IGDA Newsletter - January 2005
==============================
IGDA Newsletter - January 2005
==============================
=================
Table of Contents
=================
0: A Word From Jesse Schell
1: IGDA Evolves Part 2: Changes to membership fees/program, '05 plans
2: Call for Mentors > GDC Student Scholarship Program
3: Online Games SIG - Persistent Worlds White Paper
4: Board of Director Nominations/Elections
5: IGDA Event Participation
6: Columns Update
7: Chapter Meetings/Reports
x: Logistical Bits & Subscription Info
=================
=============================
Ad: G.A.M.E.S. Synergy Summit
=============================
January 26-28, Orlando, Florida
Developers: Explore enormous opportunities applying your game technologies and techniques to
non-entertainment applications in training, education & more. Connect with decision makers from
Government, Academic, Military, Entertainment and Simulation organizations to forge relationships, find
new revenue sources and help shape the future. Workshops, cross-disciplinary programs and numerous
networking and social opportunities make this a must-attend event.
For a $100 IGDA member discount, enter code: IGDASS
http://www.synergysummit.com/
=============================
===========================
0: A Word From Jesse Schell
===========================
Dear Members and friends,
It's a new year, and a new beginning for the IGDA - our first big change this year is to significantly
cut the membership fees - by half, no less. Our new independent management arrangement helps make this
possible, and we're hoping to grow the community like never before...
And, with over 550 new and renewing members in just the first half of January, I think we're off to a
good start. More importantly, it is exciting to see this level of support, given all the recent changes.
If you aren't a member, there has never been a better time to join. If you are a member, this is a great
time to persuade your peers to sign up. Membership fees go toward IGDA initiatives such as Quality of
Life advocacy - which reminds me - if you are attending GDC, you might consider stopping by our
first-of-its-kind Quality of Life Summit - http://www.igda.org/summit - where people who really care
about solving QoL problems in the game industry will get together and come up with real solutions to
important problems in game production. The keynote by software legend Steve McConnell on the business
case for better production practices will no doubt be inspiring.
Another way the IGDA serves the game industry is by presenting the Game Developers Choice awards -
nominations are in, and voting will commence on Valentine's Day - what better time to show how much you
care about your colleagues and peers, by voting for the titles and developers you think best deserve
recognition.
We're working hard to make life better for all of us, and we encourage you to show your support in any
way you see fit - participation in online discussions, going to chapter meetings, contributing to a SIG.
Finally, just becoming a paid member is an important affirmative step in bettering the industry and
your career in it.
- Jesse Schell
Chairperson, IGDA
Professor of Entertainment Technology, Carnegie Mellon University
CEO, Schell Games
==============================
Ad: Game Developers Conference
==============================
March 7-11, San Francisco, California
Thriving in today's interactive entertainment landscape requires developers to anticipate publisher
needs and consumer desires to produce polished games with extremely high production quality. At GDC
2005, you will be equipped with practical tools to handle these and other obstacles along your road, and
you will be exposed to future vision catalysts empowering you to create tomorrow's game today.
Bring your future vision into focus at GDC 2005.
Register by February 9 to save up to 30% on GDC Conference passes. IGDA members save an additional $50.
Use priority code: EIGDA05 when registering, and you will automatically be entered to win an iPod mini.
http://www.gdconf.com/
==============================
=====================================================================
1: IGDA Evolves Part 2: Changes to membership fees/program, '05 plans
=====================================================================
The IGDA has started the New Year off with a bang. For starters, to grow the community and increase
accessibility for international members, membership fees have been significantly reduced (from $100 to
$48). And, a new discounted rate of $35 for those from "developing countries" has been established.
Studio Affiliated fees have gone down as well.
Continue reading about IGDA changes to membership pricing, magazine subscription changes, member
profile/directory beta, GDC discount, advocacy plans and continuing community work...
http://www.igda.org/newsroom/announce_010605.php
=====================================================
2: Call for Mentors > GDC Student Scholarship Program
=====================================================
The IGDA is looking for experienced attendees of the Game Developers Conference to volunteer some time
to serve as a mentor to a GDC Student Scholarship recipient. Each year, the IGDA awards 25 college
students with scholarships (ie, a Classic pass) to attend the GDC. It is a huge opportunity for these
students, but the experience is somewhat overwhelming due to the scale/scope of GDC.
