IGDA-Austin Newsletters
This thread will be for forum readers and search engine users who are not on our mailing list because they have just moved to Austin or only recently tuned in to IGDA-Austin.
We're going to copy sent newsletters from our mailing list onto this living thread as a constant reminder of our activities as well as a log for those who want to know what we've been up to.
This was a great tradition held over from Austin Game Developers, and we're going to continue that tradition as IGDA-Austin.
If you aren't on our mailing list, you can join by signing up at the link below:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IGDA-Austin/join
After last year's standing room only conference, the Game Writers Conference is back September 6-7 in Austin, running concurrently with the first two days of the Austin Game Conference. The GWC will bring together writers, developers, and publishers from around the world to discuss the art of gamewriting.
Go to http://www.GameWritersConference.com for details or http://www.GameWritersConference.com/register to register and save $100 off the onsite registration price.
This year's speaker roster features some of the best writers in the industry with resumes boasting the hit titles Mass Effect, Psychonauts, Jade Empire, Destroy All Humans, Neverwinter Nights 2, God of War, Leisure Suit Larry, Rainbow Six: Lockdown, and SplinterCell: Double Agent. Speakers include Erik Wolpaw (Valve), Harvey Smith (Midway Austin), Chris Avellone(Obsidian Entertainment), and Marianne Krawcyzk.
This year's conference sessions include: Narrative Design: Writing Stories With Gameplay In Mind; Creating Characters For Games; Inside the Voice Actor's Studio: Writing Dialogue for Actors; Improv for Writers; Finding New Models for Game Stories; Writing Comedy for Games; The Imago Effect: Avatar Psychology; Screen/Play: Story Documentation.
The GWC has a rockin' advisory board comprised of Susan O'Connor, Dana Fos (User Experience Manager, Microsoft) Clint Hocking (Creative Director, Ubisoft) Chris Klug (Creative Director, Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment), and Mary De Marle (Narrative Designer, Ubisoft) who've poured hours of time and effort to ensure that this year's GWC matches and surpasses last year's success.
So, that's all great...
The 10 Real Reasons Why You Should Register for the GWC:
10) The conference is in your own backyard. After a long day of sessions, panels, and schmoozing, you can go home and sleep in your own bed.9) Talk shop with the creator of Leisure Suit Larry, Al Lowe.
8) 100s of the greatest brains in game development - all in one spot - Warren Spector, Raph Koster, Mark Jacobs, etc....
7) We encourage daytime drinking. Free beer starting at 2pm on Thursday.
6) 4 conferences for the price of 1. Registration for the GWC also allows entry to the Austin Game Conference, Game Audio Conference, and Casual Games Conference.
5) 16 of the hottest game companies in the industry (see Sony, Microsoft, Intel, EA, etc.) will be on the lookout for fresh meat/employees at the Career Pavilion.
4) While E3, as we knew it, is dead, we're alive and kickin' with more to offer than ever before.
3) Make yourself more marketable to employers. Game companies are starting to realize that games need more than flawless visuals and impeccable audio to fly off the shelves. Learn how to structure game story, write dialogue, and more.
2) We appreciate what you do— we're the only conference dedicated solely to game writing.
1) We're cheaper than dirt for Austinites. Without plane tickets to buy or hotels to book, you can make your way over to the convention center for a lean $395. Where else can you learn how to jump start your MMOG, network with developers from over 430 companies, hear wisdom from top industry bigwigs, and attend a party on Sixth Street for under 400 bucks?
Look for 10 More Reasons to Register for AGC, coming next week
Austin Game Conference Coming Up in Less Than 3 Weeks
For its 2006 conference September 6-8, the Austin Game Conference will dish up world-class headliners, speakers, and exhibitors.
The AGC will bring together 2,400 industry professionals from more than 20 countries for three days of sessions, panels, and roundtables on the topics most affecting the game industry today.
This year's keynotes include:
- Rob Pardo - Blizzard's VP of Game Design and lead designer for World of Warcraft
- Michael Dell - Chairman of Dell, Inc. (who will participate in a special Q&A session)
- Vernor Vinge - Hugo Award Winning Science-Fiction Author
- Jon Landau - Producer; COO, Lightstorm Entertainment, Inc.
At the Career Pavilion attendees can meet face-to-face with recruiters from twenty of the hottest companies in game industry including Sony, Microsoft, Electronic Arts, and Intel.
Online registration is $395 until September 5th and $495 onsite. For more information and to register, visit http://www.GameConference.com.
Here's 10 Reasons to Register for AGC:
10) Let science-fiction author Vernor Vinge blow your mind as he ponders the future of games in a world in which most real-world objects know what they are, where they are, and how to communicate.
9) Mix and mingle with professionals from over 520 game industry companies in a laid-back, casual atmosphere.
8) Give back to the Austin community. AGC will donate $10 of every registration to Communities in Schools.
7) Learn about the fastest growing segment of the game industry-- Casual Games. In its 2nd year, the Casual Games Conference will tackle The ROI of Advergaming; Web-based Casual Games; Virtual Currency; International Game Development; Marketing Casual Games; and more.
6) Step up your technique at the Dell Precision ArtZONE where you can train with top professionals on the latest tools from Softimage and Autodesk.
