IGDA Newsletter - August 2004
=============================
IGDA Newsletter -
=============================
===========================
Table of Contents
===========================
0: A Word From Jesse Schell
1: IGDA News
- Production SIG Already In Crunch Mode...
- Anti-Censorship Update: Joe Baca's HR 669
- IGDA Event Participation
- Columns Update
2: Chapter Meetings/Reports
3: From the Wires
- The Lost Boys
- The Rise of the Gamer Generation
- Getting Girls into the Game
- Sex appeal of Myst games
- BAFTA Interactive New Talent Award goes to Female producer of SingStar
- The Players: SEGA HitMaker - Mie Kumagai
- Blockbuster mentality create hurdles for fledgling developers
- Escaping The Garage: The Plight Of Indies
- Growing the games biz - the need for new funding models
- Focus: EA sets the Criterion
- Doom 3 pirated en masse prerelease
- ELSPA anti-piracy unit announce its accomplishments during first half 2004
- Florida Attorney on Manhunt for Rockstar
- ELSPA sends open letter to Home Secretary over Manhunt controversy
- "I kill you."
- Racial Issues Alleged In GTA San Andreas, Other Games
- Internet Archive to Preserve Games
- Nobody gets a tan at video game camp
- It's Academic, Really
- High-tech game of hide and seek fascinates
4: Logistical Bits
===========================
===========================
0: A Word From Jesse Schell
===========================
Dear Members and friends,
An old adage says "Happiness is time enough to do things well."
Most of us enter the game industry not for riches or fame, but for the joy
the work brings us. But when we have to rush, cut corners, and compromise
quality, the joy of the work quickly fades. The guardian of this joy, the
one who makes sure we have time to do things right, is the producer. What a
boon it would be to the industry if there were a community where game
producers could discuss the right and wrong ways to perform their difficult
craft, learning from each other, rather than by trial and (expensive)
error. And now there is the IGDA Production SIG. More details are below
-- come bask in the shared wisdom, or contribute some of your own.
And don't forget if you'd like to start a SIG on a new topic, we'd be
glad to help you out this is what the IGDA is for: bringing developers
together for the benefit of all.
- Jesse Schell
Chairperson, IGDA
Professor of Entertainment Technology, Carnegie Mellon University
CEO, Schell Games
=====================================
AD: Austin Game Developers Conference
=====================================
Join us in Austin for 4 fantastic developer events. Attend all 4 for under
$200.
Austin Game Developer's Conference
http://www.GameConference.com
- More than 90 speakers: including the biggest names in MMOG, mobile and
console.
Women's Game Conference
http://www.WomensGameConference.com
- The first of its kind in the US to focus on women's issues in the industry.
Mobile Game Conference
http://www.MobileGameConference.com
- The "how-to" conference for developing mobile games. Join carriers,
developers, publishers and handset manufactures.
How To Break Into The Game Industry Conference and Resume Workshop
http://www.TheGameInitiative.com/austinbreakin/
- For students and professionals looking to get into the business.
=====================================
============
1: IGDA News
============
Production SIG Already In Crunch Mode...
----------------------------------------
The IGDA's newest special interest group, the Production SIG, has just been
established, thanks to the leadership of producer veteran Stuart Roch.
The SIG has already outlined its goal of formalizing a structured approach
to game projects. And, to help in that effort, the basics of two
initiatives are already outlined. The SIG has also set up a private
mailing list for the discussion of all things production.
Producers and project managers are encouraged to check out the SIG, sign
onto the mailing list and get involved!
http://www.igda.org/production/
Anti-Censorship Update: Joe Baca's HR 669
-----------------------------------------
Rep. Joe Baca's (D-California) HR 669 "Protect Children from Video Game Sex
and Violence Act" bill is still alive and pending in the House Judiciary
Committee which has not yet taken any action on this bill. The original
bill (HR 4645) was killed in 2002. In July 2003, Congressman Baca
threatened to take the unusual step of bypassing the Judiciary Committee's
consideration of this issue by forcing a floor vote on his bill during
consideration of an unrelated piece of legislation. Ultimately, due to
opposition from the industry and other Members of Congress, he did not
offer his amendment up for a vote.
