IGDA Newsletter - January 2009
==============================
IGDA Newsletter - January 2009
==============================
=================
Table of Contents
=================
0: A Word From Bob Bates
1: Candidates for the 2009 Board of Director Elections
2: IGDA Action at GDC 2009
3: Leadership Forum '08: DVD Set + Free Web Videos Now Available
4: Global Game Jam Starts January 30!
5: Columns Update
6: Chapter Meetings/Reports
x: Logistical Bits & Unsubscribe Info
=================
========================
0: A Word From Bob Bates
========================
Dear Members and friends,
As the incoming Chair a few years ago, I asked, "Of what practical benefit is the IGDA to our members?" This past winter, the Board of Directors met to decide on strategic priorities for 2009, and the activities they have chosen should go a long way towards answering that question:
- Rolling out our new set of web-based tools:
Starting this spring, SIGs, chapters, working groups, and members of all kinds will be able to self-organize and communicate with each other more easily than ever before. (Stay tuned for further announcements!)
- Increasing our Policy and Advocacy activities:
Our members clearly want the IGDA to serve as "The Voice of the Developer." We anticipate polling our members more often and speaking out on the issues they care about.
- Increasing Support to Chapters:
Chapter meetings and activities are the only opportunities for some of our members to meet their professional peers face-to-face. Through our chapter chartering and grants process, we hope to give a shot in the arm to this vital part of our org.
- Stepping up our marketing and communications activities:
We plan to do a better job of highlighting the wide-ranging activities of our members. We have to get the word out about the value of our organization, both to current members and to potential members and partners.
- Pushing the IGDA's agenda via Events:
Whether at our own Leadership Forum, or at other industry events such as GDC, DICE, SIGGRAPH, Montreal Games Summit, GDC Europe etc, the IGDA will use events around the world as forums to advance the cause of developers.
- Increasing Member Benefits:
We already have a few partnerships that offer discounts and benefits to our members. We hope to grow this list and possibly expand into other "large group discount" areas such as group health insurance.
- Emphasizing the "International" part of our name:
About 18% of our paid members – and a whopping 43% of others who use our website – are from outside North America. We hope to better serve these members and potential members.
It's an ambitious agenda, but we're an ambitious organization. 2009 has already started out to be a year of change and challenge. As the IGDA continues to thrive and grow, we hope we can continue to deliver value and be of practical use to you, our members.
Happy gaming,
- Bob Bates
Vice Chair, IGDA
**********************************************
** Ad: GDC09 Early Registration Approaching **
**********************************************
Register by February 12, 2009 and save up to 30% on conference passes. IGDA Members get an additional $50 discount.
The 23rd annual Game Developers Conference is gearing up for a great conference in San Francisco's Moscone Center on March 23-27, 2009. Get ready for a week of learning, networking, and inspiration as over 18,000 developers convene to further the digital entertainment industry. Check out the latest sessions for Audio, Business & Management, Game Design, Production, Programming and Visual Arts tracks as well as our full and half day Tutorials and nine Summits.
Evening events include the 11th annual Independent Games Festival and the 9th Annual Game Developers Choice Awards. New to GDC09 GDC Vault, the premium content portal for GDC attendees.
For more info and to register, jump to:
http://www.gdconf.com/?cid=GDC09_QUENX3
****************************************
======================================================
1: Candidates for the 2009 Board of Director Elections
======================================================
We have 16 brave people who have stepped forth as nominees for the IGDA Board of Directors (in alphabetical order):
- Gordon Bellamy - Business Development, Image Metrics
- Greg Boyd - Attorney, Davis & Gilbert LLP
- Alfredo Chaves - CEO/President, Blue Lizard Games
- Jared W.Eden - Producer, Buzz Monkey Software
- Clinton Keith - Scrum Trainer & agile coach
- Tim Langdell - Independent Game Designer & Developer / Lead Game Professor, National University
- Michael Lubker - Software Business and Technical Development Manager, ADC
- Adam Martin - independent developer
- Marc Mencher - President and CEO, GameRecruiter.com
- Jamil Moledina - Outreach Director, EA Partners
- Aaron Murray - Technical Director / Founder, Tandem Games
- Brian Robbins - Studio Head, Fuel Games Denver
- Tobi Saulnier - Founder and CEO, 1st Playable Productions
- Ian Schreiber - independent developer
- Dylan Tredrea - Executive Producer, Creo Ludus Entertainment
- Ben Wibberley - VP North America, Babel Media
Each candidate has provided a brief statement of candidacy, which can be viewed via:
http://www.igda.org/board/elections.php
Member voting will commence on February 2nd. A private/secure ballot will be emailed to each eligible member.
