IGDA Newsletter - March 2009
============================
IGDA Newsletter - March 2009
============================
=================
Table of Contents
=================
0: A Word From Bob Bates
1: IGDA 2008 Annual Report
2: Board "Memo": Policy & Advocacy Update
3: GameMentorOnline Kick Off
4: Board/Officer Results
5: Leadership Forum 09 Call for Speakers (+ 08 DVD)
6: Event Action: Triangle, Canada, E3, China, Brighton
7: Columns Update
8: Chapter Meetings/Reports
x: Logistical Bits & Unsubscribe Info
=================
========================
0: A Word From Bob Bates
========================
Dear Members and friends,
Change is here. The IGDA is undergoing the biggest transformation in our history. he only Executive Director we have ever had, Jason Della Rocca, is leaving and we are in the midst of a search for a successor. Our new website and social networking software has entered closed beta (at last!), and our Volunteer Leaders are moving in to create content, kick the tires, and look for bugs. We have elected new members to our Board of Directors: Gordon Bellamy, Tim Langdell, and Jamil Moledina, and we welcome back our Super-Treasurer Tobi Saulnier for another term as well.
But everything old is new again. As I take over as the new Chair, I look back to my previous term in 2005, and in the very first newsletter I asked the question: "Of what practical use is the IGDA to you as an individual?" We are still asking that question today, and although we have more answers now than we did then, we still have a long way to go.
We continue to stress the value of connecting our members with each other. This is especially important in these economic times when many of our friends have been put out of work and their best hope for a new position is to network, network, network.
We continue to be the "voice of the developer" (See Jen MacLean's article later in this newsletter about our Policy & Advocacy efforts and the controversy over Quality of Life comments that emerged from last November’s Leadership Forum).
And we continue to stress career development, not only with our Leadership Forum, but also with our SIGs and affinity groups that enable professional peer-to-peer contact on discipline-specific matters of importance to our members.
Lastly, I must give a word of thanks to outgoing chair Jen MacLean; to our retiring Board Members Mike Capps, Chris Crowell, and Mitzi McGilvray; and extra-special thanks to Jason Della Rocca, whose dedication to, and passion for, the IGDA goes beyond words.
- Bob Bates
Chairperson, IGDA
*************************************************
** Ad: E3 Expo / IGDA Membership Qualification **
*************************************************
2-4 June, Los Angeles, California, USA
E3 Expo is the world's premiere trade show for computer and video games and related products. The show is owned by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the U.S. association dedicated to serving the business and public affairs needs of the companies, publishing interactive games for video game consoles, handheld devices, personal computers and the Internet.
Until May 1st, IGDA membership will act as one form of "Industry Identification" for qualification into E3. Proof of your IGDA membership, along with one additional piece of Industry Identification will allow for FREE admission to E3. Starting May 2nd, IGDA members will be provided with a 20% discount on the E3 Expo Exhibit Floor Pass. Please contact us for more details.
For more details, jump to:
http://www.e3expo.com/
*************************************************
==========================
1: IGDA 2008 Annual Report
==========================
In addition to summary comments from 2008 Board chair Jen MacLean, the Annual Report covers our financial results, highlights accomplishments from 2008 and thanks those who have made it all possible. (FYI, the Board decided to keep saving trees and present the report in web-format only again.)
http://www.igda.org/about/annual_report_08.php
******************************************************************
** Ad: Vote for best all time game, win a copy of Vintage Games **
******************************************************************
Super Mario Brothers? Grand Theft Auto? Pong? Which video game do you consider to be the most influential of all time? Let us know at focalpress.com and you will be entered for a chance to win a copy of Vintage Games by Bill Loguidice and Matt Barton, and a $25 gift card to a game retailer of your choice!
http://www.focalpress.com/giveaway.aspx?ekfrm=6770
While you're there, you can view chapter samples, video tutorials, and podcasts, or sign up for the latest tips and discounts newsletter.
******************************************************************
=========================================
2: Board "Memo": Policy & Advocacy Update
=========================================
One of the most important initiatives of the IGDA is "Policy & Advocacy." Simply put, the IGDA should serve as the collective voice of game developers on important issues that impact our industry. In practice, however, representing a diverse community with varying views on contentious issues like quality of life is easier said than done. We may wish to believe that all our members share one opinion on policy issues such as credit standards or anti-censorship activities, but the truth is more complex.
The IGDA has created a framework for addressing these complicated issues...
Please continue reading the memo from Chair Emeritus, Jen MacLean via:
http://www.igda.org/newsroom/memo_032209.php
============================
3: GameMentorOnline Kick Off
============================
IGDA Women in Games SIG, in partnership with Women in Games International, is kicking off GameMentorOnline this month, the first-of-its-kind online mentorship program for the international games industry. Designed to serve students and young professionals, men and women alike, GameMentorOnline has been developed to meet the growing need for mentorship support in the games industry.