USA-based developers are encouraged to weigh in with their Members of
Congress about bills like HR 669 that would harm our industry by regulating
games differently than all other forms of entertainment media.
For more details/info:
http://www.igda.org/censorship/lobbying.php
To take action:
http://www.capitolconnect.com/esa/summary.asp?subject=12&flow=2
IGDA Event Participation
------------------------
The IGDA will be participating in the following upcoming events:
- CEDEC: The IGDA's Japanese chapter will be hosting an Academic Day during
the first day of the CESA Developers Conference.
- Women's Game Conference: Members of the IGDA's Women in Game Development
SIG have assisted in organizing this unique event. Kathy Schoback, the
IGDA's chair emeritus, will deliver the keynote speech.
- Austin Indie Roundtable: Discussion hosted by the IGDA's Indie SIG during
the Austin Game Developers Conference.
- DigiPlay 3: The IGDA's Game Accessibility SIG will present findings of the
recent white paper.
- Tokyo Game Show: The Japanese chapter has helped to coordinate the
"premium" portion of the conference, including an introduction by IGDA
director Jason Della Rocca.
- Video Game Developers Summit: The IGDA's Chicago chapter is working with
a local animation festival to host a local developers conference.
Check online for further details on these upcoming events and the IGDA's participation:
http://www.igda.org/events/
For summary reports and pics on recent events in which the IGDA participated,
visit our website:
- German Games Convention:
http://www.igda.org/blogs/realitypanic/archives/000110.html
- SIGGRAPH:
http://www.igda.org/events/events_siggraph2004.php
Columns Update
--------------
Monthly columns updated for this month:
- The Ivory Tower:
The End Of The World As We Know It...?
http://www.igda.org/columns/ivorytower/
- Famous Last Words:
Trademark Similarity Cause for Concern?
http://www.igda.org/columns/lastwords/
- Culture Clash:
Forget Me Not - Playing with Posterity
http://www.igda.org/columns/clash/
- The Games Game:
The Lone Wolf
http://www.igda.org/columns/gamesgame/
===========================================
AD: Game Developer's 2004 Game Career Guide
===========================================
Game Developer's 2004 Game Career Guide is now available for download and
at most major newsstands and bookstores.
To keep up with skyrocketing consumer demand for video games, game
companies are aggressively seeking talented candidates. Game Developer
magazine's 2004 Game Career Guide is an invaluable tool for professionals,
recent graduates or students wishing to break into or make a move in the
video game industry.
http://www.gamasutra.com/careerguide
===========================================
===========================
2: Chapter Meetings/Reports
===========================
Complete list of chapter reports and upcoming meetings:
http://www.igda.org/chapters/updates.php
Atlanta
Meeting, September > Meet-Up: Informal Pizza Dinner
http://www.igda.org/atlanta
Midlands UK
Report, August > Chapter Meeting Report
http://igda.org/midlands/reports/meet5.htm
Israel
Meeting, August > Chapter Casual Meeting
http://www.cfxweb.net/igda/meetings.php
Japan
Meeting, August > The Infrastructure Problem for Online Game
http://www.igda.jp/modules/news/article.php?storyid=248
Orange County
Meeting, August > Dave Perry Part 2
http://www.igda.org/oc
Los Angeles
Meeting, August > Creating Emotion in Games Meeting
http://www.igda.org/la
Toronto
Report, August > Game Journalism for Game Developers Discussion Event
http://www.igda.org/toronto/040804.htm
Colorado
Report, August > General Meeting
http://coloradogamedev.org/20040802.html
=================
3: From the Wires
=================
News stories and articles from around the web...
