IGDA Newsletter - December 1, 2000
===============
IGDA Newsletter
===============
December 1, 2000
========================================
i A word from the Chairman
1 Newsworthy Items
1.1 Get $50 off your GDC Registration!
1.2 "Newbie" Outreach
1.3 Studio Affiliation Program
1.4 Student Outreach and the GDC Student Scholarships
1.5 NxN and Akin Gump Sponsor the IGDA
1.6 New Special Interest Groups Launched
2 Current Events
2.1 Prep for GDC 2001
3 Active Programs
3.1 Committees
3.2 Special Interest Groups
3.3 Chapters
4 Logistical Bits
4.1 Thanks to our Sponsors!
4.2 IGDA Registration Info
4.3 Contact Info
========================================
==========================
i A word from the Chairman
==========================
Dear IGDA Friends and Members,
This month's Scientific American cover story presents a fascinating view
of the "The Future of Digital Entertainment". According to the story, the
digital "Convergence" is actually around the corner. Of course, we've all
been hearing that for years, but recent console sales and projections support
that our industry is truly approaching a mass media size. The financial
community supports this projection. Recent articles in Red Herring and
analyst reports ranging from William Blair's Internet report to NPD's latest
projections on the sector indicate that we are about to experience a major
up-tick in industry sales of game hardware and software as we emerge from
the latest round of platform upgrades.
As we move into the Holiday season it's a great opportunity to be thankful
that we are all part of such an exciting and fulfilling industry that continues
to experience double digit growth. Although platform shifts aren't always
easy, we're confident the industry will emerge as a stronger provider of
great entertainment.
To support you, the developer, during this period of great change, the
IGDA has been making great strides to build a foundation for a vibrant
professional community. In this latest newsletter, you'll learn about the
latest in new Special Interest Groups, Chapters and other developments.
The IGDA is also in the midst of finalizing some additional plans that
will continue to grow our ability to support the community. Stay tuned.
In the meantime, enjoy this current newsletter and the programs within.
On behalf of all of us at the IGDA, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year.
Alex Jarett
Chairman, IGDA
==================
1 Newsworthy Items
==================
1.1 Get $50 off your GDC Registration!
--------------------------------------
Online registration for the 2001 Game Developers Conference is now live
at www.gdconf.com. Don't forget that as an IGDA member, you get a $50 discount
when registering. You'll need your IGDA Member# in order to claim the discount.
If you've forgotten or misplaced your # simply contact us for a reminder:
Liz Wakefield
IGDA Membership Coordinator
1.2 "Newbie" Outreach
---------------------
Check out our Newbies page, where we provide several open forums for discussions,
and links to a slew of great articles and resources to help you get started
- from setting up interviews, to brushing up your resume, to legal tips
for starting a new game dev studio. This is meant as a resource for those
wanting to get into the industry. Also, for you industry veterans who get
bombarded by newbie emails daily, here's an easy way to point newbies in
the right direction: send them to our Newbie page!
http://www.igda.org/outreach/newbies.htm
1.3 Studio Affiliation Program
------------------------------
We are excited to introduce a new membership package specifically for development
studios. Our Studio Affiliation Program is designed as a valuable benefit
for studio managers to present to their development teams. By joining
the Affiliation Program, a game development studio heavily subsidizes its
employees' individual IGDA membership fees - allowing them inexpensive
access to individual IGDA member benefits. In addition, Studios receive
some unique benefits, all while showing support for the community.
http://www.igda.org/studio_sap.htm
1.4 Student Outreach and the GDC Student Scholarships
-----------------------------------------------------
Game development students seeking resources and information can find both
on our new Student Outreach page. The IGDA's Education Committee is working
to provide real benefits to students, and we will continue to pass these
along to you. We are especially pleased to announce the GDC 2001Scholarship,
which will be awarded to up to 25 promising students of game development.
Get more info on the Student Outreach page:
http://www.igda.org/outreach/students.htm
http://www.igda.org/press_112100.htm
1.5 NxN and Akin Gump Sponsor the IGDA
--------------------------------------
We are pleased to announce two new IGDA sponsors. Both NxN Software and
Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer, & Feld have signed on as sponsors. NxN is a
leading supplier of digital media asset management solutions for the interactive
entertainment and new media industries. Akin Gump is a leading law firm
providing legal counsel to the high-tech and entertainment communities.
Get more info at our Sponsors Index:
http://www.igda.org/sponsors.htm
1.6 New Special Interest Groups Launched
----------------------------------------
We are pleased to announce four new SIGs that started up during the month
of November.
- Game Audio SIG: http://www.igda.org/SIGs/game_audio.htm
Talk about where we are, where we're going, and where we want game audio
to
be in the future. Share experiences, ideas, and frustrations to make a
better aural experience for everyone.