GameMentorOnline is a free service, open to mentors and protégés of all types and in all disciplines of games business and development. GameMentorOnline is powered by a turn-key mentorship matching solution that enables multiple options for protégés when selecting their mentor. GameMentorOnline has been created to carry the mentorship relationship through key milestones to an eventual outcome.
The biggest challenge for GameMentorOnline and any similar program is the ability to attract and maintain committed mentors. We are asking all game professionals to consider dedicating themselves to a minimum of one protégé relationship per year. By meeting this goal, we all contribute to strengthening the games industry as a whole, and giving back to a community that needs our knowledge and encouragement.
GameMentorOnline is generously support by title sponsor Microsoft Game Studios, with additional support from premier sponsors Design, Direct, Deliver and Sony Online Entertainment. While GameMentorOnline is currently in beta phase of development, we are already signing up interested mentors and protégés.
Learn more at:
http://www.gamementoronline.org/
========================
4: Board/Officer Results
========================
The IGDA welcomes Gordon Bellamy, Tim Langdell, and Jamil Moledina as its newest Board members. The trio was elected, along with Tobi Saulnier, who returns for another term on the Board. Industry design veteran Bob Bates was appointed as the new Chairperson. Coray Seifert was appointed Secretary, and Tobi Saulnier will serve as Treasurer.
"The IGDA is working hard this year to increase member value, especially given the economic turmoil that is causing difficulties for so many people in our community," said Bates. "As the largest organization of game development professionals in the world, we serve nearly 16,000 members with our efforts to build community, advocate on important issues, and advance the careers of game developers everywhere."
Press release:
http://www.igda.org/newsroom/press_031109.php
Details/bios on the full IGDA Board of Directors:
http://www.igda.org/board/
===================================================
5: Leadership Forum 09 Call for Speakers (+ 08 DVD)
===================================================
We invite your participation in the third annual IGDA Leadership Forum (set for November 12-13 in San Francisco), focused on advancing the state of the art in game production and management. The Program Committee welcomes session proposals from qualified speakers. Deadline is May 1st. Please review the entire call-for-speakers via:
http://www.igda.org/leadership/?p=140
During last year's Leadership Forum, 28 conference sessions were recorded 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
======================================================
6: Event Action: Triangle, Canada, E3, China, Brighton
======================================================
Member discounts at upcoming events and related event action include:
- 20-30% member discount for Triangle Game Conference in Raleigh, NC (29-30 April)
- $50 member discount for GDC Canada in Vancouver, BC (12-13 May)
- free/20% member access/discount for E3 Expo in Los Angeles, CA (2-4 June)
- 10% member discount for ChinaJoy + CGDC in Shanghai, China (23-26 July)
- 10% member discount for Develop in Brighton, UK (14-16 July)
Full discount details and links available online:
http://www.igda.org/events/
=================
7: Columns Update
=================
Monthly columns have been updated:
Famous Last Words
-----------------
"Oral Amendments"
http://www.igda.org/columns/lastwords/lastwords_Mar09.php
Culture Clash
-------------
"Camping the Kitchen Table - Social play never changes"
http://www.igda.org/columns/clash/clash_Mar09.php
The Games Game
--------------
"Is it Ever Safe to Take the Plunge?"
http://www.igda.org/columns/gamesgame/gamesgame_Mar09.php
===========================
8: Chapter Meetings/Reports
===========================
Complete list of chapter reports and upcoming meetings:
http://www.igda.org/chapters/updates.php
North Carolina Triangle
Tuesday, April 28 > Triangle Game Conference Kickoff
http://www.igda.org/nctriangle/
Silicon Valley
Wednesday, April 1 > SV IGDA Chapter Meeting
http://www.siliconvalleyigda.org/
Mexico City
Wednesday, March 25 > Social Meeting
http://www.igda.org/mexico
Salt Lake City
Report, March 10 > Weathering the Storm
http://igda.org/slc/mar09mr.htm
Finland
Report, March 3 >There’s something in the air
http://igda.fi/?p=572
Montreal
Report, February 25 > Clint Hocking on the Next Gen
http://www.igda.org/montreal/archives/2009/03/clint_hocking_o.html
New Jersey North
Report, February 24 > Smash Hit Meeting!
http://www.igda.org/Forums/showthread.php?threadid=34733
Vietnam
Report, February 13 > IGDA Vietnam Hosts First Chapter Meeting
http://www.igda.org/wiki/IGDA_Vietnam
==================
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:
- Morgan Kaufmann / Focal Press
- NVIDIA Corporation
- Snader & Associates, Inc.
