IGDA Newsletter - April 2004
============================
IGDA Newsletter - April 2004
============================
=============================
Table of Contents
=============================
0: A Word From Kathy Schoback
1: IGDA News
- Quality of Life White Paper
- Members-Only Party at E3
- California Game Regulation Bills Blocked
- GDC Follow-Up Materials and Reports
- IGDA Denmark Chapter at 3D Festival
- Columns Update
2: Chapter Updates
3: From the Wires
- Game AI Luminary Eric Dybsand Suffers Aneurism, Dies
- Violent video games under fire in Assembly
- Calif. video game bills fail in committee
- Entertainment Retail Trade Associations Join Forces
- Festival of Independent and Alternative Games
- EA to back USC School of Cinema-Television
- Make Better Criticism: A Mature Form of Cultural Analysis
- Programming pioneer Silas Warner dies
- The Risk Adverse Interactive Entertainment Industry of 2004
- Video game industry faces 'crisis of creativity'
- Tired of the same old video games?
- Life After the Video Game Crash
- Bringing emotions to video games
- The State of Play: Law, Games, and Virtual Worlds - papers
- China to Tighten Game Imports
- TIGA hails positive budget for UK developers
- Women in Games: Frontier Life #7: Elena Bertozzi
- HOWTO Encourage Women in Linux
- Brain waves control video game
- Game design gets serious for real-world applications
- Gamers for a Cure
4: Logistical Bits
=============================
=============================
0: A Word From Kathy Schoback
=============================
Dear Members and friends,
Believe it or not, I'm still basking in the buzz of possibility that emerged at GDC this year. There is plenty of change afoot, and it's not all about a console transition. Check the periphery of your "industry vision" and pay attention to what you may find!
I've also got warm fuzzies from the IGDA' GDC Scholarship recipients' statements and from the results of the IGDA's Business Summit (see below for links). The latter offers concrete solutions - things all developers can do - to minimize or prevent the difficulties many independent developers face right now. You owe it to yourself and our industry to implement as much of these suggestions as you can. Ditto for the unbelievable Quality of Life white paper!
Since this is my last newsletter as Chair, I'd like to thank our devoted volunteers for their tremendous output this year. Big props to Jason Della Rocca, Liz Wakefield and Rudy Geronimo for keeping the entire org on stable ground. And lastly, my deepest gratitude to this year's board for their service. We have achieved some tremendous changes in the org, and it's not stopping now.
Here's where the fun begins!
Kathy Schoback
"outgoing" Chairperson, IGDA
======================================
Partner Ad: Alienbrain Studio Discount
======================================
Avid Technology (formerly NXN Software) is proud to announce our 20/10 DISCOUNT on the award-winning asset management software, Alienbrain Studio. IGDA Studio Affiliates in North America can now receive 10% off each seat of Alienbrain Studio for up to 20 seats. For further details on the 20/10 DISCOUNT, please contact Stephen Peacock at stephen_peacock@avid.com.
http://www.alienbrain.com
======================================
============
1: IGDA News
============
Quality of Life White Paper
---------------------------
The 90-page "Quality of Life in the Game Industry: Challenges and Best Practices" white paper was prepared by the IGDA's Quality of Life Committee, representing a wide range of game development professions and companies.
The white paper discusses the problems and consequences developers face when trying to maintain a career in the industry and the solutions for establishing a better work/life balance. Further, the IGDA white paper explains how studios can adopt best practices to help alleviate some of the stress and allow for a more balanced life.
http://www.igda.org/qol/whitepaper.php
Members-Only Party at E3
------------------------
The IGDA is happy to announce its first ever "members only" party! With so much of E3 focused on the games, media, business and booth babes, we wanted to give the actual game developers a chance to connect, chill out and have some fun on Tuesday, May 11th.
All IGDA members are invited, but your RSVP is required:
http://www.igda.org/events/rsvp_e3party.php
Food and drinks will be served. Ambient beats will be provided by FR33SONICK.