- Independent Game Development SIG: http://www.igda.org/SIGs/indie_games.htm
This SIG addresses the various facets of independent game development in
order to foster an exchange of ideas and mutual cooperation between independent
developers. Join the discussion now to see how others are living the "indie"
dream.
- QA/Testing SIG: http://www.igda.org/SIGs/qa.htm
Talk about the professional development of QA departments within the game
industry. Discuss the challenges that QA groups encounter and how to solve
them. Take a look at what others have to say, and tell us how your department
has conquered the odds.
- WAP and Mobile Entertainment SIG: http://www.igda.org/SIGs/wap.htm
In a few years, mobile devices will be able to broadcast games and entertainment
to millions of users worldwide. Join the new WAP/Mobile Entertainment SIG
to set the direction for this exciting new sector!
================
2 Current Events
================
2.1 Prep for GDC 2001
---------------------
As always, the annual Game Developer Conference is a prime event for the
community to connect. Next year's GDC will be no exception. As such, the
IGDA crew is hard at work preparing for a great show. We welcome all input,
feedback and ideas from the community as to what you'd like to see the
IGDA do, or present, at the show. Please, nothing too crazy...
=================
3 Active Programs
=================
3.1 Committees
--------------
Education Committee
http://www.igda.org/committees/education.htm
Co-chaired by: Warren Spector, Executive Director, ION Storm Austin
Doug Church
Software Patents Committee
http://www.igda.org/Committees/patents.htm
Violence in Games Committee
http://www.igda.org/Committees/violence.htm
3.2 Special Interest Groups
---------------------------
3D Graphics SIG
http://www.igda.org/SIGs/3d_graphics.htm
Moderated by: Fred Gill, Technical Director, Kaboom! Studios
Education Committee SIG
http://www.igda.org/SIGs/education_committee.htm
Moderated by: the Education Committee
Game AI SIG
http://www.igda.org/SIGs/game_ai.htm
Moderated by: Alexander Nareyek, ai-center.com
Eric Dybsand, Senior Consultant, Glacier Edge Technology
Steven Woodcock, Integration and Systems Lead, Raytheo
Game Audio SIG
http://www.igda.org/SIGs/game_audio.htm
Moderated by: Rob Ross, Composer, Sound endeavourS
Independent Game Development SIG
http://www.igda.org/SIGs/indie_games.htm
Moderated by: Steve Pavlina, CEO, Dexterity Software and President,
Association of Shareware Professionals
Jeff Tunnell, President, Garagegames
Machinima SIG
http://www.igda.org/SIGs/machinima.htm
Moderated by: Hugh Hancock, Chairman, Strange Company
Online Games SIG
http://www.igda.org/SIGs/online_games.htm
Moderated by: Alex Jarett, Chairman, IGDA
Crosbie Fitch, Senior Programmer, Computer Artworks
Project Management SIG
http://www.igda.org/SIGs/project_management.htm
Moderated by: Trond Larsen, Producer, Funcom
QA/Testing SIG
http://www.igda.org/SIGs/qa.htm
Moderated by: Doug Noël, Game Test Coordinator, EA.com Quality Assurance
Software Patents Committee SIG
http://www.igda.org/SIGs/patents_committee.htm
Moderated by: The Software Patents Committee
Violence Committee SIG
http://www.igda.org/SIGs/violence_committee.htm
Moderated by: The Violence Committee
WAP and Mobile Entertainment SIG
http://www.igda.org/SIGs/wap.htm
Moderated by: Markus Kassulke, Co-Founder and Manager, Handy Games
3.3 Chapters
------------
Chapters are up and running in the following areas:
Florida
India
London
Malaysia
Ohio
Seattle (Sputnik)
Utah
Those interested in these chapters, or in starting a new chapter are encouraged
to check out the details online:
http://www.igda.org/chapters_over.htm
=================
4 Logistical Bits
=================
4.1 Thanks to our Sponsors!
---------------------------
The IGDA extends its sincerest thanks to all our sponsors! Without the
support of these sponsors, and the continued backing from the developer
community, the IGDA simply would not survive - let alone thrive.
Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, LLP
Gamasutra.com
Game Developer Magazine
Game Developers Conference
NxN Software Inc.
Get more info at our Sponsors Index: http://www.igda.org/sponsors.htm
4.2 IGDA Registration Info
--------------------------
Your support is critical to the success of the IGDA, and our industry.
Our membership is made up of programmers, designers, artists, producers
and many other development professionals who see the importance of working
together to advance games and game development as a craft. 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.htm
4.3 Contact Info
----------------
Contact our Membership Coordinator if you have questions, comments or input.
