Name:
Tom Edwards

Current Job Title:
Geoculturalist & Principal Consultant

Current Employer:
Englobe Inc.

Credits:
Video Games -- Nearly every Microsoft 1st party PC and Xbox game between 1995 and 2005 (as the former Senior Geopolitical Strategist for Microsoft, in which I reviewed game content for potential geocultural risks and opportunities).

Current Project:
Advisory role to various clients, writing a Geocultural Content Handbook for Game Developers (likely release in 2007)

GDC Geek Summary:
Tom is a techno-geek riddle, wrapped in a geocultural mystery, inside a gaming enigma.

Why did you get into the Industry?
I've been an avid gamer since before anything digital existed, but took to the arcades and early consoles very easily (yes, I'm over 40). While I'm interested in games (of all forms, video and otherwise) as entertainment, I'm particularly focused on digital games as modes for passive learning and specifically to improve geographic literacy in the U.S. and beyond. My advisory work flows across several industries but games are by far the most challenging and engaging as dynamic confluences of practically every type of content.

Favorite Game of all Time?
This is really tough. Judging by total time played, probably has to be the Halo series on Xbox. And yet I have a soft spot for a lot of old favorites - like Pokemon Puzzle League on N64 :)

Why do you attend GDC?:
Out of all the game gatherings I attend, it's by far the best place to hear useful discussions, the most current industry trends and a great place for meaningful networking.

How many GDC's ( & what years) have you attended?
2005, 2006 (as a speaker), and planning on 2007.

What are you most looking forward to at GDC 2007?
Catching up with old friends, making potential business contacts, participating in some excellent sessions, cruisin' the exhibition floor.

Top nugget of wisdom to share with other attendees of GDC?
This isn't a place to hide in your shell and wait for others to maybe drift your way for a discussion. Be bold, introduce yourself, have your b-cards ready, shake hands, bow, network and just be open to listening to the great people you'll meet. Make use of the great presentations and sessions and engage with the speakers (and as a former speaker, please turn off your cell phones during a talk ;).

What's the most interesting thing that ever happened to you at GDC?
After months (perhaps years) of indirect contact, finally hooking up with colleagues from Japan in 2006 and having a great time getting to understand each other's work, goals and potential areas of collaboration.

Favorite GDC Session, Topic or Speaker?
As with picking a favorite game of all time, this is tough. But one that I thoroughly enjoyed and stands out was Jesper Juul's session in 2006 on "Broadening Our Idea of What Games Can Be". I thought the topic was important in broadening not only the perception of what mainstream games do, but expanding the reach of game-like concepts and techniques to a great many non-entertainment issues, ala the "serious games" approach.