Must be an IGDA member. Must RSVP. No exceptions. Space is limited.
The party is being partly sponsored by:
Alienbrain - http://www.alienbrain.com/
Secret Level - http://www.secretlevel.com/
Softimage - http://www.softimage.com/
California Game Regulation Bills Blocked
----------------------------------------
California-State Bills 1792 & 1793 proposed to treat video games differently from other forms of media. AB 1792 was to prohibit the sale or rental of video games to minors by reclassifying games as "harmful substances" such as alcohol and tobacco. AB 1793 mandated unwieldy segregation rules for retailers to display games based on ratings issued by the ESRB. These bills were a misdirected attempt at placing the government, instead of parents, in charge of what games they buy for their families
The IGDA is pleased to report that on April 13th, the Arts Committee failed to approve the bills (but left an opening for re-submission). In the week leading up the Committee hearings, the IGDA conducted grassroots efforts in California asking members to send letters to their representatives. Previously, the IGDA sent a letter to CA Assembly member Leland Yee in opposition to the bills. Additionally, the IGDA sent similar letters of opposition to the Arts Committee and Safety Committee.
Check the IGDA's Anti-Censorship Advocacy page for further details and links to news reports, bill details, grassroots materials, etc.
http://www.igda.org/censorship/
GDC Follow-Up Materials and Reports
-----------------------------------
The IGDA had a very successful GDC, thanks in no small part to the involvement of our members and volunteers. Several reports, materials, and other bits have been compiled as follow-up to the conference:
- Business Summit proceedings report and slides/notes
http://www.igda.org/biz/summit.php
- Student Scholarship show reports
http://www.igda.org/students/scholarship_reports_gdc2004.php
- Game Developers Choice Award recipients
http://www.igda.org/awards/pr_2004_0325.htm
- Academic sessions' slides/notes
http://www.igda.org/academia/events.php
- Jason's summary and pictures
http://www.igda.org/blogs/realitypanic/archives/000084.html
IGDA Denmark Chapter at 3D Festival
-----------------------------------
The IGDA's Danish chapter will be participating in the upcoming 3D Festival (May 3-6, Copenhagen) with a end-of-day panel on the future of the game/CG industries and a booth on the expo floor. IGDA members can also enjoy a 25% discount on registration fees. Contact the Denmark chapter for more details:
http://www.igda.org/denmark/
http://www.3dfestival.com/
Columns Update
--------------
Monthly columns updated for April:
- The Ivory Tower:
The Muse of the Video Game
http://www.igda.org/columns/ivorytower/
- Famous Last Words:
Getting Credit For Your Work
http://www.igda.org/columns/lastwords/
- Culture Clash:
Let there be Lightsourcing: The two faces of acceptable violence
http://www.igda.org/columns/clash/
- The Games Game:
Staying In After Getting In
http://www.igda.org/columns/gamesgame/
==================
2: Chapter Updates
==================
Complete list of chapter reports and upcoming meetings:
http://www.igda.org/chapters/updates.php
Korea
Meeting, May > Seoul-IGDA Spring Meeting
http://www.igda.org/korea/
Tokyo
Meeting, May > Game Developers Conference 2004 recap
http://www.igda.jp/modules/xfsection/article.php?articleid=39
Chicago
Meeting, April > Saving Independent Development
http://www.igda.org/chicago/next.htm
New Jersey North
Report, April > GDC thoughts, free swag and more
http://blender.rutgers.edu/~njigda/meeting_200404.shtml
Brighton
Meeting, April > Cross-Platform Gaming
http://www.igda.org/brightonuk/
Houston
Report, April > Houston pays their respects to Shaune Anderson
http://www.igda.org/houston
Seattle
Report, April > Meaningful Choice: Evolving Games from Checkers to Shakespeare
http://www.igda.org/seattle/reports/04_2004r.htm
Ottawa
Report, April > Ottawa Chapter - March 2004
http://www.igda.org/ottawa/
San Diego
Report, March > RPG Design and MMOG Development
http://www.igda.org/sandiego/march-meeting-03162004-summary.htm
Beijing
Report, March > Seminar: An Introduction to Conceptual Design
http://www.igda.org/beijing/report_mar19_04.htm
Seattle
Report, March > Pre-GDC Talk: Common C++ Performance Mistakes in Games
http://www.igda.org/seattle/reports/03_2004r.htm
Colorado
Report, March > Experimental Gaming & Machinima
http://www.coloradogamedev.org/20040301.html
=================
3: From the Wires
=================
News stories and articles from around the web...
