SXSW Interactive, A Gamer’s Adventure Part IV
Wednesday, March 18th, 2009The interactive portion of SXSW came to a close yesterday, and even before the final panel opened its doors, the transformation from film/social media to music could be seen all around the convention center. Many participants had already rushed off to the airport to catch their flights, and many more had decided to break away from the convention center to see what downtown Austin had to offer.
I managed to catch one panel amidst all the excitement and transition, though I had slated several. The panel discussed the move of social gaming from the computer to other more mobile devices, and the implications this had on gaming in general. Many of the ideas presented were location based, allowing gamers to use real world environments to stage their play. The most bizarre concept presented was a game that can only be described as “combat picnicking”. Game participants go to popular picnic locations with little to no food, compete to see who can get the most freebees from the people around them, and then hilarity ensues.
After the panel, I met with Richard Bernier and Brad Laurich at a local pub and eatery to see how many tweeters showed up. Afterward, I wandered through the various tents around the convention center.
I finally landed in the Techset Blogger’s Lounge with Lionel Menchaca, and got my first look at the new Adamo. I must say it is the sleekest piece of hardware ever to exit the doors of Dell. Thank you Richard Binhammer for bringing it out! Now that I’ve put my hands on one, it’s definitely on the wish list!

I also have to say that hanging out with Lionel at SXSW was akin to hanging out with a rock star at Lollapalooza. I suppose I shouldn’t have been surprised…
Now that the music portion of SXSW is coming into full swing, be sure to follow Chris Byrd on twitter at @ChrisBatDell. I’ll be haunting the music as well, so you can follow me on twitter at @Dell_John_B.







