How Google and VRDC ruled at Game Developers Conference 2016

About GDC 2016

The GDC2016 conference and expo feature lectures, Bootcamps, Independent games summit, panel-discussions, GDC Education summit, tutorials and round-table discussions on game development topics by leading game industry experts. 

While GDC has over the years defined innovation and provided insights into the future of gaming in areas as dedicated game consoles, handheld devices, mobile, smartphone game apps, tablet game apps, online games and computers, the single theme that seems to dominate the GDC 2016 is virtual reality. The conference kick-starts on March 14 and runs up-to March 18, while the GDC Expo begins on March 16-18, 2016. 

 

Ideas and Innovations at GDC 2016: 

Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality at VRDC 2016

Virtual Reality ruled GDC 2016 with the Virtual Reality Developers Conference. Developers explored how to build entertainment of all kinds - from games to CG movies to filmed experiences using amazing, immersive virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences. Such was the overwhelming response to the VRDC that that venue had to be shifted to a larger space and the event was very popular with the audiences. The HTC Vive, Oculus VR and the $400 Sony PlayStation VR created buzz while Razer expanded the OSVR development platform. 

Google Developers Day

In what was an incredible opportunity for Google experts to connect with mobile developers  in interactive discussions and lightening talks ( An innovative zesty 5-min talks on diverse topics from innovative technologies to software), Google announced new platform and ads tools for Android game developers that include:

·         Video Recording APIs – To bring game streaming to Android games and making it easy to share videos on YouTube.

         Gamer friends.

·        Indie Corner to highlight games built by Indie developers.

·         Predictive Analytics to identify top players and tailor experiences for them.

·         Introduce

     Search-Trail-Run Ads a new Ad-type that will allow Android smartphone users to try a game for 10-mins directly from mobile search result page.

·         Google launces 

     Portrait Video Ads for full screen portrait video experience for better conversion rates.

·         AdMob Mediation to easily monetize game apps with rewarded video ads.

The 2016 GDC has truly been landmark with its response to VR and AR by developers and tech giants. The year ahead certainly looks to offer mobile game development a massive leap.