Game AI Luminary Eric Dybsand Suffers Aneurism, Dies
http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=3722
Violent video games under fire in Assembly
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2004/04/05/BAGSB60LTD1.DTL
Calif. video game bills fail in committee
http://www.forbes.com/newswire/2004/04/13/rtr1331118.html
Entertainment Retail Trade Associations Join Forces
http://www.digitalgamedeveloper.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=24984
Festival of Independent and Alternative Games
http://proxy.arts.uci.edu/gamelab/events/alt_ctrl_04.html
EA to back USC School of Cinema-Television
http://www.gamespot.com/news/2004/03/22/news_6091941.html
Make Better Criticism: A Mature Form of Cultural Analysis
http://www.insertcredit.com/features/gdc2004/criticism.html
Programming pioneer Silas Warner dies
http://www.gamespot.com/news/2004/03/18/news_6091777.html
The Risk Adverse Interactive Entertainment Industry of 2004
http://www.dfcint.com/game_article/apr04article.html
Video game industry faces 'crisis of creativity'
http://www.forbes.com/business/newswire/2004/03/26/rtr1313656.html
Tired of the same old video games?
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/4458265/
Life After the Video Game Crash
http://www.pointlesswasteoftime.com/games/crash.html
Bringing emotions to video games
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4038606
The State of Play: Law, Games, and Virtual Worlds - papers
http://www.nyls.edu/pages/1684.asp
China to Tighten Game Imports
http://www.polygonmag.com/news/index.php?id=1877
TIGA hails positive budget for UK developers
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?section_name=dev&aid=3149
Women in Games: Frontier Life #7: Elena Bertozzi
http://edblogs.educ.msu.edu/mt/mtweblog/CCM/archives/000339.html
HOWTO Encourage Women in Linux
http://www.tldp.org/HOWTO/Encourage-Women-Linux-HOWTO/index.html
Brain waves control video game
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/3485918.stm
Game design gets serious for real-world applications
http://www.eetimes.com/sys/news/showArticle.jhtml;?articleID=18402853
Gamers for a Cure
http://www.neenerneener.net/ms/
==================
4: Logistical Bits
==================
Thanks to our Partners!
-----------------------
The IGDA extends its sincerest thanks to all our Partners! Especially those
who just joined us, or recently renewed their commitment to support the
game development community:
- Discreet
- GameRecruiter.com
- Kaydara
- Korea IT Industry Promotion Agency
- Metrowerks
- nVidia
- Seneca College Animation Arts Centre
- SN Systems
- Sony Computer Entertainment America
- Web Technology Corp.
Without their support the IGDA simply would not survive - let alone thrive.
Further details and a complete list of Partners are available online:
http://www.igda.org/partners
Newsletter Subscription
-----------------------
You can update your subscription details via your MyProfile page:
http://www.igda.org/membership/myprofile.php
If you need help, contact us at info@igda.org.
IGDA Registration
-----------------
Your support is critical to the success of the IGDA, and our industry.
There are dozens of reasons to join the IGDA, ranging from personal career
advancement to more lofty industry-wide goals.
