CGG at Casual Connect 2012 Seattle

Join CGG as they experience the fun and excitement of one of the biggest Casual Game conventions in the U.S. Fun parties, brand new games, and the best Seattle has to offer... Can you really call this work? So let me get this straight. You want me to go to Seattle for a week. Play some new games that no one else has seen, talk to some exciting people, and attend lots of parties… OK. What’s the catch? That’s what I was thinking as I boarded my early morning flight to Seattle from Orlando, Florida, heading to the annual Casual Connect Conference for the first time ever. It was about 80 degrees already in Florida and it was only 6 am. To say I was excited to experience a July where the temperature would be a cool breezy 65 degrees is a huge understatement. Seattle here I come! [[Pike-Place-Market.jpg]] I arrived a day early to play tourist and spend some quality time with my older brother who lives in the great Northwest. I navigated the light rail like a pro (and by that I mean I didn’t get lost), strolled the bustling streets of Pike Place Market where I watched them throw fish and ogled some of the largest lobsters I’ve ever laid eyes on, and I stood outside the very first Starbucks. Of course, the line to get in was halfway around the block, so I never got to actually taste the coffee. I’m sure it tastes like any of the other 10 million or so Starbucks I passed along the way. At least that’s what I told myself... I rode the elevator at a speedy 10 mph up to the top of the Space Needle and gazed out in fascination at the swirling clouds that seemed to be an everyday part of the Seattle landscape. I could just make out the top of Mt. Rainier in the distance, seemingly floating on a blanket of soft pillowy clouds. The breeze up there was cold and brisk, and I reveled in an atmosphere that was completely void of humidity. [[Casual-Connect-02.jpg]] Ahhhh now this is living. But enough of my fun. You probably want to actually hear about the conference. Equipped with my badge that proclaimed me part of the press, I walked into the main hall of the conference wide eyed and giddy at all the different booths set up. There was Big Fish Games, of course, GameHouse, King.com, Gree, Wild Tangent, Game Show Network and much more. All with new games for us to demo. What more could a girl ask for? [[Casual-Connect-01.jpg]] There were tons of lectures for us to enjoy as well, with the Keynote Speaker from Big Fish Games announcing their new Cloud gaming where you’ll be able to enjoy tons of games for free for one low monthly price. More on that coming soon! GameHouse proclaimed a new movement toward the mobile social games with some exciting new titles in their catalog, and we intently listened to several developers talk about their journeys and experiences in making some phenomenal games. We played some great new and addicting games for the PC, mobile, and the iPad… (Note to self… convince the boss that iPads are a necessary part of the "job.") These included some fun titles from Big Fish like Plunder, where you get to plunder pirate ships as you navigate your way across the screen, blowing up islands and removing obstacles in your way. We also played a game called Fairway Fever that I tried to stuff in my purse, but was quickly apprehended and forced to give it back. [[Casual-Connect-03.jpg]] There were some pretty fun parties that we were invited to, although I admit, I starting feeling my age when I was looking for my bed at around 11 and everyone else was just getting there. Hey! There was a 3-hour time difference I just couldn't get used to! Yes, that's my story and I'm sticking to it. Overall the experience was amazing and over way too fast! We met some amazing people, played some really awesome games, and fell in love with a city that was both exciting and beautiful. Can't wait to see you next year Seattle!