================================ IGDA Newsletter - September 2006 ================================ ================= Table of Contents ================= 0: A Word From Brian Reynolds 1: Game Writers Survey 2: Other SIG Action: Production blog, ARG paper/workshop, Education efforts 3: Article: Understanding Termination and Related Issues in Dev Contracts 4: Call for Feedback: Employment Contract QoL Certification 5: Event Discounts Action: Montreal Summit, GDC London + SGS, Game Connection 6: Columns Update 7: Chapter Meetings/Reports x: Logistical Bits & Unsubscribe Info ================= ============================= 0: A Word From Brian Reynolds ============================= Greetings fellow developers! This month the board and I would like to express our deep gratitude for years of service to Kathy Schoback, who is leaving the board due to increasing work commitments. Kathy was first elected to the board in 2002, and went on to serve as our Chairperson for the 2003 term, in addition to her years as Secretary and Chairperson Emeritus. Under Kathy's leadership as Chair, the IGDA's mission was greatly clarified, and in later years she took a central role in leading the organization toward greater independence and self-sufficiency. We will miss Kathy greatly, and although she has left the board we look forward to her continued participate in the IGDA and the development community. The remaining 18 months in Kathy's term will be filled by John Feil, the chairman of our Credit Standards Committee and an experienced IGDA board member who recently completed his own three-year term. Speaking of Kathy, this has been a big month for the women in our industry with the release of Next Gen's article on the Game Industry's 100 Most Influential Women. Illustrating the rising influence of women in today's game industry, author Fiona Cherbak spotlights the professional accomplishments of 100 influential women across our industry. Notable among this list of achievers are numerous active IGDA members, including not only Kathy but also our current IGDA Treasurer Mitzi McGilvray; Michelle Hinn, chair of the Accessibility SIG; Brenda Brathwaite, chair of the Sex SIG; Erin Hoffman, member of the Quality of Life Committee and the ECQC Taskforce; Heather Kelley, chair of the Women's SIG; Aphra Kerr of the Ireland Chapter committee; Aleks Krotoski of the Choice Awards committee; Jennifer MacLean of the Online Games SIG steering committee; Tobi Saulnier, co-chair of the IP Rights SIG; and Margaret Wallace of the Casual Games SIG steering committee. Congratulations to these and all the other honorees! The full list is online at: http://www.next-gen.biz/?option=com_content&task=view&id=3783 Game on! - Brian Reynolds Chairperson, IGDA President, Big Huge Games *************************************************************** ** Ad: Montreal International Game Summit 2006, November 8-9 ** *************************************************************** The third edition of the Montréal International Game Summit is fast approaching and boasts an impressive roster of speakers that includes some of the game sector's biggest names. Don't miss out on this major event that will be attended by over 800 game industry experts. Register online before September 30th and receive up to 30% off the entry fee. IGDA members enjoy an additional 10% discount. For full details about MIGS (registration, sponsorship, exhibition) or to subscribe to the MIGS newsletter: http://www.montrealgamesummit.com/ *************************************************************** ====================== 1: Game Writers Survey ====================== The IGDA's Game Writers SIG is conducting an online survey. Responses will be incorporated into the updated Game Writing White Paper as well as establish vital points for the Game Writing SIG to acknowledge and address in the growing field of game writing. Those involved in game writing are encouraged to take a moment to share experiences and insight into the role of writers in the game industry. The relatively brief survey is available at: http://www.igda.org/writing/survey/ ******************************* ** Ad: London Games Festival ** ******************************* 2-6 October, London, England http://www.londongamesfestival.co.uk/ - GDC London will focus exclusively on advanced techniques in game development, with a special focus on the UK. It's a next-gen boot camp for programming and art leads, managers, creative directors and producers. - The London Games Summit is co-presented by ELSPA and Tiga. This leadership seminar is the definitive event for game industry executives and business managers in Europe. - The London Game Career Fair, presented by Gamasutra.com and gamesindustry.biz, provides the opportunity for game industry professionals, recent graduates, and individuals from related industries to speak with leading companies in the game industry about career opportunities. IGDA members receive a £25 discount on registration (membership will be verified). Early registration discounts expire September 15. ******************************* ============================================================= 2: SIG Action: Production blog, ARG paper/workshop, Education ============================================================= Other recent SIG news includes: - The Production SIG has launched a new blog, titled "Game Producers Paradise": http://www.igda.org/production/ - The Alternate Reality Games SIG will soon release their initial ARG white paper and will present highlights at the cross media event PICNIC 06 in Amsterdam. The ARG workshop is free, but does require pre-registration. Event and SIG details are online: http://www.crossmediaweek.org/partnereventsform.php http://igda.org/arg - The Education SIG recently relaunched with renewed energy, and many projects: http://www.igda.org/education/ *********************************** ** Ad: Serious Games Summit D.C. ** *********************************** 30-31 October, Washington, D.C., USA http://www.seriousgamessummit.com/ The Serious Games Summit D.C. is the premier professional conference for the creators and commissioners of serious games. The summit spotlights the rapidly growing serious games industry that features the use of interactive games technology within non-entertainment sectors. SGS D.C. provides a forum for game developers, buyers, and industry professionals to exchange ideas and advance the state of the art of serious games development in areas such as: corporate training, education, first responders, government, health, military, science, and social change. IGDA members receive a $50 discount on registration (membership will be verified). Early registration discounts expire October 2. *********************************** ========================================================================= 