Liz Wakefield
IGDA Membership Coordinator
liz@igda.org
IGDA Newsletter
===============
December 1, 2000
========================================
i A word from the Chairman
1 Newsworthy Items
1.1 Get $50 off your GDC Registration!
1.2 "Newbie" Outreach
1.3 Studio Affiliation Program
1.4 Student Outreach and the GDC Student Scholarships
1.5 NxN and Akin Gump Sponsor the IGDA
1.6 New Special Interest Groups Launched
2 Current Events
2.1 Prep for GDC 2001
3 Active Programs
3.1 Committees
3.2 Special Interest Groups
3.3 Chapters
4 Logistical Bits
4.1 Thanks to our Sponsors!
4.2 IGDA Registration Info
4.3 Contact Info
========================================
==========================
i A word from the Chairman
==========================
Dear IGDA Friends and Members,
This month's Scientific American cover story presents a fascinating view
of the "The Future of Digital Entertainment". According to the story, the
digital "Convergence" is actually around the corner. Of course, we've all
been hearing that for years, but recent console sales and projections support
that our industry is truly approaching a mass media size. The financial
community supports this projection. Recent articles in Red Herring and
analyst reports ranging from William Blair's Internet report to NPD's latest
projections on the sector indicate that we are about to experience a major
up-tick in industry sales of game hardware and software as we emerge from
the latest round of platform upgrades.
As we move into the Holiday season it's a great opportunity to be thankful
that we are all part of such an exciting and fulfilling industry that continues
to experience double digit growth. Although platform shifts aren't always
easy, we're confident the industry will emerge as a stronger provider of
great entertainment.
To support you, the developer, during this period of great change, the
IGDA has been making great strides to build a foundation for a vibrant
professional community. In this latest newsletter, you'll learn about the
latest in new Special Interest Groups, Chapters and other developments.
The IGDA is also in the midst of finalizing some additional plans that
will continue to grow our ability to support the community. Stay tuned.
In the meantime, enjoy this current newsletter and the programs within.
On behalf of all of us at the IGDA, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year.
Alex Jarett
Chairman, IGDA
==================
1 Newsworthy Items
==================
1.1 Get $50 off your GDC Registration!
--------------------------------------
Online registration for the 2001 Game Developers Conference is now live
at www.gdconf.com. Don't forget that as an IGDA member, you get a $50 discount
when registering. You'll need your IGDA Member# in order to claim the discount.
If you've forgotten or misplaced your # simply contact us for a reminder:
Liz Wakefield
IGDA Membership Coordinator
1.2 "Newbie" Outreach
---------------------
Check out our Newbies page, where we provide several open forums for discussions,
and links to a slew of great articles and resources to help you get started
- from setting up interviews, to brushing up your resume, to legal tips
for starting a new game dev studio. This is meant as a resource for those
wanting to get into the industry. Also, for you industry veterans who get
bombarded by newbie emails daily, here's an easy way to point newbies in
the right direction: send them to our Newbie page!
http://www.igda.org/outreach/newbies.htm
1.3 Studio Affiliation Program
------------------------------
We are excited to introduce a new membership package specifically for development
studios. Our Studio Affiliation Program is designed as a valuable benefit
for studio managers to present to their development teams. By joining
the Affiliation Program, a game development studio heavily subsidizes its
employees' individual IGDA membership fees - allowing them inexpensive
access to individual IGDA member benefits. In addition, Studios receive
some unique benefits, all while showing support for the community.
http://www.igda.org/studio_sap.htm
1.4 Student Outreach and the GDC Student Scholarships
-----------------------------------------------------
Game development students seeking resources and information can find both
on our new Student Outreach page. The IGDA's Education Committee is working
to provide real benefits to students, and we will continue to pass these
along to you. We are especially pleased to announce the GDC 2001Scholarship,
which will be awarded to up to 25 promising students of game development.
Get more info on the Student Outreach page:
http://www.igda.org/outreach/students.htm
http://www.igda.org/press_112100.htm
1.5 NxN and Akin Gump Sponsor the IGDA
--------------------------------------
We are pleased to announce two new IGDA sponsors. Both NxN Software and
Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer, & Feld have signed on as sponsors. NxN is a
leading supplier of digital media asset management solutions for the interactive
entertainment and new media industries. Akin Gump is a leading law firm
providing legal counsel to the high-tech and entertainment communities.
Get more info at our Sponsors Index:
http://www.igda.org/sponsors.htm
1.6 New Special Interest Groups Launched
----------------------------------------
We are pleased to announce four new SIGs that started up during the month
of November.
- Game Audio SIG: http://www.igda.org/SIGs/game_audio.htm
Talk about where we are, where we're going, and where we want game audio
to
be in the future. Share experiences, ideas, and frustrations to make a
better aural experience for everyone.
