Orvar Säfström is Scandinavia's leading game and film commentator.  He produced the multi award winning transmedia event "Halo in Berwaldhallen", and the "Joystick" video game music concert which holds the world record for attendance.  He has spoken on video game culture in the Swedish parliament,  met all four ABBA members and was hugged by Agnetha.

On his way to Sydney for XML: Global Media Ideas, Orvar reminds budding entrepreneurs to ask "Why?"

1. What is the one standout characteristic you think makes an entrepreneur successful in the digital media space?

Relevance. I see a million things, from films and games to apps and tech solutions, where seemingly noone during the entire process has stopped to ask the most basic of all question: "Why?"

3. How would you describe some of the similarities and differences in the evolution of digital media compared with that of 'traditional' media?

I wouldn't say "digital" is the opposite of "traditional". There are many very traditional ideas in the digital business (and some truly revolutionary in "old media"). The technological factor is just a means to an end. It's when we start looking at things like interactivity, user culture and the sliding balance of ownership, things start to get really interesting.

4. What will you want people to take away from your session at Global Media Ideas?

An awareness of the complexities of reaching one goal from several different, and sometimes conflicting, perspectives. This is especially the case when it comes to multi-platform and cross cultural storytelling.

5. Video game culture has gone from anti-social to social. What was the catalyst for that change?

I don't think that's necessarily true. I was already playing multi-player video games in the late 70's, and the sense of community has always been strong in game culture. I think it's more a shift towards social platforms as a means of providing game experiences than the games being social in their own sense.

If you would like to meet Orvar and hear his Keynote presentation, register now for XML: Global Media Ideas Conference Day.

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