*****************************************
** Ad: SaveEarthGame Contest Launched! **
*****************************************
Can a Video Game Save Earth?
The IEEE Committee on Earth Observation has launched two contests to create a game for players to use Earth Observations of our environment for solving issues of the world. The first contest is to develop a game concept only (no computer experience necessary), and the second contest is to create a working game.
Full information and contest details available at:
http://www.SaveEarthGame.org/
*****************************************
==========================
2: IGDA Action at GDC 2009
==========================
Each year the IGDA works hard to maximize the GDC experience for our members and the game development community. Here's an outline of all the stuff the IGDA has cooking for the 2009 GDC.
- Members-Only Party on Tuesday night from 8pm to midnight at the Westin on Market
- IGDA Annual General Meeting on Thursday during lunch break
- Education Summit
- Localization Summit
- 28 SIG and committee meeting roundtable sessions
- 12 social gatherings
- Student Scholarship Program
- IGDA booth and members' area
- Members-Only t-shirt give-away
- Membership ribbons
- VIP Luncheon on Wednesday (by invite only)
- Chapter Coordinators Workshop on Monday (by invite only)
- SIG Leaders Workshop on Monday (by invite only)
- $50 member discount
For details and updates on the above IGDA activities, please jump to the dedicated IGDA@GDC info page:
http://www.igda.org/gdc09/
*************************************************
** Ad: Sample Chapter - The Art of Game Design **
*************************************************
The Art of Game Design, by Jesse Schell, has won the 2008 Game Developers Front Line Award for best book. To celebrate, Focal Press is offering IGDA members a free sample chapter!
* Chapter 15 – One Kind of Experience is the Story:
http://tinyurl.com/8jqene
While you're there, you can view more chapter samples, video tutorials, and podcasts, or sign up for the latest tips and discounts newsletter.
*************************************************
================================================================
3: Leadership Forum '08: DVD Set + Free Web Videos Now Available
================================================================
28 conference sessions were recorded at the 2008 Leadership Forum, and are now available for purchase on DVD. The 5-disc set of hi-res video is priced at $99 (plus shipping). If you would like to purchase a copy, please email us via sales@igda.org and we'll forward you the order form. Copies of the 2007 Leadership Forum DVD are still available as well.
Alternately, you can watch the freely available lo-res videos hosted at Google Video, all linked via the "context index" page (just click on the speaker photos or "video" links for each session):
http://www.igda.org/leadership/?page_id=137
=====================================
4: Global Game Jam Starts January 30!
=====================================
The first Global Game Jam (GGJ), a worldwide event challenging game developers to create innovative games in just 48 hours, recently announced that more than 1,750 developers have now signed up to participate in the inaugural event. From 5:00pm on Friday January 30th, until 5:00pm Sunday, February 1st, college students, faculty and members of the game industry will join together for a game building marathon.
Participants will be given the details of the game design theme, constraints, and mechanics allowed, when the clock reaches 5:00pm local time in each region (with the first time zone being New Zealand, and the last being Hawaii). As the start time comes in each time zone, the constraints will also be changed; mitigating any advantage that location might give one team over another.
For more details and a listing of the 53 locations and 23 countries, jump to:
http://www.globalgamejam.org/
=================
5: Columns Update
=================
Monthly columns have been updated:
Famous Last Words
-----------------
"Who owns IP that's NOT part of a game?"