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 - March 2009
============================
=================
Table of Contents
=================
0: A Word From Bob Bates
1: IGDA 2008 Annual Report
2: Board "Memo": Policy & Advocacy Update
3: GameMentorOnline Kick Off
4: Board/Officer Results
5: Leadership Forum 09 Call for Speakers (+ 08 DVD)
6: Event Action: Triangle, Canada, E3, China, Brighton
7: Columns Update
8: Chapter Meetings/Reports
x: Logistical Bits & Unsubscribe Info
=================
========================
0: A Word From Bob Bates
========================
Dear Members and friends,
Change is here. The IGDA is undergoing the biggest transformation in our history. he only Executive Director we have ever had, Jason Della Rocca, is leaving and we are in the midst of a search for a successor. Our new website and social networking software has entered closed beta (at last!), and our Volunteer Leaders are moving in to create content, kick the tires, and look for bugs. We have elected new members to our Board of Directors: Gordon Bellamy, Tim Langdell, and Jamil Moledina, and we welcome back our Super-Treasurer Tobi Saulnier for another term as well.
But everything old is new again. As I take over as the new Chair, I look back to my previous term in 2005, and in the very first newsletter I asked the question: "Of what practical use is the IGDA to you as an individual?" We are still asking that question today, and although we have more answers now than we did then, we still have a long way to go.
We continue to stress the value of connecting our members with each other. This is especially important in these economic times when many of our friends have been put out of work and their best hope for a new position is to network, network, network.
We continue to be the "voice of the developer" (See Jen MacLean's article later in this newsletter about our Policy & Advocacy efforts and the controversy over Quality of Life comments that emerged from last November’s Leadership Forum).
And we continue to stress career development, not only with our Leadership Forum, but also with our SIGs and affinity groups that enable professional peer-to-peer contact on discipline-specific matters of importance to our members.
Lastly, I must give a word of thanks to outgoing chair Jen MacLean; to our retiring Board Members Mike Capps, Chris Crowell, and Mitzi McGilvray; and extra-special thanks to Jason Della Rocca, whose dedication to, and passion for, the IGDA goes beyond words.
- Bob Bates
Chairperson, IGDA
*************************************************
** Ad: E3 Expo / IGDA Membership Qualification **
*************************************************
2-4 June, Los Angeles, California, USA
E3 Expo is the world's premiere trade show for computer and video games and related products. The show is owned by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the U.S. association dedicated to serving the business and public affairs needs of the companies, publishing interactive games for video game consoles, handheld devices, personal computers and the Internet.
Until May 1st, IGDA membership will act as one form of "Industry Identification" for qualification into E3. Proof of your IGDA membership, along with one additional piece of Industry Identification will allow for FREE admission to E3. Starting May 2nd, IGDA members will be provided with a 20% discount on the E3 Expo Exhibit Floor Pass. Please contact us for more details.
For more details, jump to:
http://www.e3expo.com/
*************************************************
==========================
1: IGDA 2008 Annual Report
==========================
In addition to summary comments from 2008 Board chair Jen MacLean, the Annual Report covers our financial results, highlights accomplishments from 2008 and thanks those who have made it all possible. (FYI, the Board decided to keep saving trees and present the report in web-format only again.)
http://www.igda.org/about/annual_report_08.php
******************************************************************
** Ad: Vote for best all time game, win a copy of Vintage Games **
******************************************************************
Super Mario Brothers? Grand Theft Auto? Pong? Which video game do you consider to be the most influential of all time? Let us know at focalpress.com and you will be entered for a chance to win a copy of Vintage Games by Bill Loguidice and Matt Barton, and a $25 gift card to a game retailer of your choice!
http://www.focalpress.com/giveaway.aspx?ekfrm=6770
While you're there, you can view chapter samples, video tutorials, and podcasts, or sign up for the latest tips and discounts newsletter.
******************************************************************
=========================================
2: Board "Memo": Policy & Advocacy Update
=========================================
One of the most important initiatives of the IGDA is "Policy & Advocacy." Simply put, the IGDA should serve as the collective voice of game developers on important issues that impact our industry. In practice, however, representing a diverse community with varying views on contentious issues like quality of life is easier said than done. We may wish to believe that all our members share one opinion on policy issues such as credit standards or anti-censorship activities, but the truth is more complex.
The IGDA has created a framework for addressing these complicated issues...
Please continue reading the memo from Chair Emeritus, Jen MacLean via:
http://www.igda.org/newsroom/memo_032209.php
============================
3: GameMentorOnline Kick Off
============================
IGDA Women in Games SIG, in partnership with Women in Games International, is kicking off GameMentorOnline this month, the first-of-its-kind online mentorship program for the international games industry. Designed to serve students and young professionals, men and women alike, GameMentorOnline has been developed to meet the growing need for mentorship support in the games industry.
