Phil and I headed downtown yesterday, to the Ottawa Convention Centre to take in the panels and speakers at the Ottawa Game Conference, the first of its kind in the Nation’s Capital.

Well, I have a Blackberry, and they told Phil his ‘Droid wasn’t the one they were looking for.

It was a one-day event this year, but there was more than enough content to pack into two days. Event organizers say next year they plan to go to two days. It’s a good idea. I would have loved to attend every panel, but sadly, there isn’t enough time in the day.

They split us into two tracks. Phil headed down the content side, where he learned about things like making MMOs more story-like and focusing on social game design. I headed down the business side, where we discussed whether console gaming is dying, how mobile gaming will evolve and the different kinds of ways new developers can get a head start with their new game or new company.

We topped off our time at the conference with a talk on Gamification, and the idea that gaming has changed the way people think and interact with the world, to the point where the world will have to adapt itself to that notion.

It’s not just about badges.

Phil and I will have the low down on the show this Saturday on our show, but I want to make a comment before that happens.

I’m excited for the future.

The conference was primarily intended for game developers and students. There were students from colleges and universities all over eastern Canada. I saw lots of Algonquin students and lots of Carleton students, as well as a few from McGill and Queens.

I was there in an observational role, but the students and designers all seemed really excited to be gathering and networking and sharing ideas about an industry they love.

One of the key-note speakers, Jason Della Rocca, mentioned that indie studios need to stop being scared people will steal their ideas and share them. Get feedback right away. I can’t say for sure, but I bet the lunch tables were buzzing with ideas about the next big thing. Someone in that building will be involved, I’m sure.

You will hear from some of those speakers and developers this Saturday, but until then, stay tuned, stay connected and keep gaming.

-Ted.