- A look at IP you create while working
http://www.igda.org/columns/lastwords/lastwords_Jan09.php
Culture Clash
-------------
"Ours Go Up to Eleven - Innovation dos and don'ts"
- Exploring when/why innovation is valuable
http://www.igda.org/columns/clash/clash_Jan09.php
The Games Game
--------------
"Level Up to Level Design"
- Looking at level design as a viable entry option
http://www.igda.org/columns/gamesgame/gamesgame_Jan09.php
===========================
6: Chapter Meetings/Reports
===========================
Complete list of chapter reports and upcoming meetings:
http://www.igda.org/chapters/updates.php
Philadelphia
Sunday, February 15 > Next Philly IGDA Meeting (Game Demo Night)
http://www.igda.org/philly/archives/2009/01/next_philly_igd.html
Japan
Saturday, February 7 > SIG-BoardGame: 4th Board Game Rally at Akihabara
http://www.igda.jp/modules/news/article.php?storyid=1550
Montreal
Wednesday, January 28 > GameNight: Jamming with LittleBigPlanet!
http://www.igda.org/montreal/archives/2009/01/january_28th_ja.html
Silicon Valley
Wednesday, January 28 > Chapter Meeting/Social Night
http://www.siliconvalleyigda.org/meetings/
Malaysia
Report, January 24 > IGDA Informal Meet from Dec 19th
http://www.igda.org.my/?p=224
Finland
Report, January 6 > Full Report for 2007-2008 Season is now published
http://igda.fi/?p=225
Philadelphia
Report, January 4 > December Meeting Recap
http://www.igda.org/philly/archives/2008/12/the_december_mee.html
Albuquerque
Report, December 17 > Holiday Mixer/Charity Game Night
http://www.igda.org/albuquerque/history.html
Finland
Report, December 16 > Santa’s little helpers storm the house!
http://igda.fi/?p=424
==================
x: Logistical Bits
==================
Unsubscribe/Subscribe to Newsletter
-----------------------------------
To unsubscribe simply send an email with the subject "unsubscribe" to igda@igda.org.
Or, you can update your newsletter subscription details via your MyProfile page:
http://www.igda.org/membership/myprofile.php
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:
- Cal State Fullerton Extension
- Morgan Kaufmann / Focal Press
- IGN Entertainment / FOX
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
Contact Information
-------------------
Please contact us if you have questions, comments or input:
http://www.igda.org/contact.php
19 Mantua Road
Mount Royal, New Jersey
USA 08061
RSS Feeds for IGDA News and Chapter Updates
-------------------------------------------
The IGDA web site has RSS feeds for IGDA news (eg, org announcements, committee work, etc) 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 -
------m
IGDA Newsletter - January 2009
==============================
=================
Table of Contents
=================
0: A Word From Bob Bates
1: Candidates for the 2009 Board of Director Elections
2: IGDA Action at GDC 2009
3: Leadership Forum '08: DVD Set + Free Web Videos Now Available
4: Global Game Jam Starts January 30!
5: Columns Update
6: Chapter Meetings/Reports
x: Logistical Bits & Unsubscribe Info
=================
========================
0: A Word From Bob Bates
========================
Dear Members and friends,
As the incoming Chair a few years ago, I asked, "Of what practical benefit is the IGDA to our members?" This past winter, the Board of Directors met to decide on strategic priorities for 2009, and the activities they have chosen should go a long way towards answering that question:
- Rolling out our new set of web-based tools:
Starting this spring, SIGs, chapters, working groups, and members of all kinds will be able to self-organize and communicate with each other more easily than ever before. (Stay tuned for further announcements!)
- Increasing our Policy and Advocacy activities:
Our members clearly want the IGDA to serve as "The Voice of the Developer." We anticipate polling our members more often and speaking out on the issues they care about.
- Increasing Support to Chapters:
Chapter meetings and activities are the only opportunities for some of our members to meet their professional peers face-to-face. Through our chapter chartering and grants process, we hope to give a shot in the arm to this vital part of our org.
- Stepping up our marketing and communications activities:
We plan to do a better job of highlighting the wide-ranging activities of our members. We have to get the word out about the value of our organization, both to current members and to potential members and partners.
- Pushing the IGDA's agenda via Events:
Whether at our own Leadership Forum, or at other industry events such as GDC, DICE, SIGGRAPH, Montreal Games Summit, GDC Europe etc, the IGDA will use events around the world as forums to advance the cause of developers.
- Increasing Member Benefits:
We already have a few partnerships that offer discounts and benefits to our members. We hope to grow this list and possibly expand into other "large group discount" areas such as group health insurance.
- Emphasizing the "International" part of our name:
About 18% of our paid members – and a whopping 43% of others who use our website – are from outside North America. We hope to better serve these members and potential members.