This year, we'd like to assign a mentor to each of the 25 scholars. If you're an industry pro and a pro
at attending GDC, here's what you'd need to commit to:
- spend at least 1-hour each day (Wed/Thu/Fri) with your assigned student
- attend the 1.5-hour Scholarship orientation meeting Tuesday afternoon (March 8th)
In spending time with a student, the hope is that you'll provide advice on how to navigate GDC, give
some development tips and career advice, introduce them to your industry friends, and just generally
make the scholar's experience more valuable, and welcoming.
If you would like to volunteer to be a mentor, please contact Rudy Geronimo (rudy@igda.org), before
February 4th.
===================================================
3: Online Games SIG - Persistent Worlds White Paper
===================================================
The Online Games SIG is proud to announce the availability of the 2004 Persistent Worlds White Paper.
The paper is available, along with all of their previous papers, for free download on the website at:
http://www.igda.org/online/#papers
The Persistent Worlds White Paper is intended to provide a summary of contemporary issues in the
development and operation of massively multi-player online persistent worlds.
==========================================
4: Board of Director Nominations/Elections
==========================================
We would like to invite you to submit nominations for the IGDA Board of Directors. The next election
process will get started in early March at the Game Developers Conference, with voting taking place in
the weeks thereafter. We are filling two open board seats. Nominations are due by Monday, February 21st.
The game industry is still developing both as a business and an art form. Influencing the industry's
growth in positive directions requires leadership. If you care about making games and feel you could
serve the IGDA, we strongly encourage you to contact us about your candidacy. If you know someone you
feel would contribute well, please contact that person now and encourage him or her to run for an IGDA
board seat.
Please review the complete details on the election and submission process:
http://www.igda.org/board/elections.php
http://www.igda.org/board/IGDA_Election_Manual.pdf
===========================
5: IGDA Event Participation
===========================
The IGDA will be participating in the following upcoming events:
Quality of Life Summit
----------------------
The Quality of Life Summit will explore the consequences of poor QoL and ways to improve. Content will
focus on case studies of successfully implemented QoL practices and a discussion on how to overcome the
issues preventing better QoL. Software guru Steve McConnell will keynote. Attendees will be inspired by
the reality that it is possible to be successful in the games industry, while enjoying a high quality of
life. In addition to inspiration, practical tips and case studies for achieving better quality of life
will be gained by all.
http://www.igda.org/summit/
G.A.M.E.S. Synergy Summit
-------------------------
Synergy Summit brings together the diverse communities of Government, Academia, Military, Entertainment,
and Simulation to forge relationships. The Orlando, Miami and Washington D.C. chapters of the IGDA have
been instrumental in the development of this event. Full IGDA members receive $100 off the normal
registration price and student members receive $50 off of student registrations.
http://www.synergysummit.com/
Positioning for Profitability in the Video Game Economy
-------------------------------------------------------
This will be a dense one-day business oriented seminar. The IGDA's executive director, Jason Della
Rocca, will participate on a panel discussing the impact of Hollywood on video games and the industry.
http://www.twst.com/conferences/vgame_economy/vgame_economy.html
Check online for further details on these upcoming events and the IGDA's participation:
http://www.igda.org/events/
=================
6: Columns Update
=================
Monthly columns have been updated:
The Ivory Tower
---------------
"E for Everyone A Call for Interdisciplinary Studies"
http://www.igda.org/columns/ivorytower/ivory_Jan05.php
Famous Last Words
-----------------
"When Confidentiality Becomes Control - Part 2"
http://www.igda.org/columns/lastwords/lastwords_Jan05.php
Culture Clash
-------------
"But Seriously, Folks - The gaming press needs to grow up"
http://www.igda.org/columns/clash/clash_Jan05.php
The Games Game
--------------
"Which School Should I Go To?"
