vote of confidence from the private visitors, 82 percent of which supported a GC 2009 in Leipzig.

PN : Could the GameCom, if it takes place, be organised by Leipzig's talented crew anyway?

Wolfgang Marzin : The experienced Leipziger Messe team will be organising the GC – Games Convention 2009 in Leipzig exclusively.

Merci à Wolfgang Marzin. Nous espérons qu'une solution sera trouvée pour l'avenir car l'organisation de deux salons parallèles risque d'être désastreux pour l'un et pour l'autre. La suite au prochain épisode...

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