Frequently Asked Questions

You've got questions, we've got answers. We'll be updating the FAQ on an ongoing basis. If you have a question not answered here, or would like to suggest a question for the FAQ, please contact us. Last updated September 12th, 2007.

Questions

Answers

Game Industry Info, Data and Statistics

Q: Where can I find sales numbers and other market statistics?

A: You can check out the following sites for market stats and sales reports, etc.

Q: How much can you earn in the game industry? What is the average salary of people making games?

A: Game Developer magazine puts out an annual salary survey. The surveys are hosted at the Gamasutra website:

Q: Where can I read about industry news?

A: A few good industry news site are:

Q: What are the main annual industry events? Is there an events calendar listing these?

A: Several of the major industry events that occur annually are:

There are dozens of other conferences and events during the year, most of which are listed at the Gamasutra Events Calendar.

Q: Where can I find a listing of game companies?

A: A few good company listings are at:

Getting into the Industry

Q: I’m a student interested in game development. Where can I find help and information?

A: Best place to start is at the Academic/Students Relations page . From there, you'll find info regarding scholarships, schools with game related curriculum, articles on how to get a job or internships and other valuable resources. Also, be sure to check out our special "Breaking In" site!

Q: I've got a GREAT IDEA for a game! Where do I start?

A: Cool. But, realize that everyone has great ideas. The real challenge is in executing on those ideas. The "Breaking In" section has a long list of links on how to make games and advice on getting into the industry. The sad reality is that game companies already have their own great ideas for games and will work to develop their own ideas (ie, they do not general "buy" ideas).

Q: Where can I find a list of schools offering game development courses?

A: We have a list of schools in the Breaking In section of our web site, along with other valuable information for students interested in game development. Additionally, Gamasutra lists schools in their Education Section.

Q: I want to get a job in game development. How do I get started?

A: Start at the newbies links page, there are a ton of articles on landing a job, making games and starting your own studio. Also, dive into the discussion forums for further advice. Also, be sure to check out our special "Breaking In" site!

IGDA Membership & Benefits

Q: Do IGDA members receive a free subscription to Game Developer magazine?

A: No. CMP no longer provides free subscriptions of Game Developer magazine to IGDA members. Prior to January 1st, 2005, members did receive a subscription.

Q: How much does membership cost?

A: A regular 1-year memberships costs US$48. For a 2-year membership it is only US$90. There is a discounted 1-year membership rate of US$35 for those from "developing countries". For students (with valid ID) it is US$30. Jump to the join page for further info.

Q: Is there a minimum age for membership?

A: Membership is open to anyone interested in game development, at any age. However, many benefits of membership are age restricted. Industry events often restrict access to minors, so member discounts on these events will not apply. Additionally, many IGDA chapters meet at bars with age restrictions.

Q: How do I upgrade my free user account to a paid IGDA membership?

A: Simply login to your MyProfile page and click on the "Upgrade to Membership" link.

Q: How can I change my username?

A: Contact us to request a change to your username. Include your current username along with the new username you would prefer. We will change your username, unless your preferred username is taken, and you will be notified by return email.

Q: How do I update my contact information?

A: Update your contact information via your MyProfile page.

Q: I lost my password. What should I do?

A: All login pages can send you a new password via email if you've forgotten it. Or, you can use the hinter page for help.

Q: I lost my username. What should I do?

A: All login pages can provide a hint of your username if you've forgotten it. Or, you can use the hinter page for help.

Q: I lost my IGDA member number. What should I do?

A: Simply login to your MyProfile page and your IGDA member number will be listed along with all other pertinent membership details.

Q: What are the benefits of membership?

A: The main benefit of membership is knowing the you are developing your career and personally contributing the betterment of this industry by supporting the IGDA's mission. More immediately tangible benefits include discounts and special offers on industry events, books, products and services. Be sure to explore the full list of member discounts. Members also receive a membership card and gain access to the member directory, and the ability to post their own member profile.

