SGC announces Keynote Speaker: Benjamin Carcich
We are thrilled to announce that Benjamin Carcich, the renowned game developer, producer, and industry thought leader, will be the keynote speaker at this year’s Shawnee Game Conference (SGC)! With a career that spans over a decade at the forefront of game development, Ben's insights and experiences will inspire and educate attendees from all corners of the gaming community.
From Military Officer to Game Development Visionary
Ben's journey into game development is as unique as it is impressive. Beginning his career as a military officer, he brought a disciplined and strategic mindset to his work, which would later become invaluable in the fast-paced world of game production. Ben transitioned into the game development industry with Riot Games, where he worked on one of the most iconic titles in gaming history—League of Legends. During his time at Riot, Ben quickly rose through the ranks, starting in associate production roles and ultimately taking on director-level responsibilities. His contributions were instrumental in shaping the game’s post-launch success from 2011 to 2017. Additionally, Ben played a key role during the R&D phase of VALORANT, another standout title in Riot's portfolio.
A Leader in Game Development and Agile Coaching
In 2020, Ben made the bold decision to step away from Riot Games and start his own consultancy. His goal was to effect change across the industry by helping other studios and producers embrace better leadership and production practices. Since then, he has been a sought-after consultant, supporting game studios, publishers, and individual producers worldwide. Ben is not only a seasoned game developer but also a certified co-active coach and official ICAgile trainer, having taught concepts around agility, production, and game development leadership since 2015.
Ben's passion for improving game development processes extends beyond his consultancy work. He is the co-host and producer of the Building Better Games podcast and newsletter, where he shares his expertise on a wide range of topics, from leadership in game development to the latest trends in the industry. His commitment to fostering better games and better leadership has made him a respected voice in the gaming community.
A Speaker Who Inspires Change
Ben Carcich is no stranger to the spotlight. He has spoken at multiple high-profile events, including the prestigious Game Developers Conference (GDC) in 2024, where his sessions were highly praised for their depth and practicality. As the keynote speaker at the Shawnee Game Conference, Ben will bring his wealth of experience, knowledge, and passion for the industry to our stage. His keynote will be a must-attend for anyone looking to learn from one of the best in the business.
Join us at the Shawnee Game Conference to hear Ben Carcich’s keynote and gain invaluable insights into the future of game development. Whether you're a student, indie developer, or seasoned professional, Ben's talk is sure to inspire and equip you with the tools to build better games.
SGC is the longest running academic game conference in the Midwest. This year SGC continues to be hosted by the Kricker Innovation Hub — a center for entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity and the home of the EDA funded LevelUp Shawnee State - a gaming accelerator program designed to shape the future of sustainable game development.