http://www.igda.org/columns/gamesgame/gamesgame_Jan05.php
===========================
7: Chapter Meetings/Reports
===========================
Complete list of chapter reports and upcoming meetings:
http://www.igda.org/chapters/updates.php
Houston
Meeting, January > SharkByte Software presents: TGX Exporter
http://www.igda.org/houston
San Francisco
Meeting, January > Marcus Barnes (Sony): Introducing COLLADA
http://www.igda.org/sf
Chicago
Meeting, January > Denny Thorley at Day 1 Studios - Postmortem
http://www.igda.org/chicago
Michigan South
Meeting, January > GBA Postmortem and Quality of Life Roundtable
http://www.igda.org/smichigan/
Seattle
Meeting, January > Building with Source - Valve Software
http://www.igda.org/seattle/meet.htm
North Carolina Triangle
Meeting, January > Isle of Man, door prizes, and social at Five Star
http://www.igda.org/nctriangle
Vancouver
Report, January > The Prince Came To Town
http://www.igda.org/vancouver/vancouverMeetingsNovember2004.php
Colorado
Report, January > Torque Game Engine
http://www.coloradogamedev.org/20050103.html
Seattle
Report, December > Game Character Creation and Holiday Party
http://www.igda.org/seattle/reports/12_2004r.htm
==================
x: Logistical Bits
==================
Newsletter Subscription
-----------------------
You can update your newsletter subscription details via your MyProfile page:
http://www.igda.org/membership/myprofile.php
If you need help, contact us.
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:
- Art Institute of California - San Francisco
- Course Technology
- Discreet
- Charles River Media
- Tira Wireless
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
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
RSS Feeds for IGDA News and Chapter Updates
-------------------------------------------
The IGDA web site has RSS feeds for IGDA news (eg, org announcements, committee work) and chapter
updates (eg, upcoming meetings, event reports). Those using RSS readers can point to:
IGDA News: http://www.igda.org/igda_news_rss.php
IGDA Chapter Updates: http://www.igda.org/igda_chapters_rss.php
-------
- end -
-------
IGDA Newsletter - January 2005
==============================
=================
Table of Contents
=================
0: A Word From Jesse Schell
1: IGDA Evolves Part 2: Changes to membership fees/program, '05 plans
2: Call for Mentors > GDC Student Scholarship Program
3: Online Games SIG - Persistent Worlds White Paper
4: Board of Director Nominations/Elections
5: IGDA Event Participation
6: Columns Update
7: Chapter Meetings/Reports
x: Logistical Bits & Subscription Info
=================
=============================
Ad: G.A.M.E.S. Synergy Summit
=============================
January 26-28, Orlando, Florida
Developers: Explore enormous opportunities applying your game technologies and techniques to
non-entertainment applications in training, education & more. Connect with decision makers from
Government, Academic, Military, Entertainment and Simulation organizations to forge relationships, find
new revenue sources and help shape the future. Workshops, cross-disciplinary programs and numerous
networking and social opportunities make this a must-attend event.
For a $100 IGDA member discount, enter code: IGDASS
http://www.synergysummit.com/
=============================
===========================
0: A Word From Jesse Schell
===========================
Dear Members and friends,
It's a new year, and a new beginning for the IGDA - our first big change this year is to significantly
cut the membership fees - by half, no less. Our new independent management arrangement helps make this
possible, and we're hoping to grow the community like never before...
And, with over 550 new and renewing members in just the first half of January, I think we're off to a
good start. More importantly, it is exciting to see this level of support, given all the recent changes.
If you aren't a member, there has never been a better time to join. If you are a member, this is a great
time to persuade your peers to sign up. Membership fees go toward IGDA initiatives such as Quality of
Life advocacy - which reminds me - if you are attending GDC, you might consider stopping by our
first-of-its-kind Quality of Life Summit - http://www.igda.org/summit - where people who really care
about solving QoL problems in the game industry will get together and come up with real solutions to
important problems in game production. The keynote by software legend Steve McConnell on the business
case for better production practices will no doubt be inspiring.