It's an ambitious agenda, but we're an ambitious organization. 2009 has already started out to be a year of change and challenge. As the IGDA continues to thrive and grow, we hope we can continue to deliver value and be of practical use to you, our members.
Happy gaming,
- Bob Bates
Vice Chair, IGDA
**********************************************
** Ad: GDC09 Early Registration Approaching **
**********************************************
Register by February 12, 2009 and save up to 30% on conference passes. IGDA Members get an additional $50 discount.
The 23rd annual Game Developers Conference is gearing up for a great conference in San Francisco's Moscone Center on March 23-27, 2009. Get ready for a week of learning, networking, and inspiration as over 18,000 developers convene to further the digital entertainment industry. Check out the latest sessions for Audio, Business & Management, Game Design, Production, Programming and Visual Arts tracks as well as our full and half day Tutorials and nine Summits.
Evening events include the 11th annual Independent Games Festival and the 9th Annual Game Developers Choice Awards. New to GDC09 GDC Vault, the premium content portal for GDC attendees.
For more info and to register, jump to:
http://www.gdconf.com/?cid=GDC09_QUENX3
****************************************
======================================================
1: Candidates for the 2009 Board of Director Elections
======================================================
We have 16 brave people who have stepped forth as nominees for the IGDA Board of Directors (in alphabetical order):
- Gordon Bellamy - Business Development, Image Metrics
- Greg Boyd - Attorney, Davis & Gilbert LLP
- Alfredo Chaves - CEO/President, Blue Lizard Games
- Jared W.Eden - Producer, Buzz Monkey Software
- Clinton Keith - Scrum Trainer & agile coach
- Tim Langdell - Independent Game Designer & Developer / Lead Game Professor, National University
- Michael Lubker - Software Business and Technical Development Manager, ADC
- Adam Martin - independent developer
- Marc Mencher - President and CEO, GameRecruiter.com
- Jamil Moledina - Outreach Director, EA Partners
- Aaron Murray - Technical Director / Founder, Tandem Games
- Brian Robbins - Studio Head, Fuel Games Denver
- Tobi Saulnier - Founder and CEO, 1st Playable Productions
- Ian Schreiber - independent developer
- Dylan Tredrea - Executive Producer, Creo Ludus Entertainment
- Ben Wibberley - VP North America, Babel Media
Each candidate has provided a brief statement of candidacy, which can be viewed via:
http://www.igda.org/board/elections.php
Member voting will commence on February 2nd. A private/secure ballot will be emailed to each eligible member.
*****************************************
** Ad: SaveEarthGame Contest Launched! **
*****************************************
Can a Video Game Save Earth?
The IEEE Committee on Earth Observation has launched two contests to create a game for players to use Earth Observations of our environment for solving issues of the world. The first contest is to develop a game concept only (no computer experience necessary), and the second contest is to create a working game.
Full information and contest details available at:
http://www.SaveEarthGame.org/
*****************************************
==========================
2: IGDA Action at GDC 2009
==========================
Each year the IGDA works hard to maximize the GDC experience for our members and the game development community. Here's an outline of all the stuff the IGDA has cooking for the 2009 GDC.
- Members-Only Party on Tuesday night from 8pm to midnight at the Westin on Market
- IGDA Annual General Meeting on Thursday during lunch break
- Education Summit
- Localization Summit
- 28 SIG and committee meeting roundtable sessions
- 12 social gatherings
- Student Scholarship Program
- IGDA booth and members' area
- Members-Only t-shirt give-away
- Membership ribbons
- VIP Luncheon on Wednesday (by invite only)
- Chapter Coordinators Workshop on Monday (by invite only)
- SIG Leaders Workshop on Monday (by invite only)
- $50 member discount
For details and updates on the above IGDA activities, please jump to the dedicated IGDA@GDC info page:
http://www.igda.org/gdc09/
*************************************************
** Ad: Sample Chapter - The Art of Game Design **
*************************************************
The Art of Game Design, by Jesse Schell, has won the 2008 Game Developers Front Line Award for best book. To celebrate, Focal Press is offering IGDA members a free sample chapter!
* Chapter 15 – One Kind of Experience is the Story:
http://tinyurl.com/8jqene
While you're there, you can view more chapter samples, video tutorials, and podcasts, or sign up for the latest tips and discounts newsletter.