3: Article: Understanding Termination and Related Issues in Dev Contracts ========================================================================= An detailed article on game development contract termination clauses by Jim Charne. By carefully understanding the issues related to contract termination (and with lots of help from your lawyer) developers can take steps to get a more even-handed agreement with publishers. http://www.igda.org/articles/jcharne_termination.php ********************************************************************* ** Ad: Video Game Voters Network Launches Voter Registration Drive ** ********************************************************************* The Video Game Voters Network recently launched the "Play For Real" Video Game Voter Drive. This first-ever voter registration drive focused specifically on voting-aged gamers provides a new online tool that makes registering quick and easy. Voting is the most important and effective way to make your voice heard and protect your First Amendment rights and the games you create and love. Register today and spread the word! http://www.videogamevoters.org/ ********************************************************************* =========================================================== 4: Call for Feedback: Employment Contract QoL Certification =========================================================== The IGDA is committed to its ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life of game developers. One of the ways we are actively pursuing that goal is through the Employment Contract QoL Certification initiative. The Employment Contract QoL Certification Taskforce is in the process of developing a comprehensive set of core elements that reflect best employment practices for studios in the game industry. These basic elements will then be translated into a set of employment contract provisions and benchmarks. IGDA Studio Affiliates will then be able incorporate these model contract provisions into their own employment agreement and then submit that agreement to the IGDA for certification. Once certified, the studio will then be able to state that their employment contract is "IGDA QoL Certified". This certification will provide a level of comfort to potential hires and also provide the studio with a significant advantage in attracting, and retaining, talent. Much of this is still in the development stages, and the IGDA is seeking feedback and guidance from the development community at large. Forum threads on the procedures we anticipate implementing and the different classes of rights and benefits we are considering, have been set up online. Please provide your input on this critical initiative: http://www.igda.org/Forums/forumdisplay.php?forumid=225 ============================================================================= 5: Event Discounts Action: Montreal Summit, GDC London + SGS, Game Connection ============================================================================= Member discounts at upcoming events include: - £25 member discount off London Games Festival events (October 2-6) - $50 member discount at Serious Games Summit D.C. (October 30-31) - 10% member discount at Montreal International Game Summit (November 8-9) - 200 Euro discount for IGDA Studio Affiliates at Game Connection Lyon (December 5-7) Full details and links available online: http://www.igda.org/events/ ================= 6: Columns Update ================= Monthly columns have been updated: Famous Last Words ----------------- "Unique! Unusual! Extraordinary!" - High praise in contract is often a set up for legal troubles http://www.igda.org/columns/lastwords/lastwords_Sep06.php Culture Clash ------------- "The Next Level - The evolution of story" - Exploring the evolution of game narratives, themes and characters http://www.igda.org/columns/clash/clash_Sep06.php The Games Game -------------- "Limited Options for the Lone Wolf" - Advice for those who want to go at it alone... http://www.igda.org/columns/gamesgame/gamesgame_Sep06.php =========================== 7: Chapter Meetings/Reports =========================== Complete list of chapter reports and upcoming meetings: http://www.igda.org/chapters/updates.php Hamar Thursday, October 5 > Prestentation of Funcom and their new games 'Dreamfall: The Longest Journey' and 'Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures' by Mr Jorgen Tharaldsen, Product Director at Funcom, Oslo http://www.igda.org/hamar/ South Florida Sunday, October 1 > Animation in Production Bootcamp Day 2 http://www.igda.org/miami/flyers/09-2006.jpg South Florida Saturday, September 30 > Animation in Production Bootcamp Day 1 http://www.igda.org/miami/flyers/09-2006.jpg Mexico City Saturday, September 23 > Discussion: Game Development Opportunities in Mexico http://www.igda.org/mexico Japan Friday, September 22 > IGDA TGS 2006 Reception "Developers Crossover" http://www.igda.jp/modules/eguide/event.php?eid=35 Seattle Thursday, September 21 > Health and Family and Game Development http://www.igda.org/seattle/meet.htm Albany Wednesday, September 20 > Presentation on "Tiny Tony: Delivering Console-Quality Gameplay on a Handheld Platform" by Leo Zuniga, Designer at Vicarious Visions http://www.igda.org/albany Dallas Wednesday, September 20 > Dallas IGDA Mixer http://www.dallasigda.org/ Montreal Wednesday, September 20 > Defining the Assassin: Designing Next-Gen Gameplay in Theory and in Practice http://www.igda.org/montreal/archives/2006/09/september_20th.html Austin Report, September 19 > Guitar Hero II at Beerland http://www.igda.org/austin/archives/2006/09/meeting_report.html Toronto Report, September 12 > Cry Havok, and Let Slip the Ducks of War http://www.igda.org/toronto/toronto_summary_sept12-06.htm Hamar Report, September 5 > Newsletter from IGDA Hamar Chapter Norway http://www.igda.org/hamar/newsletters/igda_hamar_newsletter_september2006.htm Malaysia Report, August 24 > Malaysia Chapter Meeting August 24th http://igdamalaysia.blogspot.com/2006/08/chapter-meeting-august-24th.html North Carolina Triangle Report, August 22 > Emergent Game Technologies & Networking http://www.igda.org/nctriangle ================== x: Logistical Bits ================== Unsubscribe/Subscribe to Newsletter ----------------------------------- You can unsubscribe or 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: - A K Peters - ATI Technologies - Autodesk Media and Entertainment - CellPerformance.com - Columbia College Chicago - Go3 Electronic Entertainment Expo - Interactive Studio Management - MobyGames 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 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). 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