Q: I have a great idea for a new member benefit. What should I do?

A: Contact us to suggest new member benefits. We welcome such suggestions, and will work to arrange new benefits of value to our membership.

Q: Who can attend IGDA chapter meetings?

A: Anyone interested in game development is welcome to attend an IGDA chapter meeting. IGDA membership is encouraged, but not required. Note that some chapters hold social events in bars, and must comply with any age restrictions in force. Some chapters may host occasional special meetings for members only - please contact each chapter for details.

Q: Can the IGDA provide a advisory letter in support of my USA work VISA request?

A: The most experienced and talented game developers can work in the U.S. for up to three years on an O1 visa, a nonimmigrant visa for those who excel in a particular field. A U.S. development studio must file an O1 petition on behalf of a foreign national, and submit documentation proving extraordinary ability, accomplishment, and international distinction. A written advisory opinion from an independent peer group is required, and the IGDA provides advisory letters to IGDA members upon request. To learn more or to request an advisory opinion, contact us. Requests for advisory letters should include the visa applicant's IGDA member number, employment history, game credits, awards or special recognition, and job title and company of U.S. job offer. An advisory letter will be provided within one week.

Further details on immigration are available in the "Playing the Immigration Game" article at Gamasutra.

Q: Can the IGDA provide an invitation letter to attend USA-based events?

A: In some countries, an formal invitation letter is required to obtain a travel/entry VISA to the USA (as well as other countries). If you require such a letter (eg, to attend GDC or E3), the IGDA can provide a signed letter of invitation on corporate letterhead. Requests for invitation letters should include the VISA applicant's IGDA member number, full contact details and the event they wish to attend. An invitation letter will be provided within one week. Contact us for more details.

About the IGDA

Q: How can I get involved with the IGDA?

A: First check out the volunteers page for some "openings" that the IGDA is looking for support on. Also, be sure to check out the various committees, chapters and special interest groups and see if something interests you. Alternately, you can simply contact us with ideas on how you'd like to get involved.

Q: Who "controls" the IGDA?

A: The IGDA is governed by its elected board of directors. The board has complete control over all aspects of the IGDA, and all matters are voted on by the board, including budgets, new committees, member programs, and other important matters. Ultimately, the membership also has control as they elect the board.

Q: What is the "legal" status of the IGDA?

A: The IGDA is an independent, non-profit membership association and is recognized as a 501(c)6 tax-exempt organization by the US Internal Revenue Service and as a mutual benefit non-profit assocation under California-state law.

Q: Is the IGDA a union or guild?

A: No. The IGDA is an independent non-profit membership association. The IGDA cannot "transform" into a guild or a union.

Q: What is the nature of the IGDA's relationship with the CMP Game Group?

A: The IGDA has a strategic alliance with the CMP Game Group, providing a close working relationship with the CMP's various game industry endeavors (eg, Game Developer Magazine, Game Developers Conference, Gamasutra.com, IGF, etc) for the benefit of the IGDA's mission and membership. The IGDA has had a long and positive history with CMP.

Q: Does the IGDA own or run the Game Developers Conference?

A: No. As mentioned in the previous Q&A, the IGDA does have a strategic relationship with the GDC, but does not actually have any direct control or authority over the conference. The GDC is owned and operated by CMP. All IGDA members do benefit from the close relationship with a US$50 discount on registration fees, as well as member dedicated sessions and events.

Q: Does the IGDA compete with other developer oriented organization?

A: No. The IGDA is all about making this a better industry for everyone involved. Developer organizations are here to help developers and there is no reason for orgs to be competing with each other. Also, for the most part, other developer orgs have been more regionally based and are in place to lobby government and gain advantages - like tax breaks - for development companies (e.g., TIGA in the UK or APOM in France). Given that the IGDA is primarily based on individuals, our work and the work of these other orgs is very complementary and we try to support each other where possible.

Q: How can I contact someone from the IGDA?

A: Jump to the "contact us" page for details.