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March 9-13, 2026
Moscone CenterSan Francisco, CA

Agenda

Creating IP Through Understanding (Presented by LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS)

Feng Zhu  (Creative Director, LightSpeed Studios)
Location: Room 2000, West Hall
Date: Thursday, March 12
Time: 2:50 pm - 3:20 pm
Pass Type: Festival Pass, Game Changer Pass - Get your pass now!
Audience Level: All
Track: Visual Development
Format: Lecture
Vault Recording: Not Recorded
Audience Level: All
LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS

In the process of developing original intellectual properties, designers often prioritize uniqueness, which can sometimes lead to overdesign and a dilution of the core concept. This challenge is particularly common among students, who may skip essential research, jumping straight into a blank slate, resulting in less effective IP designs.

Strong IPs aren't solely about being different; they often revolve around familiar ideas, subtly altered to provide a fresh experience. When an audience's expectations are drastically changed, the learning curve can become steep, risking disengagement and potentially harming the IP's success.

To create a compelling IP, it's crucial to identify its fundamental selling points first. Once this foundation is established, designers can thoughtfully introduce unique elements.

In this session, we will explore a well-known genre, dissecting its distinctive characteristics. By understanding what makes these genres iconic, participants will gain insights that will help them develop their own unique concepts for their next standout IP.

Takeaway

The key takeaway for designers is that effective design thinking, especially in IP creation, requires a solid understanding of your subject. Conducting thorough research before delving into form exploration is essential for successful outcomes.

Intended Audience

This lecture is for game developers, narrative designers, creative directors, and IP planners, especially those who wish to systematically learn about world-building, character development, and gameplay integration. A basic understanding of game development or design is required, but no specific background in IP creation is necessary.