What are you waiting for? Join today.
http://www.igda.org/join
Contact Information
-------------------
Please contact us if you have questions, comments or input.
http://www.igda.org/contact.php
-------
- end -
-------
IGDA Newsletter - April 2004
============================
=============================
Table of Contents
=============================
0: A Word From Kathy Schoback
1: IGDA News
- Quality of Life White Paper
- Members-Only Party at E3
- California Game Regulation Bills Blocked
- GDC Follow-Up Materials and Reports
- IGDA Denmark Chapter at 3D Festival
- Columns Update
2: Chapter Updates
3: From the Wires
- Game AI Luminary Eric Dybsand Suffers Aneurism, Dies
- Violent video games under fire in Assembly
- Calif. video game bills fail in committee
- Entertainment Retail Trade Associations Join Forces
- Festival of Independent and Alternative Games
- EA to back USC School of Cinema-Television
- Make Better Criticism: A Mature Form of Cultural Analysis
- Programming pioneer Silas Warner dies
- The Risk Adverse Interactive Entertainment Industry of 2004
- Video game industry faces 'crisis of creativity'
- Tired of the same old video games?
- Life After the Video Game Crash
- Bringing emotions to video games
- The State of Play: Law, Games, and Virtual Worlds - papers
- China to Tighten Game Imports
- TIGA hails positive budget for UK developers
- Women in Games: Frontier Life #7: Elena Bertozzi
- HOWTO Encourage Women in Linux
- Brain waves control video game
- Game design gets serious for real-world applications
- Gamers for a Cure
4: Logistical Bits
=============================
=============================
0: A Word From Kathy Schoback
=============================
Dear Members and friends,
Believe it or not, I'm still basking in the buzz of possibility that emerged at GDC this year. There is plenty of change afoot, and it's not all about a console transition. Check the periphery of your "industry vision" and pay attention to what you may find!
I've also got warm fuzzies from the IGDA' GDC Scholarship recipients' statements and from the results of the IGDA's Business Summit (see below for links). The latter offers concrete solutions - things all developers can do - to minimize or prevent the difficulties many independent developers face right now. You owe it to yourself and our industry to implement as much of these suggestions as you can. Ditto for the unbelievable Quality of Life white paper!
Since this is my last newsletter as Chair, I'd like to thank our devoted volunteers for their tremendous output this year. Big props to Jason Della Rocca, Liz Wakefield and Rudy Geronimo for keeping the entire org on stable ground. And lastly, my deepest gratitude to this year's board for their service. We have achieved some tremendous changes in the org, and it's not stopping now.
Here's where the fun begins!
Kathy Schoback
"outgoing" Chairperson, IGDA
======================================
Partner Ad: Alienbrain Studio Discount
======================================
Avid Technology (formerly NXN Software) is proud to announce our 20/10 DISCOUNT on the award-winning asset management software, Alienbrain Studio. IGDA Studio Affiliates in North America can now receive 10% off each seat of Alienbrain Studio for up to 20 seats. For further details on the 20/10 DISCOUNT, please contact Stephen Peacock at stephen_peacock@avid.com.
http://www.alienbrain.com
======================================
============
1: IGDA News
============
Quality of Life White Paper
---------------------------
The 90-page "Quality of Life in the Game Industry: Challenges and Best Practices" white paper was prepared by the IGDA's Quality of Life Committee, representing a wide range of game development professions and companies.
The white paper discusses the problems and consequences developers face when trying to maintain a career in the industry and the solutions for establishing a better work/life balance. Further, the IGDA white paper explains how studios can adopt best practices to help alleviate some of the stress and allow for a more balanced life.
http://www.igda.org/qol/whitepaper.php
Members-Only Party at E3
------------------------
The IGDA is happy to announce its first ever "members only" party! With so much of E3 focused on the games, media, business and booth babes, we wanted to give the actual game developers a chance to connect, chill out and have some fun on Tuesday, May 11th.
All IGDA members are invited, but your RSVP is required:
http://www.igda.org/events/rsvp_e3party.php
Food and drinks will be served. Ambient beats will be provided by FR33SONICK.