GameMentorOnline is a free service, open to mentors and protégés of all types and in all disciplines of games business and development. GameMentorOnline is powered by a turn-key mentorship matching solution that enables multiple options for protégés when selecting their mentor. GameMentorOnline has been created to carry the mentorship relationship through key milestones to an eventual outcome.
The biggest challenge for GameMentorOnline and any similar program is the ability to attract and maintain committed mentors. We are asking all game professionals to consider dedicating themselves to a minimum of one protégé relationship per year. By meeting this goal, we all contribute to strengthening the games industry as a whole, and giving back to a community that needs our knowledge and encouragement.
GameMentorOnline is generously support by title sponsor Microsoft Game Studios, with additional support from premier sponsors Design, Direct, Deliver and Sony Online Entertainment. While GameMentorOnline is currently in beta phase of development, we are already signing up interested mentors and protégés.
Learn more at:
http://www.gamementoronline.org/
========================
4: Board/Officer Results
========================
The IGDA welcomes Gordon Bellamy, Tim Langdell, and Jamil Moledina as its newest Board members. The trio was elected, along with Tobi Saulnier, who returns for another term on the Board. Industry design veteran Bob Bates was appointed as the new Chairperson. Coray Seifert was appointed Secretary, and Tobi Saulnier will serve as Treasurer.
"The IGDA is working hard this year to increase member value, especially given the economic turmoil that is causing difficulties for so many people in our community," said Bates. "As the largest organization of game development professionals in the world, we serve nearly 16,000 members with our efforts to build community, advocate on important issues, and advance the careers of game developers everywhere."
Press release:
http://www.igda.org/newsroom/press_031109.php
Details/bios on the full IGDA Board of Directors:
http://www.igda.org/board/
===================================================
5: Leadership Forum 09 Call for Speakers (+ 08 DVD)
===================================================
We invite your participation in the third annual IGDA Leadership Forum (set for November 12-13 in San Francisco), focused on advancing the state of the art in game production and management. The Program Committee welcomes session proposals from qualified speakers. Deadline is May 1st. Please review the entire call-for-speakers via:
http://www.igda.org/leadership/?p=140
During last year's Leadership Forum, 28 conference sessions were recorded 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
======================================================
6: Event Action: Triangle, Canada, E3, China, Brighton
======================================================
Member discounts at upcoming events and related event action include:
- 20-30% member discount for Triangle Game Conference in Raleigh, NC (29-30 April)
- $50 member discount for GDC Canada in Vancouver, BC (12-13 May)
- free/20% member access/discount for E3 Expo in Los Angeles, CA (2-4 June)
- 10% member discount for ChinaJoy + CGDC in Shanghai, China (23-26 July)
- 10% member discount for Develop in Brighton, UK (14-16 July)
Full discount details and links available online:
http://www.igda.org/events/
=================
7: Columns Update
=================
Monthly columns have been updated:
Famous Last Words
-----------------
"Oral Amendments"
http://www.igda.org/columns/lastwords/lastwords_Mar09.php
Culture Clash
-------------
"Camping the Kitchen Table - Social play never changes"
http://www.igda.org/columns/clash/clash_Mar09.php
The Games Game
--------------
"Is it Ever Safe to Take the Plunge?"
http://www.igda.org/columns/gamesgame/gamesgame_Mar09.php
===========================
8: Chapter Meetings/Reports
===========================
Complete list of chapter reports and upcoming meetings:
http://www.igda.org/chapters/updates.php
North Carolina Triangle
Tuesday, April 28 > Triangle Game Conference Kickoff
http://www.igda.org/nctriangle/
Silicon Valley
Wednesday, April 1 > SV IGDA Chapter Meeting
http://www.siliconvalleyigda.org/
Mexico City
Wednesday, March 25 > Social Meeting
http://www.igda.org/mexico
Salt Lake City
Report, March 10 > Weathering the Storm
http://igda.org/slc/mar09mr.htm
Finland
Report, March 3 >There’s something in the air
http://igda.fi/?p=572
Montreal
Report, February 25 > Clint Hocking on the Next Gen
http://www.igda.org/montreal/archives/2009/03/clint_hocking_o.html
New Jersey North
Report, February 24 > Smash Hit Meeting!
http://www.igda.org/Forums/showthread.php?threadid=34733
Vietnam
Report, February 13 > IGDA Vietnam Hosts First Chapter Meeting
http://www.igda.org/wiki/IGDA_Vietnam
==================
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:
- Morgan Kaufmann / Focal Press
- NVIDIA Corporation
- Snader & Associates, Inc.
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 - 1:25 PM
Links
Poll
How often should the chapter meet, realistically?
| Once a month | 175 |
| Once a quarter | 98 |
Total votes: 273