- Independent Game Development SIG: http://www.igda.org/SIGs/indie_games.htm
This SIG addresses the various facets of independent game development in
order to foster an exchange of ideas and mutual cooperation between independent
developers. Join the discussion now to see how others are living the "indie"
dream.
- QA/Testing SIG: http://www.igda.org/SIGs/qa.htm
Talk about the professional development of QA departments within the game
industry. Discuss the challenges that QA groups encounter and how to solve
them. Take a look at what others have to say, and tell us how your department
has conquered the odds.
- WAP and Mobile Entertainment SIG: http://www.igda.org/SIGs/wap.htm
In a few years, mobile devices will be able to broadcast games and entertainment
to millions of users worldwide. Join the new WAP/Mobile Entertainment SIG
to set the direction for this exciting new sector!
================
2 Current Events
================
2.1 Prep for GDC 2001
---------------------
As always, the annual Game Developer Conference is a prime event for the
community to connect. Next year's GDC will be no exception. As such, the
IGDA crew is hard at work preparing for a great show. We welcome all input,
feedback and ideas from the community as to what you'd like to see the
IGDA do, or present, at the show. Please, nothing too crazy...
=================
3 Active Programs
=================
3.1 Committees
--------------
Education Committee
http://www.igda.org/committees/education.htm
Co-chaired by: Warren Spector, Executive Director, ION Storm Austin
Doug Church
Software Patents Committee
http://www.igda.org/Committees/patents.htm
Violence in Games Committee
http://www.igda.org/Committees/violence.htm
3.2 Special Interest Groups
---------------------------
3D Graphics SIG
http://www.igda.org/SIGs/3d_graphics.htm
Moderated by: Fred Gill, Technical Director, Kaboom! Studios
Education Committee SIG
http://www.igda.org/SIGs/education_committee.htm
Moderated by: the Education Committee
Game AI SIG
http://www.igda.org/SIGs/game_ai.htm
Moderated by: Alexander Nareyek, ai-center.com
Eric Dybsand, Senior Consultant, Glacier Edge Technology
Steven Woodcock, Integration and Systems Lead, Raytheo
Game Audio SIG
http://www.igda.org/SIGs/game_audio.htm
Moderated by: Rob Ross, Composer, Sound endeavourS
Independent Game Development SIG
http://www.igda.org/SIGs/indie_games.htm
Moderated by: Steve Pavlina, CEO, Dexterity Software and President,
Association of Shareware Professionals
Jeff Tunnell, President, Garagegames
Machinima SIG
http://www.igda.org/SIGs/machinima.htm
Moderated by: Hugh Hancock, Chairman, Strange Company
Online Games SIG
http://www.igda.org/SIGs/online_games.htm
Moderated by: Alex Jarett, Chairman, IGDA
Crosbie Fitch, Senior Programmer, Computer Artworks
Project Management SIG
http://www.igda.org/SIGs/project_management.htm
Moderated by: Trond Larsen, Producer, Funcom
QA/Testing SIG
http://www.igda.org/SIGs/qa.htm
Moderated by: Doug Noël, Game Test Coordinator, EA.com Quality Assurance
Software Patents Committee SIG
http://www.igda.org/SIGs/patents_committee.htm
Moderated by: The Software Patents Committee
Violence Committee SIG
http://www.igda.org/SIGs/violence_committee.htm
Moderated by: The Violence Committee
WAP and Mobile Entertainment SIG
http://www.igda.org/SIGs/wap.htm
Moderated by: Markus Kassulke, Co-Founder and Manager, Handy Games
3.3 Chapters
------------
Chapters are up and running in the following areas:
Florida
India
London
Malaysia
Ohio
Seattle (Sputnik)
Utah
Those interested in these chapters, or in starting a new chapter are encouraged
to check out the details online:
http://www.igda.org/chapters_over.htm
=================
4 Logistical Bits
=================
4.1 Thanks to our Sponsors!
---------------------------
The IGDA extends its sincerest thanks to all our sponsors! Without the
support of these sponsors, and the continued backing from the developer
community, the IGDA simply would not survive - let alone thrive.
Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, LLP
Gamasutra.com
Game Developer Magazine
Game Developers Conference
NxN Software Inc.
Get more info at our Sponsors Index: http://www.igda.org/sponsors.htm
4.2 IGDA Registration Info
--------------------------
Your support is critical to the success of the IGDA, and our industry.
Our membership is made up of programmers, designers, artists, producers
and many other development professionals who see the importance of working
together to advance games and game development as a craft. 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.htm
4.3 Contact Info
----------------
Contact our Membership Coordinator if you have questions, comments or input.
Liz Wakefield
IGDA Membership Coordinator
liz@igda.org
Last updated:
09/24/2009 - 2:51 PM
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