Must be an IGDA member. Must RSVP. No exceptions. Space is limited.
The party is being partly sponsored by:
Alienbrain - http://www.alienbrain.com/
Secret Level - http://www.secretlevel.com/
Softimage - http://www.softimage.com/
California Game Regulation Bills Blocked
----------------------------------------
California-State Bills 1792 & 1793 proposed to treat video games differently from other forms of media. AB 1792 was to prohibit the sale or rental of video games to minors by reclassifying games as "harmful substances" such as alcohol and tobacco. AB 1793 mandated unwieldy segregation rules for retailers to display games based on ratings issued by the ESRB. These bills were a misdirected attempt at placing the government, instead of parents, in charge of what games they buy for their families
The IGDA is pleased to report that on April 13th, the Arts Committee failed to approve the bills (but left an opening for re-submission). In the week leading up the Committee hearings, the IGDA conducted grassroots efforts in California asking members to send letters to their representatives. Previously, the IGDA sent a letter to CA Assembly member Leland Yee in opposition to the bills. Additionally, the IGDA sent similar letters of opposition to the Arts Committee and Safety Committee.
Check the IGDA's Anti-Censorship Advocacy page for further details and links to news reports, bill details, grassroots materials, etc.
http://www.igda.org/censorship/
GDC Follow-Up Materials and Reports
-----------------------------------
The IGDA had a very successful GDC, thanks in no small part to the involvement of our members and volunteers. Several reports, materials, and other bits have been compiled as follow-up to the conference:
- Business Summit proceedings report and slides/notes
http://www.igda.org/biz/summit.php
- Student Scholarship show reports
http://www.igda.org/students/scholarship_reports_gdc2004.php
- Game Developers Choice Award recipients
http://www.igda.org/awards/pr_2004_0325.htm
- Academic sessions' slides/notes
http://www.igda.org/academia/events.php
- Jason's summary and pictures
http://www.igda.org/blogs/realitypanic/archives/000084.html
IGDA Denmark Chapter at 3D Festival
-----------------------------------
The IGDA's Danish chapter will be participating in the upcoming 3D Festival (May 3-6, Copenhagen) with a end-of-day panel on the future of the game/CG industries and a booth on the expo floor. IGDA members can also enjoy a 25% discount on registration fees. Contact the Denmark chapter for more details:
http://www.igda.org/denmark/
http://www.3dfestival.com/
Columns Update
--------------
Monthly columns updated for April:
- The Ivory Tower:
The Muse of the Video Game
http://www.igda.org/columns/ivorytower/
- Famous Last Words:
Getting Credit For Your Work
http://www.igda.org/columns/lastwords/
- Culture Clash:
Let there be Lightsourcing: The two faces of acceptable violence
http://www.igda.org/columns/clash/
- The Games Game:
Staying In After Getting In
http://www.igda.org/columns/gamesgame/
==================
2: Chapter Updates
==================
Complete list of chapter reports and upcoming meetings:
http://www.igda.org/chapters/updates.php
Korea
Meeting, May > Seoul-IGDA Spring Meeting
http://www.igda.org/korea/
Tokyo
Meeting, May > Game Developers Conference 2004 recap
http://www.igda.jp/modules/xfsection/article.php?articleid=39
Chicago
Meeting, April > Saving Independent Development
http://www.igda.org/chicago/next.htm
New Jersey North
Report, April > GDC thoughts, free swag and more
http://blender.rutgers.edu/~njigda/meeting_200404.shtml
Brighton
Meeting, April > Cross-Platform Gaming
http://www.igda.org/brightonuk/
Houston
Report, April > Houston pays their respects to Shaune Anderson
http://www.igda.org/houston
Seattle
Report, April > Meaningful Choice: Evolving Games from Checkers to Shakespeare
http://www.igda.org/seattle/reports/04_2004r.htm
Ottawa
Report, April > Ottawa Chapter - March 2004
http://www.igda.org/ottawa/
San Diego
Report, March > RPG Design and MMOG Development
http://www.igda.org/sandiego/march-meeting-03162004-summary.htm
Beijing
Report, March > Seminar: An Introduction to Conceptual Design
http://www.igda.org/beijing/report_mar19_04.htm
Seattle
Report, March > Pre-GDC Talk: Common C++ Performance Mistakes in Games
http://www.igda.org/seattle/reports/03_2004r.htm
Colorado
Report, March > Experimental Gaming & Machinima
http://www.coloradogamedev.org/20040301.html
=================
3: From the Wires
=================
News stories and articles from around the web...
