In 2003 I created the Austin Game Conference (now GDC Austin). Now, seeing an integration between the toy industry, game indsutry and technology I've created the Engage! Expo® at Toy Fair taking place February 16-17, 2010 in NYC.
This is not the first Engage! but actually our 7th (the 4th annual in NYC). Engage!® started its life in late 2006 with a focus on virtual worlds. We produced two shows a year (a Spring east coast event and a Fall west coast event) during 2007, 08 and 09. We changed the name from Virtual Worlds to Engage! late last year.
Since 1994 I've had a front row seat as kid and youth entertainment and play patterns have changed. This has accelerated in the last 3-4 years as they become more digital and move away from toys and traditional media.
The toy industry and childrens entertainment business needs to evolve and establish "digital play", engaging development and product expertise. This includes an understanding of online play and mobile play and the integration of these technology-types into their "traditional" product lines. I've watched as these companies started repositioning themselves, learning how to integrate digital technologies.
We are still at the beginning. This is still a learning process, with most of these companies just getting started. By comparison the video game industry is already there. They by and large understand digital. They have to - it is the cornerstone of their business. I believe these two traditionally separate industries are heading directly toward each other and there are a lot of new opportunities as they do so.
Earlier this year we signed a deal with the Toy Industry Association which co-locates our Engage! Expo with their 107 year old American International Toy Fair in 2010. What we have created is entirely unique and extremely functional. Engage! at Toy Fair is the one and only place that brings toy industry and children's entertainment companies together with leading technology and game companies. Our goal: bring these groups together and watch business blossom. I consider it the dawn of the play industry.
