IGDA Member Newsletter October 3rd, 2000 Message from the Chairman When we all met at last year's GDC, we discussed that our primary objectives this year would be to facilitate the growth of a community among game developers that would be supported at the grass roots level by Special Interest Groups, Chapters and Committees. In this report, you'll see that these efforts are beginning to pay off. We have new chapters starting in three areas now, and we're ready to grow more. New SIG's are also starting, and I think you'll see more activity in this front, as we create a model for these "virtual" SIGs to help bring this worldwide community together. CMP Games Group has done a great job of helping to turn the organization in the right direction, but it became very clear to CMP and the Board that we needed help to focus on facilitating the growth of our member programs. In this report, you'll be introduced to Jason Della Rocca, who is the IGDA's new Program Director. Please join me in welcoming Jason and offering your support in his new role. Best of luck to all of you out there still working on the Holiday Crunch! Alex Jarett Chairman, IGDA I. IGDA STAFF UPDATENEW PROGRAM DIRECTOR JOINS! II. FTC NEWS III. PROJECT MANAGEMENT SIG IV. SOFTWARE PATENT COMMITTEE V. CHAPTER UPDATE VI. CALL FOR SIG PROPOSALS VII. JASON'S CLOSING I. NEW PROGRAM DIRECTOR JOINS! We are pleased to announce the addition of Jason Della Rocca as the IGDA's new Program Director. Jason has already begun jumpstarting several committees and SIGs and is working with Liz Wakefield, our membership coordinator, on chapters around the world. He'll also be working closely with Liz and others on membership and benefits development. Jason's so excited about the job he says it's "keeping him up at night!", and we're happy to have him. Jason's background is in developer relations, most recently for Proksim, but he's best known for his three years evangelizing Matrox's technology. During that time he's gotten to know many of our members, had a chance to see many of the challenges the industry faces, and he's ready to help the IGDA figure out solutions. Feel free to contact Jason at jason@igda.org. II. FTC NEWS With the release of the FTC report, the debate about violence in entertainment is heating up, and we want to help the game development community stay informed. Visit http://www.igda.org/greenberg1.htm to read "When Federal Trade Commissioners Attack" an article by Daniel Greenberg summarizing the issue of violence in interactive media and exploring possible implications of the recent dialogue on our industry. We've also included links to the FTC report and other relevant articles. Afterwards, visit our open forum at http://www.igda.org/cgi-bin/WebX?14@@.ee6bef4 to discuss the issues with other game developers. The ideas represented in these articles do not necessarily represent any official IGDA position - but Dan's provided a wonderful informative overview of an issue critical to our industry. III. PROJECT MANAGEMENT SIG We've recently inaugurated a Project Management SIG moderated by Trond Larsen. The SIG's goal is to improve the current state of project management through the exchange of knowledge, experiences, ideas, questions and advice. Participate in discussions and subscribe to the SIG at www.igda.org. III. SOFTWARE PATENT COMMITTEE We're convening a Software Patent Committee to address one of the most contentious issues in software development. The committee is just getting off the ground and anyone interested in joining, in whatever capacity, should contact Jason at jason@igda.org. IV. CHAPTER UPDATE We are planning inaugural meetings for chapters in Florida, Utah, and India within the next month or two. If you're interested in joining a chapter in one of these areas, visit the chapter discussion forum of your choice and post a message. Or send an email to Liz Wakefield, Membership Coordinator, to liz@igda.org. We're still looking for people to organize chapters in other areas submit a chapter proposal VI. CALL FOR SIG PROPOSALS Do you have a particular interest in a topic of concern to the game industry? The IGDA is looking for some motivated folks to moderate Special Interest Groups. Contact jason@igda.org or submit a Start a SIG proposal to get started (http://www.igda.org/sig_form.htm). You can suggest the topic of your choice or choose from several suggestions: Linux development, mods development, tools & middleware, physics, music/audio, level design. VII. JASON'S CLOSING In closing out this month's newsletter, I'd just like to reiterate how excited I am. This is truly a unique opportunity for me at the IGDA and I look forward to working with everyone in the near future. However, the great potential of the IGDA is nothing without your support. Please do not hesitate to contact me with input and feedback on anything you feel can make a difference and inspire the developer community. Or, about 3D graphics, whatever's cool ;) Jason Della Rocca Program Director, IGDA jason@igda.org