The Lost Boys
http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/12.08/lostboys.html
The Rise of the Gamer Generation
http://tinyurl.com/4m2j9
Getting Girls into the Game
http://biz.gamedaily.com/features_new/girls_and_gaming/
Sex appeal of Myst games
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/3889773.stm
BAFTA Interactive New Talent Award goes to Female producer of SingStar
http://tinyurl.com/5wmef
The Players: SEGA HitMaker - Mie Kumagai
http://www.gamestm.co.uk/pma/158
Blockbuster mentality create hurdles for fledgling developers
http://tinyurl.com/5vuv7
Escaping The Garage: The Plight Of Indies
http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20040721/carless_01.shtml
Growing the games biz - the need for new funding models
http://gould.weblogsinc.com/entry/7325544898821755
Focus: EA sets the Criterion
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?section_name=dev&aid=3883
Doom 3 pirated en masse prerelease
http://www.gamespot.com/news/2004/08/02/news_6103905.html
ELSPA anti-piracy unit announce its accomplishments during first half 2004
http://www.gamedev.net/community/forums/topic.asp?topic_id=261243
Florida Attorney on Manhunt for Rockstar
http://biz.gamedaily.com/features_new/jack_thompson/
ELSPA sends open letter to Home Secretary over Manhunt controversy
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?section_name=pub&aid=3930
"I kill you."
http://idlethumbs.net/display.php?id=39
Racial Issues Alleged In GTA San Andreas, Other Games
http://games.slashdot.org/games/04/08/12/0536227.shtml?tid=127
Internet Archive to Preserve Games
http://www.costik.com/weblog/2004_08_01_blogchive.html#1091888624182030
Nobody gets a tan at video game camp
http://www.siliconvalley.com/mld/siliconvalley/9108837.htm
It's Academic, Really
http://www.gamespot.com/features/6102913/p-3.html
High-tech game of hide and seek fascinates
http://tinyurl.com/3zjwg
==================
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:
- Alias
- Avid Alienbrain
- Austin Community College
- Criterion Software
- metricminds GmbH & Co. KG
- Metrowerks
- MobyGames
- Savannah College of Art and Design
- University of Abertay Dundee
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.
IGDA Membership
---------------
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.
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 -
=============================
===========================
Table of Contents
===========================
0: A Word From Jesse Schell
1: IGDA News
- Production SIG Already In Crunch Mode...
- Anti-Censorship Update: Joe Baca's HR 669
- IGDA Event Participation
- Columns Update
2: Chapter Meetings/Reports
3: From the Wires
- The Lost Boys
- The Rise of the Gamer Generation
- Getting Girls into the Game
- Sex appeal of Myst games
- BAFTA Interactive New Talent Award goes to Female producer of SingStar
- The Players: SEGA HitMaker - Mie Kumagai
- Blockbuster mentality create hurdles for fledgling developers
- Escaping The Garage: The Plight Of Indies
- Growing the games biz - the need for new funding models
- Focus: EA sets the Criterion
- Doom 3 pirated en masse prerelease
- ELSPA anti-piracy unit announce its accomplishments during first half 2004
- Florida Attorney on Manhunt for Rockstar
- ELSPA sends open letter to Home Secretary over Manhunt controversy
- "I kill you."
- Racial Issues Alleged In GTA San Andreas, Other Games
- Internet Archive to Preserve Games
- Nobody gets a tan at video game camp
- It's Academic, Really
- High-tech game of hide and seek fascinates
4: Logistical Bits
===========================
===========================
0: A Word From Jesse Schell
===========================
Dear Members and friends,
An old adage says "Happiness is time enough to do things well."
Most of us enter the game industry not for riches or fame, but for the joy
the work brings us. But when we have to rush, cut corners, and compromise
quality, the joy of the work quickly fades. The guardian of this joy, the
one who makes sure we have time to do things right, is the producer. What a
boon it would be to the industry if there were a community where game
producers could discuss the right and wrong ways to perform their difficult
craft, learning from each other, rather than by trial and (expensive)
error. And now there is the IGDA Production SIG. More details are below
-- come bask in the shared wisdom, or contribute some of your own.
And don't forget if you'd like to start a SIG on a new topic, we'd be
glad to help you out this is what the IGDA is for: bringing developers
together for the benefit of all.
