Austin


IGDA-Austin is a nonprofit advocacy group for the video games industry in Austin, Texas. Our goals are focused on strengthening professional game development in the Austin area by...

  1. Fostering a sense of community amongst game developers
  2. Keeping talent in Austin
  3. Attracting talent to Austin
  4. Showcasing the fact that Austin has an excellent game development community

 

We do this by holding events that are relevant to game developers in Austin, updating this website as a central depot of information. and maintaining a community forum.

News / updates

Junction Point Studios seeks Tools Engineer

The Tools Engineer works on the technology team that provides tools and pipeline components for the entire studio. Tools engineers work closely with content creators to deliver them required functionality and improve their workflows.

The HBMG Foundation Double Dares You to Create Art with the Big Kids

The HBMG Foundation is excited to announce the 2008 ArtSpark
Festival's Call for Applicants. Run wild inside our creative
playground, but don't forget to play nice during this twelve week
collaborative competition, beginning May 26th and concluding August
17th.

The rules of the game are as simple as 1-2-3-4...

    1.) Start with nothing.

    2.) Use a piece of visual art to "spark" the creation of a video game
    or play.

    3.) "Spark" a new piece of visual art with the development of the
    play or video game.

    4.) Finish with a public showcase of your work and the chance to walk
    away with a cash prize!

Don't forget to enjoy the toys that the HBMG Foundation gives you
along the way; a budget, workspace, industry workshops, and equipment to help facilitate the process.

But wait, there's more...
Musicians are invited too!

IGDA at SXSW Screenburn Arcade was a success!

By Tracie Cook

The IGDA –Austin chapter’s booth was front and center to greet everyone as they entered the arcade! We set Rockband up and watched the attendees get on with them bad selves! We always were a main attraction.

Certain Affinity Seeks Environment Artist

Certain Affinity is seeking an experienced, creative 3D Environment Artist to create highly detailed, realistic, dynamic and spectacular environmental game assets (architecture/flora/terrain).

South By Southwest (SXSW) ScreenBurn Game Conference

SXSW ScreenBurn Arcade
March 8-9, from 12-6pm,
1st floor of the Austin Convention Center
Austin, Texas
http://www.screenburnfest.com

SXSW ScreenBurn, http://www.screenburnfest.com, is the portion of the SXSW Interactive Festival, http://www.sxsw.com/interactive, that focuses on the newest trends and developments in the video game industry. ScreenBurn panel programming, March 7-11, 2008, provides up-and-coming game industry talent an opportunity to learn from established professionals and international experts. Topics range from building community to newfangled business models to the emerging marketplace of casual users. The ScreenBurn Arcade, March 8-9, is a hands-on space for exhibitors, consumers, independent developers, and soon-to-be masters of the gaming world, the ScreenBurn Arcade is the centerpiece of the 2008 event. FREE and open to the public, the ScreenBurn Arcade also includes the latest demos and video game tournaments.

Red Fly Seeks Gameplay Designer/Programmers

Red Fly Studio is seeking Game Designers who can script to work full time on Mushroom Men for the Nintendo Wii.

MMO Documentary 'Second Skin' Premiering at SXSW 2008

Second Skin takes an intimate, disturbing look at computer gamers whose lives have been transformed by the emerging genre of computer games called Massively Multiplayer Online games (MMOs). World of Warcraft, Second Life, and Everquest allow millions of users to simultaneously interact in virtual spaces. Second Skin introduces us to the real people who populate these online virtual worlds. Couples who have fallen in love without meeting, disabled players whose lives have been given new purpose, those struggling with addiction, Chinese gold-farming sweatshop workers, wealthy online entrepreneurs and legendary guild leaders- all living in a world that doesn't quite exist.

CAG's "Donate Games to the Troops in Iraq" Campaign

Cheap Ass Gamer is taking in donations of video games and systems for the troops over seas in Iraq.

Basically, the troops would be happy to have any new or used games on Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, PS2, Xbox, Gamecube, and DS.

Gamers for Kids' Sake

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It’s time for the sixth annual Gamers and Designers for Kids’ Sake. Once a year Austin’s game industry hits the lanes and raises money for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Join us on Saturday, March 1, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm as over 20 of Austin’s best game and digital media companies congregate at Highland Lanes, Burnett @ 183. It’s a fun, easy, highly social event and for a great cause—pairing disadvantaged kids with adult mentors.

BioWare Austin seeks Writers

Our Jobs at Bioware page has information on how to apply and several other helpful resources.

BioWare Austin is searching for Writers to help development on new, ground-breaking role-playing games. We are accepting applications for immediate vacancies.

