James Simpson
James Simpson has been developing games, websites, and apps for nearly two decades. As the founder of Oklahoma City’s first game studio, GoldFire Studios, he’s directed, written, and led development on a wide range of games on all major platforms, spanning from massively multiplayer to single-player narrative adventures. James is also the founder of the Oklahoma Game Developers meetup, which is a group focused on growing the Oklahoma game-development community through learning and networking.
Follow James Simpson online at
Noon | Location: Sooner A
The Magic of Plotting
How do you develop a novel's plot? Is it luck, trial and error, or are there classic approaches and outline techniques to bring out your best story? Learn to give your story form in the world. Bring forth your creativity to deliver a cohesive storyline and satisfying tale!
Moderator: vickey malone kennedy
Panelists: vickey malone kennedy, J.H. Fleming, Rie Sheridan Rose, James Simpson, Mario Wytch
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
2:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Bedlam 2 Boardroom
Demo: Arctic Awakening Video Game
What's it take to make a video game? Find out from local game developer James Simpson in this demo session featuring the upcoming narrative adventure game, Arctic Awakening (releasing late 2022 or early 2023 on PC, Xbox and PlayStation). (1 hour. Limit 14 participants in room at one time.)
Moderator: James Simpson
Panelists: James Simpson
Tracks: Gaming
7:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Interior Courtyard - Atrium
Literary Beers
Join panelists in the hotel lounge for lively conversation. BYO beverages, please.
Moderator: Julie Barrett
Panelists: Julie Barrett, La Blanke, Brook Bullock, Charles Dane Clark, Dr Paisley, Phillip Drayer Duncan, J.H. Fleming, Tim Frayser, Caleb Haldane, Nick Johnson, Bekah June, Mike Kennedy, Kimber, Dennis McDonald, Paula Helm Murray, Pigeon, Alan J Porter, James Simpson, Bradley H Sinor, Sue Sinor, A C Smart, Stevo the Gutter Nerd, ET Wardwell, Steven E. Wedel, Mario Wytch
Tracks: General Interest, Writing & Publishing, Meetup, Food & Drink
9:00 AM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Interior Courtyard - Fountain
Koffeeklatch
Join panelists in the hotel breakfast area for morning networking and conversation. BYO coffee, please.
Moderator: Mark Alfred
Panelists: Mark Alfred, Alice-of-Hearts, Aoi Kitsu, Beku.Cos, Blair Bartlett - Alternate Realities Studio, Aaron Bossig, Brook Bullock, David Carrico, Cat of WhiskersandBeans, Peri Charlifu, Rosemary Clement-Moore, Crazy Red Artist, EBA Comedy, Daniel Erickson, Rhonda Eudaly, Everyday Futurist, Shai Fenwick, Mark Finn, Caleb Haldane, Sally Hamilton, Teddy Harvia, Lyde Van Hoy, Barrett Huddleston, Nick Johnson, Jovial Juggernaut, vickey malone kennedy, Knightmage, Julia S. Mandala, A. Lee Martinez, Moe, Tracy S. Morris, Kathleen M O'Brien, Remy Domino, Joey “Okie Space Queen” Rodman, James Simpson, Seth Skorkowsky, A C Smart, Tommy B. Smith, Squirrelly Jedi Photography, Stevo the Gutter Nerd, B J Thrower
Tracks: General Interest, Meetup, Food & Drink
Noon | Location: Embassy Hotel: Bedlam 2 Boardroom
Demo: Arctic Awakening Video Game
What's it take to make a video game? Find out from local game developer James Simpson in this demo session featuring the upcoming narrative adventure game, Arctic Awakening (releasing late 2022 or early 2023 on PC, Xbox and PlayStation). (1 hour. Limit 14 participants in room at one time.)
Moderator: James Simpson
Panelists: James Simpson
Tracks: Gaming
11:00 AM | Location: Sooner A
Grab Your Tea & Slippers: Why Cozy Video Games Are Taking Over
Let’s get comfy and discuss why cozy, wholesome games are an upcoming force in the industry, share examples of our favorites, and discuss why we shouldn't hide the fact that we want kinder, gentler titles to enjoy!
Moderator: Michael Mosley
Panelists: Michael Mosley, J.H. Fleming, Lollalotus, James Simpson, Stevo the Gutter Nerd, the Lo-Fi Ky
Tracks: Culture & World Affairs, Gaming
1:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Bedlam 1 Boardroom
Demo: Arctic Awakening Video Game
What's it take to make a video game? Find out from local game developer James Simpson in this demo session featuring the upcoming narrative adventure game, Arctic Awakening (releasing late 2022 or early 2023 on PC, Xbox and PlayStation). (1 hour. Limit 14 participants in room at one time.)
Moderator: James Simpson
Panelists: James Simpson
Tracks: Gaming