- Jesse Schell
Chairperson, IGDA
Professor of Entertainment Technology, Carnegie Mellon University
CEO, Schell Games
=====================================
AD: Austin Game Developers Conference
=====================================
Join us in Austin for 4 fantastic developer events. Attend all 4 for under
$200.
Austin Game Developer's Conference
http://www.GameConference.com
- More than 90 speakers: including the biggest names in MMOG, mobile and
console.
Women's Game Conference
http://www.WomensGameConference.com
- The first of its kind in the US to focus on women's issues in the industry.
Mobile Game Conference
http://www.MobileGameConference.com
- The "how-to" conference for developing mobile games. Join carriers,
developers, publishers and handset manufactures.
How To Break Into The Game Industry Conference and Resume Workshop
http://www.TheGameInitiative.com/austinbreakin/
- For students and professionals looking to get into the business.
=====================================
============
1: IGDA News
============
Production SIG Already In Crunch Mode...
----------------------------------------
The IGDA's newest special interest group, the Production SIG, has just been
established, thanks to the leadership of producer veteran Stuart Roch.
The SIG has already outlined its goal of formalizing a structured approach
to game projects. And, to help in that effort, the basics of two
initiatives are already outlined. The SIG has also set up a private
mailing list for the discussion of all things production.
Producers and project managers are encouraged to check out the SIG, sign
onto the mailing list and get involved!
http://www.igda.org/production/
Anti-Censorship Update: Joe Baca's HR 669
-----------------------------------------
Rep. Joe Baca's (D-California) HR 669 "Protect Children from Video Game Sex
and Violence Act" bill is still alive and pending in the House Judiciary
Committee which has not yet taken any action on this bill. The original
bill (HR 4645) was killed in 2002. In July 2003, Congressman Baca
threatened to take the unusual step of bypassing the Judiciary Committee's
consideration of this issue by forcing a floor vote on his bill during
consideration of an unrelated piece of legislation. Ultimately, due to
opposition from the industry and other Members of Congress, he did not
offer his amendment up for a vote.
USA-based developers are encouraged to weigh in with their Members of
Congress about bills like HR 669 that would harm our industry by regulating
games differently than all other forms of entertainment media.
For more details/info:
http://www.igda.org/censorship/lobbying.php
To take action:
http://www.capitolconnect.com/esa/summary.asp?subject=12&flow=2
IGDA Event Participation
------------------------
The IGDA will be participating in the following upcoming events:
- CEDEC: The IGDA's Japanese chapter will be hosting an Academic Day during
the first day of the CESA Developers Conference.
- Women's Game Conference: Members of the IGDA's Women in Game Development
SIG have assisted in organizing this unique event. Kathy Schoback, the
IGDA's chair emeritus, will deliver the keynote speech.
- Austin Indie Roundtable: Discussion hosted by the IGDA's Indie SIG during
the Austin Game Developers Conference.
- DigiPlay 3: The IGDA's Game Accessibility SIG will present findings of the
recent white paper.
- Tokyo Game Show: The Japanese chapter has helped to coordinate the
"premium" portion of the conference, including an introduction by IGDA
director Jason Della Rocca.
- Video Game Developers Summit: The IGDA's Chicago chapter is working with
a local animation festival to host a local developers conference.
Check online for further details on these upcoming events and the IGDA's participation:
http://www.igda.org/events/
For summary reports and pics on recent events in which the IGDA participated,
visit our website:
- German Games Convention:
http://www.igda.org/blogs/realitypanic/archives/000110.html
- SIGGRAPH:
http://www.igda.org/events/events_siggraph2004.php
Columns Update
--------------
Monthly columns updated for this month:
- The Ivory Tower:
The End Of The World As We Know It...?
http://www.igda.org/columns/ivorytower/
- Famous Last Words:
Trademark Similarity Cause for Concern?
http://www.igda.org/columns/lastwords/
- Culture Clash:
Forget Me Not - Playing with Posterity
http://www.igda.org/columns/clash/
- The Games Game:
The Lone Wolf
http://www.igda.org/columns/gamesgame/
===========================================
AD: Game Developer's 2004 Game Career Guide
===========================================
Game Developer's 2004 Game Career Guide is now available for download and
at most major newsstands and bookstores.