Game AI Luminary Eric Dybsand Suffers Aneurism, Dies
http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=3722
Violent video games under fire in Assembly
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2004/04/05/BAGSB60LTD1.DTL
Calif. video game bills fail in committee
http://www.forbes.com/newswire/2004/04/13/rtr1331118.html
Entertainment Retail Trade Associations Join Forces
http://www.digitalgamedeveloper.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=24984
Festival of Independent and Alternative Games
http://proxy.arts.uci.edu/gamelab/events/alt_ctrl_04.html
EA to back USC School of Cinema-Television
http://www.gamespot.com/news/2004/03/22/news_6091941.html
Make Better Criticism: A Mature Form of Cultural Analysis
http://www.insertcredit.com/features/gdc2004/criticism.html
Programming pioneer Silas Warner dies
http://www.gamespot.com/news/2004/03/18/news_6091777.html
The Risk Adverse Interactive Entertainment Industry of 2004
http://www.dfcint.com/game_article/apr04article.html
Video game industry faces 'crisis of creativity'
http://www.forbes.com/business/newswire/2004/03/26/rtr1313656.html
Tired of the same old video games?
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/4458265/
Life After the Video Game Crash
http://www.pointlesswasteoftime.com/games/crash.html
Bringing emotions to video games
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4038606
The State of Play: Law, Games, and Virtual Worlds - papers
http://www.nyls.edu/pages/1684.asp
China to Tighten Game Imports
http://www.polygonmag.com/news/index.php?id=1877
TIGA hails positive budget for UK developers
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?section_name=dev&aid=3149
Women in Games: Frontier Life #7: Elena Bertozzi
http://edblogs.educ.msu.edu/mt/mtweblog/CCM/archives/000339.html
HOWTO Encourage Women in Linux
http://www.tldp.org/HOWTO/Encourage-Women-Linux-HOWTO/index.html
Brain waves control video game
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/3485918.stm
Game design gets serious for real-world applications
http://www.eetimes.com/sys/news/showArticle.jhtml;?articleID=18402853
Gamers for a Cure
http://www.neenerneener.net/ms/
==================
4: Logistical Bits
==================
Thanks to our Partners!
-----------------------
The IGDA extends its sincerest thanks to all our Partners! Especially those
who just joined us, or recently renewed their commitment to support the
game development community:
- Discreet
- GameRecruiter.com
- Kaydara
- Korea IT Industry Promotion Agency
- Metrowerks
- nVidia
- Seneca College Animation Arts Centre
- SN Systems
- Sony Computer Entertainment America
- Web Technology Corp.
Without their support the IGDA simply would not survive - let alone thrive.
Further details and a complete list of Partners are available online:
http://www.igda.org/partners
Newsletter Subscription
-----------------------
You can update your subscription details via your MyProfile page:
http://www.igda.org/membership/myprofile.php
If you need help, contact us at info@igda.org.
IGDA Registration
-----------------
Your support is critical to the success of the IGDA, and our industry.
There are dozens of reasons to join the IGDA, ranging from personal career
advancement to more lofty industry-wide goals.
What are you waiting for? Join today.
http://www.igda.org/join
Contact Information
-------------------
Please contact us if you have questions, comments or input.
http://www.igda.org/contact.php
-------
- end -
-------
Last updated:
09/25/2009 - 2:54 PM
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