Another way the IGDA serves the game industry is by presenting the Game Developers Choice awards -
nominations are in, and voting will commence on Valentine's Day - what better time to show how much you
care about your colleagues and peers, by voting for the titles and developers you think best deserve
recognition.
We're working hard to make life better for all of us, and we encourage you to show your support in any
way you see fit - participation in online discussions, going to chapter meetings, contributing to a SIG.
Finally, just becoming a paid member is an important affirmative step in bettering the industry and
your career in it.
- Jesse Schell
Chairperson, IGDA
Professor of Entertainment Technology, Carnegie Mellon University
CEO, Schell Games
==============================
Ad: Game Developers Conference
==============================
March 7-11, San Francisco, California
Thriving in today's interactive entertainment landscape requires developers to anticipate publisher
needs and consumer desires to produce polished games with extremely high production quality. At GDC
2005, you will be equipped with practical tools to handle these and other obstacles along your road, and
you will be exposed to future vision catalysts empowering you to create tomorrow's game today.
Bring your future vision into focus at GDC 2005.
Register by February 9 to save up to 30% on GDC Conference passes. IGDA members save an additional $50.
Use priority code: EIGDA05 when registering, and you will automatically be entered to win an iPod mini.
http://www.gdconf.com/
==============================
=====================================================================
1: IGDA Evolves Part 2: Changes to membership fees/program, '05 plans
=====================================================================
The IGDA has started the New Year off with a bang. For starters, to grow the community and increase
accessibility for international members, membership fees have been significantly reduced (from $100 to
$48). And, a new discounted rate of $35 for those from "developing countries" has been established.
Studio Affiliated fees have gone down as well.
Continue reading about IGDA changes to membership pricing, magazine subscription changes, member
profile/directory beta, GDC discount, advocacy plans and continuing community work...
http://www.igda.org/newsroom/announce_010605.php
=====================================================
2: Call for Mentors > GDC Student Scholarship Program
=====================================================
The IGDA is looking for experienced attendees of the Game Developers Conference to volunteer some time
to serve as a mentor to a GDC Student Scholarship recipient. Each year, the IGDA awards 25 college
students with scholarships (ie, a Classic pass) to attend the GDC. It is a huge opportunity for these
students, but the experience is somewhat overwhelming due to the scale/scope of GDC.
This year, we'd like to assign a mentor to each of the 25 scholars. If you're an industry pro and a pro
at attending GDC, here's what you'd need to commit to:
- spend at least 1-hour each day (Wed/Thu/Fri) with your assigned student
- attend the 1.5-hour Scholarship orientation meeting Tuesday afternoon (March 8th)
In spending time with a student, the hope is that you'll provide advice on how to navigate GDC, give
some development tips and career advice, introduce them to your industry friends, and just generally
make the scholar's experience more valuable, and welcoming.
If you would like to volunteer to be a mentor, please contact Rudy Geronimo (rudy@igda.org), before
February 4th.
===================================================
3: Online Games SIG - Persistent Worlds White Paper
===================================================
The Online Games SIG is proud to announce the availability of the 2004 Persistent Worlds White Paper.
The paper is available, along with all of their previous papers, for free download on the website at:
http://www.igda.org/online/#papers
The Persistent Worlds White Paper is intended to provide a summary of contemporary issues in the
development and operation of massively multi-player online persistent worlds.
==========================================
4: Board of Director Nominations/Elections
==========================================
We would like to invite you to submit nominations for the IGDA Board of Directors. The next election
process will get started in early March at the Game Developers Conference, with voting taking place in
the weeks thereafter. We are filling two open board seats. Nominations are due by Monday, February 21st.
The game industry is still developing both as a business and an art form. Influencing the industry's
growth in positive directions requires leadership. If you care about making games and feel you could
serve the IGDA, we strongly encourage you to contact us about your candidacy. If you know someone you
feel would contribute well, please contact that person now and encourage him or her to run for an IGDA
board seat.