To keep up with skyrocketing consumer demand for video games, game
companies are aggressively seeking talented candidates. Game Developer
magazine's 2004 Game Career Guide is an invaluable tool for professionals,
recent graduates or students wishing to break into or make a move in the
video game industry.
http://www.gamasutra.com/careerguide
===========================================
===========================
2: Chapter Meetings/Reports
===========================
Complete list of chapter reports and upcoming meetings:
http://www.igda.org/chapters/updates.php
Atlanta
Meeting, September > Meet-Up: Informal Pizza Dinner
http://www.igda.org/atlanta
Midlands UK
Report, August > Chapter Meeting Report
http://igda.org/midlands/reports/meet5.htm
Israel
Meeting, August > Chapter Casual Meeting
http://www.cfxweb.net/igda/meetings.php
Japan
Meeting, August > The Infrastructure Problem for Online Game
http://www.igda.jp/modules/news/article.php?storyid=248
Orange County
Meeting, August > Dave Perry Part 2
http://www.igda.org/oc
Los Angeles
Meeting, August > Creating Emotion in Games Meeting
http://www.igda.org/la
Toronto
Report, August > Game Journalism for Game Developers Discussion Event
http://www.igda.org/toronto/040804.htm
Colorado
Report, August > General Meeting
http://coloradogamedev.org/20040802.html
=================
3: From the Wires
=================
News stories and articles from around the web...
The Lost Boys
http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/12.08/lostboys.html
The Rise of the Gamer Generation
http://tinyurl.com/4m2j9
Getting Girls into the Game
http://biz.gamedaily.com/features_new/girls_and_gaming/
Sex appeal of Myst games
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/3889773.stm
BAFTA Interactive New Talent Award goes to Female producer of SingStar
http://tinyurl.com/5wmef
The Players: SEGA HitMaker - Mie Kumagai
http://www.gamestm.co.uk/pma/158
Blockbuster mentality create hurdles for fledgling developers
http://tinyurl.com/5vuv7
Escaping The Garage: The Plight Of Indies
http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20040721/carless_01.shtml
Growing the games biz - the need for new funding models
http://gould.weblogsinc.com/entry/7325544898821755
Focus: EA sets the Criterion
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?section_name=dev&aid=3883
Doom 3 pirated en masse prerelease
http://www.gamespot.com/news/2004/08/02/news_6103905.html
ELSPA anti-piracy unit announce its accomplishments during first half 2004
http://www.gamedev.net/community/forums/topic.asp?topic_id=261243
Florida Attorney on Manhunt for Rockstar
http://biz.gamedaily.com/features_new/jack_thompson/
ELSPA sends open letter to Home Secretary over Manhunt controversy
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?section_name=pub&aid=3930
"I kill you."
http://idlethumbs.net/display.php?id=39
Racial Issues Alleged In GTA San Andreas, Other Games
http://games.slashdot.org/games/04/08/12/0536227.shtml?tid=127
Internet Archive to Preserve Games
http://www.costik.com/weblog/2004_08_01_blogchive.html#1091888624182030
Nobody gets a tan at video game camp
http://www.siliconvalley.com/mld/siliconvalley/9108837.htm
It's Academic, Really
http://www.gamespot.com/features/6102913/p-3.html
High-tech game of hide and seek fascinates
http://tinyurl.com/3zjwg
==================
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:
- Alias
- Avid Alienbrain
- Austin Community College
- Criterion Software
- metricminds GmbH & Co. KG
- Metrowerks
- MobyGames
- Savannah College of Art and Design
- University of Abertay Dundee
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.
IGDA Membership
---------------
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.
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 - 2:57 PM
Links
Poll
How often should the chapter meet, realistically?
| Once a month | 191 |
| Once a quarter | 105 |
Total votes: 296