John C. Ardussi 2010 Board Statement

Contact John

Candidate Position Statement:

The existence of the IGDA is to help its members best achieve their goals. While the needs are as diverse as the membership, there are definitely holes in the game development community that need to be filled. I believe that if someone is already doing something well, I should focus on doing something else and let the other person fulfill that need. Having worked as a contractor, I was pleased to see the IGDA fill one of those holes and help its members with their healthcare needs. For years I have taken advantage of the learning opportunities presented by our local IGDA SIG. So I see the potential and places for the IGDA to make an impact.

Having spent a lot of time helping such national organizations as Habitat For Humanity and the National Apple Users Group Conference, I know the challenges of working to help members while maintaining the organization itself.

As far as games, I pitched my first game back in 1982 for the Apple ][ while in college and have not looked back since. I have worked with a lot of great people in the industry. Some have gone on to start their own companies and other are at the top of the biggest companies, such as Activision and Electronic Arts. I have worked as an independent contractor as well as an employee. I have run my own company and was an employee for Westwood Studios when it was bought by EA. So my experience is very diverse. I have seen how meeting the needs of its employees often makes a company better and more efficient. Some of the companies I have worked for and run were too small to do that on their own. That is where an organization like the IGDA can help.

I am hoping to bring all that knowledge together to help the IGDA as it moves forward.

Candidate Bio:

Coming Soon!

Board Interview Q and A:

1. What do you see as the biggest challenge facing game developers today?  What should the IGDA's role be in addressing that challenge?

Depending where you are in the industry will change your answer significantly. For most people in the industry, quality of life issues are extremely prominent. Whether they are compensated for their time or not, people are burning off a finite resource they have which is time. Having some guidance about what is appropriate and what can be done to get the work done, while maintaining a life balance is important. This is place where the IGDA can play an important role. Advising individuals as well as companies so that everyone has the best possible experience is an important part of what the IGDA can do.

For others, software patents, copyright infringement, distribution channels, royalty accounting and the ever looming nationalized age rating system are foremost for them. These are all places where an organization can have more impact than individuals themselves. And getting its members information on their rights is a key component of this.

2.  How do you expect to contribute to the IGDA Board?  What qualifications or skills do you possess that will enhance your contributions?

One of my favorite things is brainstorming. To put all ideas out on a table and see which ones ultimately make the most sense. Many times the easiest ones to do will also have the most impact. One of the most important things I have learned is that time is like money, you can always spend it, but you are not guaranteed of getting anything for it. The important part of creating a plan and direction is to make sure you accomplish the most, while wasting the least.

As Treasurer for the National Apple Users' Group Conference, my job was to say 'No' to anyone who wanted to spend money. By only spending money where we had to, we turned around a conference from losing money to making money. By doing that, all sorts of doors opened to us in terms of making a great conference for those who attended. The limiting factor for decisions was never money.

I have worked on fundraisers for Habitat For Humanity as well as local theatre groups. I have written and produced TV commercials and award winning short films. With all this experience, I hope to help the IGDA focus its efforts to help it have a bigger impact.

3. How much time do you expect to volunteer to the IGDA?  How will you manage this commitment?

I have talked with past board members about their time commitment and am comfortable that it will not be too much. I am more goal oriented. Once I choose a goal, I make sure whatever it takes to get it done is what I do.

4. As an IGDA board member, you're often asked to get things done on a short timeframe and tight budget.  What do you think a reasonable expectation of a board member's contribution is?  How will you accomplish your goals as a board member?

I think that "a short timeframe and tight budget" describes almost every job I have ever done. Including running my own company. I am still hoping for the "long time frame and open budget" project to come my way. But I'm not holding my breath.

Once elected to the Board, members should do all they can to help the organization. This includes promotion, use of personal contacts and most importantly, make the organization aware of opportunities to promote itself and help facilitate making it happen. One of the most common phrases I hear is "We should have been here promoting ourselves." As I mentioned before, a lot of the best opportunities are cheap and easy. Identifying them is an important role for any Board member.