The Fourth Annual
Game Design Think Tank
OFFICIAL REPORT

The Project Horseshoe Topic for 2009:
SOLVING GAME DESIGN'S TOUGHEST PROBLEMS

This November 5th-8th, some of the brightest minds in the games industry traded the comforts and chaos of the corporate world to converge on a secluded 940-acre ranch in Texas to discuss, argue, debate, brainstorm and possibly alter the course of history for game design.

The Fourth Annual Game Design Think Tank, Project Horseshoe, offered a unique and highly effective way to confront the toughest issues facing our industry today, and to influence their outcome as well. In addition, it may have been one of the most influential and beneficial networking events of the year. This unusual conference gathered together movers and shakers of the games industry for a long weekend of concentrated, uninterrupted discussions, debates, and roundtables.

Unlike conventional meetings, Project Horseshoe shuns neckties, company logos and fluorescent lights as detrimental to group thinking processes. Project Horseshoe uses natural catalysts to deepen and broaden thought; attendees do their work under wide Texas skies. They sleep in cabins overlooking beautiful Lake Buchanan, and are fed with a Lone Star State flair and gracious hospitality. The group brain is given lots of equipment for creative play and a comfortable structure for brainstorming and networking.

It is our hope that Project Horseshoe will give a competitive edge to its attendees, creating long-standing alliances and organizations.

This year's Project Horseshoe serves as an example of the great things that can be accomplished by a group of professionals, working in a supportive environment, and dedicated to cooperatively solving industry-wide problems.

EXECUTIVE CHAIR:
George Sanger;
The Fat Man

Linda Law;
Vice President
The Fat Man

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:
Teresa Avallone;
CEO
Avallone Media Group

Patricia A. Pizer,
Game Design Consultant

Nicole Lazzaro,
President
XEODesign, Inc.

Mike Steele,
Game Technology Consultant

Bob Bates,
Game Designer and Writer
www.bobbates.com

Daniel Cook,
Game Designer
Microsoft

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select a section:
1. Introduction  2. Executive Summary  
3. Choosing Between Right and Right: Creating Meaningful Ethical Dilemmas in Games
4. How to make Social Games Better
5. Free Your Inner Suit: A Capitalist's Guide to Survival in 21st Century Game Development
6. Schedule & Sponsors