Austin Community College seeks Lead Game Development Institute Technician

Reports to the Dean of Computer Studies & Advanced Technologies. Responsible for providing technical support and work flow direction for the Game Development Institute (GDI). Collaborates with faculty to identify, implement, and maintain game development tools, technologies, and processes relevant to student and faculty projects. Provides support and direction to students and staff in the gaming degree programs and in the incubator environment. Makes recommendations regarding game platforms, hardware, and software. Assists the Director in creating and maintaining successful relationships within the Austin game development community and GDI. Collaborates with faculty to maximize student skill development for GDI students. Coordinates and assists with implementation of industry standard tools and practices for game development practices. Assists and supports students, faculty and others to achieve project goals related to completion of GDI degrees and certificates. Maintains project documentation. Contributes as an integrated GDI team member. Other related duties may be assigned.

Bedicheck Middle School seeks volunteers

Industry Volunteers Needed

Bedicheck Middle School seeks volunteers to help lead a 10-week apprenticeship in video game development. Trying a new approach to engage students with math, Bedicheck is implementing an out-of-the box game curriculum that looks fun, age-appropriate, and well thought out. Volunteers need not be available for each week's 90-minute class. Interested folks, please contact the program's coordinator, Emily Schneider-Krzys, emilyschneiderkrzys -AT- citizenschools.org.

Junction Point Studios Hiring - UPDATED Feb 11

Founded by Warren Spector, Junction Point Studios (JPS) joined Disney Interactive Studios (DIS) in September of 2007 and is quickly growing. While DIS is part of the larger Walt Disney Company, we still have the autonomy of a smaller developer/publisher without many of the risks and restrictions associated with start-ups.
Comprised of experienced game developers from places like Origin, Looking Glass, Electronic Arts, Sony, Sony Online, Digital Anvil, NC Soft, Rare and many more, we believe long-term success can best be achieved by delivering games of the highest quality – in game play and presentation, notably on time and budget. While hard work and commitment to quality is important, quality of life is equally important and our goal is to create an environment that fosters a superior work/life balance.

Currnet Positions:

Animator
Environment Artist
Senior Game Designer
AI Programmer
QA Lead
Concept Artist

Pogo seeks Software Engineers

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EA Pogo is opening a new studio in Austin and is looking for brilliant software engineers to join this new all-star game development team. Pogo has over 12 million monthly unique visitors and accounts for over 40% of all minutes spent playing online casual games in the US. Club Pogo, the affiliated subscription service passed 1,500,000 paying subscribers and continues growing rapidly. Pogo has rapid expansion plans for the coming year. As a result of a multi year deal with Hasbro, Pogo will be adding branded games such as Monopoly and Scrabble. Join one of Electronic Art's fastest growing divisions - Pogo.com!

Gemini School 2008 Winter & Spring Schedule

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Happy New Year from everyone at Gemini School of Visual Arts & Communication. If getting back into an art studio is on that resolution list, we've got the perfect opportunity for you. Dust off your brushes and join us for one or all of our studio@gemini Painting Workshops. Whether you prefer skies, clouds or seas, we've got a class to re-invigorate your creative spirit.

Classes are held on Wednesday evenings from 6-9 p.m. The fee for each six-session workshop is $250. Registration and class material forms are on our website www.geminischool.com/html/eveningclasses.html . Class size is limited, so reserve your seat early!

Total Immersion Software Seeks Artists, Designers, Programmers and QA Lead

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Total Immersion Software is rapidly expanding its office in Austin, Texas. We are looking for highly skilled Project Directors, Programmers, Artists, Designers, and a Quality Assurance Lead to help build our next generation technology and product offerings.
We are a tools innovator and a games developer focused on the entertainment, training, simulation, and mission rehearsal markets. Whether you are at the beginning of your career or a seasoned vet, we want to discuss how you can become part of our growing team!

Red Fly is Seeking Senior Programmers

Red Fly Studio is seeking Senior Programmers to work full time on Ghostbusters or Mushroom Men for the Nintendo Wii.

Ghostfire Games seeks Senior/Lead Artist

A new, small startup located in Austin TX has a great opportunity for a Senior/Lead Artist. This person will play a key role in building a downloadable game for the next-generation Wii console. The initial project will last approximately 6-9 months and will be developed by a team of approximately 4-5 people. There will likely be an opportunity for continuing work at the studio after the project is complete. This job is very rewarding since the project duration is short, and the role is important since the team is small. You will have the opportunity to wear multiple hats. With that said, this job does require a lot of work and you will be held accountable for delivering quality art on-schedule.

Ghostfire Games seeks Senior/Lead Programmer

A new startup located in Austin TX has a great opportunity for a Senior/Lead Programmer. This person would play a key role in building a downloadable game for the next-generation Wii console. The initial project will last approximately 6-9 months and will be developed by a team of approximately 4-5 people. There may be an opportunity for continuing work at the studio after the project is complete. This job is very rewarding since the project duration is short, and the role is important since the team is small. With that said, this job does require a lot of work and you will be held accountable for delivering quality code on-schedule.

ACC Video Game Program Information Session, January 9, 2008

Please mark your calendars - On Jan 9th, Austin Community College will be having a Video Game Program Information Session, from 7pm to 9pm, at ACC's Highland Business Center. This will be an opportunity for students and prospective students to get their questions answered and meet and mingle with industry professionals like you.