*************************************************
================================================================
3: Leadership Forum '08: DVD Set + Free Web Videos Now Available
================================================================
28 conference sessions were recorded at the 2008 Leadership Forum, and are now available for purchase on DVD. The 5-disc set of hi-res video is priced at $99 (plus shipping). If you would like to purchase a copy, please email us via sales@igda.org and we'll forward you the order form. Copies of the 2007 Leadership Forum DVD are still available as well.
Alternately, you can watch the freely available lo-res videos hosted at Google Video, all linked via the "context index" page (just click on the speaker photos or "video" links for each session):
http://www.igda.org/leadership/?page_id=137
=====================================
4: Global Game Jam Starts January 30!
=====================================
The first Global Game Jam (GGJ), a worldwide event challenging game developers to create innovative games in just 48 hours, recently announced that more than 1,750 developers have now signed up to participate in the inaugural event. From 5:00pm on Friday January 30th, until 5:00pm Sunday, February 1st, college students, faculty and members of the game industry will join together for a game building marathon.
Participants will be given the details of the game design theme, constraints, and mechanics allowed, when the clock reaches 5:00pm local time in each region (with the first time zone being New Zealand, and the last being Hawaii). As the start time comes in each time zone, the constraints will also be changed; mitigating any advantage that location might give one team over another.
For more details and a listing of the 53 locations and 23 countries, jump to:
http://www.globalgamejam.org/
=================
5: Columns Update
=================
Monthly columns have been updated:
Famous Last Words
-----------------
"Who owns IP that's NOT part of a game?"
- A look at IP you create while working
http://www.igda.org/columns/lastwords/lastwords_Jan09.php
Culture Clash
-------------
"Ours Go Up to Eleven - Innovation dos and don'ts"
- Exploring when/why innovation is valuable
http://www.igda.org/columns/clash/clash_Jan09.php
The Games Game
--------------
"Level Up to Level Design"
- Looking at level design as a viable entry option
http://www.igda.org/columns/gamesgame/gamesgame_Jan09.php
===========================
6: Chapter Meetings/Reports
===========================
Complete list of chapter reports and upcoming meetings:
http://www.igda.org/chapters/updates.php
Philadelphia
Sunday, February 15 > Next Philly IGDA Meeting (Game Demo Night)
http://www.igda.org/philly/archives/2009/01/next_philly_igd.html
Japan
Saturday, February 7 > SIG-BoardGame: 4th Board Game Rally at Akihabara
http://www.igda.jp/modules/news/article.php?storyid=1550
Montreal
Wednesday, January 28 > GameNight: Jamming with LittleBigPlanet!
http://www.igda.org/montreal/archives/2009/01/january_28th_ja.html
Silicon Valley
Wednesday, January 28 > Chapter Meeting/Social Night
http://www.siliconvalleyigda.org/meetings/
Malaysia
Report, January 24 > IGDA Informal Meet from Dec 19th
http://www.igda.org.my/?p=224
Finland
Report, January 6 > Full Report for 2007-2008 Season is now published
http://igda.fi/?p=225
Philadelphia
Report, January 4 > December Meeting Recap
http://www.igda.org/philly/archives/2008/12/the_december_mee.html
Albuquerque
Report, December 17 > Holiday Mixer/Charity Game Night
http://www.igda.org/albuquerque/history.html
Finland
Report, December 16 > Santa’s little helpers storm the house!
http://igda.fi/?p=424
==================
x: Logistical Bits
==================
Unsubscribe/Subscribe to Newsletter
-----------------------------------
To unsubscribe simply send an email with the subject "unsubscribe" to igda@igda.org.
Or, you can update your newsletter subscription details via your MyProfile page:
http://www.igda.org/membership/myprofile.php
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:
- Cal State Fullerton Extension
- Morgan Kaufmann / Focal Press
- IGN Entertainment / FOX
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
Contact Information
-------------------
Please contact us if you have questions, comments or input:
http://www.igda.org/contact.php
19 Mantua Road
Mount Royal, New Jersey
USA 08061
RSS Feeds for IGDA News and Chapter Updates
-------------------------------------------
The IGDA web site has RSS feeds for IGDA news (eg, org announcements, committee work, etc) 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 -
------m
Last updated:
09/28/2009 - 1:23 PM
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