Dino Dini 2010 Board Statement
Candidate Position Statement:
I have no idea who nominated me, I had not considered standing prior to receiving the nomination. However, my philosophy is to never reject something unexpected, and so here I am. I am not a politician. I merely want to make a difference.
I have been developing computer games for about 30 years. Highlights of my career include two extremely successful franchises for their time: Kick Off and Player Manager. I have a passion for game development and design, and always seek to push the boundaries of the medium. However the industry has many problems and needs to mature into an industry where creativity is the driving force behind the business, instead of business being the driving force behind the creativity. Many things need to change to make this happen, and I believe that the IGDA can play an important role in this.
However, the IGDA is not without its own problems, perhaps reflecting those of the industry. Difficulty in creating collaboration, conflicting agendas and general apathy seem to be major issues. Additionally, many initiatives seem to get bogged down with political bickering, and trolls wander the forums forecasting the death of the IGDA.
There is much important work that the IGDA is already involved in, critical to the future of our industry. For example, quality of life issues are central to many problems the industry faces. A sustainable industry needs both a sustainable life model as well as a sustainable business model. However, in order for any such initiatives to progress, they need to active interest and support of the membership. This I feel is the IGDA's current weakness.
To fix this, I believe that we need to improve communication generally and put in place initiatives to encourage a real sense of community within the IGDA, something which I feel is currently lacking. Evidence for this can be seen on the forums, where very little constructive discussion takes place. It is true that much good work takes place behind the scenes, but this does not help foster inclusive, friendly, "go for it" perceptions and attitudes among the membership.
If voted on to the board, I will direct my passion and energies into making a difference, starting with the IGDA itself and with my key focus being to improve the sense of community and involvement among the membership. This is, after all, where the true power of the IGDA lies.
Candidate Bio:
Dino has been designing and programming video games for 30 years. He is most known for creating the Kick Off and Player Manager franchises.
His football games won the 1989 Indin award for best 16 bit product and the EMAP golden joystick awards two years in a row. He now teaches video game programming in the International Game Architecture and Design course at NHTV University of Applied Sciences, Breda, Netherlands. He also continues to work as a consultant and developer through his company Igneous Entertainment Limited.
Board Interview Q and A:
1. What do you see as the biggest challenge facing game developers today? What should the IGDA's role be in addressing that challenge?
The biggest issue is the lack of a viable, sustainable way of doing business that encourages the creative evolution of the art of video game development.
The IGDA can address this through advocacy of better working and business practices as well as helping to define and monitor industry standards designed to allow the industry to mature.
In order to do this the IGDA membership must pull together, and this is where I would like to focus my efforts, as I see this as the key bottleneck to progress.
2. How do you expect to contribute to the IGDA Board? What qualifications or skills do you possess that will enhance your contributions?
I have a great deal of experience of video game development going back 30 years. I expect to contribute by using my key skills of problem recognition, problem solving and communication in order to bring about a positive change in the IGDA. As well as being able to generate good ideas, I am very careful in monitoring the integrity of any initiative to help ensure it does not lose its way. I am concerned with action, and am effective at helping remove bottlenecks to progress.
3. How much time do you expect to volunteer to the IGDA? How will you manage this commitment?
If elected I will make a significant commitment of my time to ensure that things get done. I see this as a great opportunity to make a lasting positive change to the industry. This is something that has driven me for most of my career. I will commit whatever time it takes to help improve our industry.
I will be able to manage this commitment. As a teacher I have flexible working hours and a very flexible arrangement with my employer, which also allows me to speak out without fear of reprisals.
4. As an IGDA board member, you're often asked to get things done on a short timeframe and tight budget. What do you think a reasonable expectation of a board member's contribution is? How will you accomplish your goals as a board member?
Contributions normally come in two forms: contributions of ideas and contributions of time. I am able to contribute in both ways. It is not easy to quantify 'reasonable expectations', but what I will say is that when I make a commitment to do something by a given date, I will take that commitment seriously and do everything in my power to deliver on the promise. Should problems occur for whatever reason, my philosophy is to immediately declare it and not try to bury my head in the sand. I know from experience that a deadline focuses the mind wonderfully, and sometimes courage is needed to commit to a deadline even when all facts are not known. I have the courage to make such commitments, and above all be honest and accountable for my actions.
Post to Twitter