Please review the complete details on the election and submission process:
http://www.igda.org/board/elections.php
http://www.igda.org/board/IGDA_Election_Manual.pdf
===========================
5: IGDA Event Participation
===========================
The IGDA will be participating in the following upcoming events:
Quality of Life Summit
----------------------
The Quality of Life Summit will explore the consequences of poor QoL and ways to improve. Content will
focus on case studies of successfully implemented QoL practices and a discussion on how to overcome the
issues preventing better QoL. Software guru Steve McConnell will keynote. Attendees will be inspired by
the reality that it is possible to be successful in the games industry, while enjoying a high quality of
life. In addition to inspiration, practical tips and case studies for achieving better quality of life
will be gained by all.
http://www.igda.org/summit/
G.A.M.E.S. Synergy Summit
-------------------------
Synergy Summit brings together the diverse communities of Government, Academia, Military, Entertainment,
and Simulation to forge relationships. The Orlando, Miami and Washington D.C. chapters of the IGDA have
been instrumental in the development of this event. Full IGDA members receive $100 off the normal
registration price and student members receive $50 off of student registrations.
http://www.synergysummit.com/
Positioning for Profitability in the Video Game Economy
-------------------------------------------------------
This will be a dense one-day business oriented seminar. The IGDA's executive director, Jason Della
Rocca, will participate on a panel discussing the impact of Hollywood on video games and the industry.
http://www.twst.com/conferences/vgame_economy/vgame_economy.html
Check online for further details on these upcoming events and the IGDA's participation:
http://www.igda.org/events/
=================
6: Columns Update
=================
Monthly columns have been updated:
The Ivory Tower
---------------
"E for Everyone A Call for Interdisciplinary Studies"
http://www.igda.org/columns/ivorytower/ivory_Jan05.php
Famous Last Words
-----------------
"When Confidentiality Becomes Control - Part 2"
http://www.igda.org/columns/lastwords/lastwords_Jan05.php
Culture Clash
-------------
"But Seriously, Folks - The gaming press needs to grow up"
http://www.igda.org/columns/clash/clash_Jan05.php
The Games Game
--------------
"Which School Should I Go To?"
http://www.igda.org/columns/gamesgame/gamesgame_Jan05.php
===========================
7: Chapter Meetings/Reports
===========================
Complete list of chapter reports and upcoming meetings:
http://www.igda.org/chapters/updates.php
Houston
Meeting, January > SharkByte Software presents: TGX Exporter
http://www.igda.org/houston
San Francisco
Meeting, January > Marcus Barnes (Sony): Introducing COLLADA
http://www.igda.org/sf
Chicago
Meeting, January > Denny Thorley at Day 1 Studios - Postmortem
http://www.igda.org/chicago
Michigan South
Meeting, January > GBA Postmortem and Quality of Life Roundtable
http://www.igda.org/smichigan/
Seattle
Meeting, January > Building with Source - Valve Software
http://www.igda.org/seattle/meet.htm
North Carolina Triangle
Meeting, January > Isle of Man, door prizes, and social at Five Star
http://www.igda.org/nctriangle
Vancouver
Report, January > The Prince Came To Town
http://www.igda.org/vancouver/vancouverMeetingsNovember2004.php
Colorado
Report, January > Torque Game Engine
http://www.coloradogamedev.org/20050103.html
Seattle
Report, December > Game Character Creation and Holiday Party
http://www.igda.org/seattle/reports/12_2004r.htm
==================
x: Logistical Bits
==================
Newsletter Subscription
-----------------------
You can update your newsletter subscription details via your MyProfile page:
http://www.igda.org/membership/myprofile.php
If you need help, contact us.
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:
- Art Institute of California - San Francisco
- Course Technology
- Discreet
- Charles River Media
- Tira Wireless
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
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
RSS Feeds for IGDA News and Chapter Updates
-------------------------------------------
The IGDA web site has RSS feeds for IGDA news (eg, org announcements, committee work) and chapter
updates (eg, upcoming meetings, event reports). Those using RSS readers can point to:
IGDA News: http://www.igda.org/igda_news_rss.php
IGDA Chapter Updates: http://www.igda.org/igda_chapters_rss.php
-------
- end -
-------
Last updated:
09/25/2009 - 3:01 PM
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