5) Get into the mind of movie industry vet producer (and James Cameron business partner) Jon Landau. One of the most successful teams in Hollywood is now looking at MMOGs.
4) Kick back at the Official Conference Party sponsored by K2 Networks Inc.— where the real deals will get done.
3) Hear the latest Blizzard news straight from the source. Blizzard's VP of Game Design, Rob Pardo, will give the opening keynote on Wed., Sept. 6th.
2) Have a (fireside) chat with UT's favorite dropout, Michael Dell. Dell's Chairman will participate in a special Q&A session on Thursday afternoon where he will single-handedly solve all of the industry's problems with a smile and a handshake.
1) We still allow liquids in your carryon. In fact, we encourage it. With no need to travel, you can drive downtown feeling refreshed and ready for the day's events. Plus, get a warm welcome on Wednesday from Austin mayor, Will Wynn.
The 1st Annual Game Audio Conference (GAC) debuts September 6-7, 2006 alongside the Austin Game Conference. The GAC, sponsored by Dolby Laboratories, is designed to offer advanced game audio sessions for working industry professionals and is geared toward proposing solutions to some of game audio's toughest problems.
Like the AGC, the GAC is affordably priced, with online registration for professionals just $395 and $350 for students until September 5th. To save an extra 20%, use the super-secret promo code “future400†when registering at GameAudioConference.com
The conference will include talks from leading industry professionals including an opening keynote address from Electronic Art’s Charles Deenen. Other speakers include: Clark Crawford (Project Audio Director, Midway Studios Austin), Heather Sowards (Media Producer, Sony Online Entertainment), Jeffrey Wesevich (Redstorm), Justin Drust (Redstorm), Alistair Hirst (CEO, Omni Interactive Audio), Peter Drescher (Sound Designer, Danger, Inc.), Tracy W. Bush (Audio Director, NCsoft), and Tom Hays (Director, Audio Services, Technicolor Interactive Services).
Scheduled Game Audio Conference Sessions:
- Pre-production for Game Audio
- Large Scale Dialog Management
- Multi-channel Audio
- Creating Audio for Mobile Games
- The Lone Wolf
- Music Design for Large Persistent Worlds
- Sound Source Acquisition and Library Maintenance
GAC advisory board consists of chairman Marc Schaefgen (Studio Audio Director, Midway Studios Austin), Randy Buck (Audio Director, Midway Studios Austin), Linda Law (Vice President, The Fatman), George Sanger (The Fatman), Scott Selfon (Senior Audio Specialist, Microsoft Game Technology Group), Lori Solomon (Game Marketing Manager, Dolby Laboratories), and Matt Tullis (Game Developer Support Engineer, Dolby Laboratories).
Registration to the GAC grants full access to:
- Technology Pavilion-- See the latest tools, technologies, products, and services from over 80 exhibitors.
- Recruiting Pavilion-- Converse with recruiters from 20 of the hottest companies in the industry including Sony, Microsoft, Intel, and Electronic Arts
- Dell ArtZONE-- Receive top training by representatives from Autodesk and Softimage who will be on-site at the Tech Pavilion to provide intermediate and advanced instruction on their exciting new product lines.
- Austin Game Conference-- Don’t miss the definitive conference for online and online game development. Headlining speeches by Michael Dell, Blizzard’s Rob Pardo, film producer Jon Landau, and author Vernor Vinge.
- Game Writers Conference-- Delve into the art and craft of game writing with fellow writers, developers, and publishers.
- Casual Games Conference-- Learn more about the design considerations and business principles required for developers to succeed in this rapidly-expanding game industry segment. Sponsored by Microsoft Casual Games.
- Official Conference Party-- Let loose a little after two long days of serious discussion. Sponsored by K2 Network.
Visit http://www.GameAudioConference.com to more details.
That's right... 2! Our very first meeting of the year will feature a beta copy of Guitar Hero 2. (Special thanks goes out to Warren Spector and his friends at Harmonix for that.)
Place: Beerland (711 Red River. Austin, Texas. Not far from the convention center) Time: Wednesday, September , 2006 (During the Austin Game Conference) starting at 7pm Price: FREE
Registration will be at the door.
Beerland is a 21 and up establishment. You will not be able to enter without a valid ID.
Everyone who is reading this (and older than 20) is welcome to enter or just come by and have a beer while talking shop with fellow professional game developers, including out of town visitors for the Austin Game Conference.
Call For Speakers Opens
The Online Game Development Conference Advisory Board welcomes submissions from industry leaders, academia, and up-and-coming game development demi-gods. OGDC's goal is to be one of the most informative technical conferences in the industry. As a first year conference, we hope to achieve that goal with world-class speakers and information packed sessions, focusing entirely on developers and the challenges they face in our changing and expanding market.
OGDC offers its speakers tremendous opportunities for exposure and recognition. Sessions will attract many technical professionals interested in learning from your expertise and experience. Speakers who are already well established can continue to build their reputation, sharing new expertise and strengthening their already popular presentations. OGDC provides the following benefits:
- Complimentary registration to the conference, exhibition, keynotes, and exhibit events. Speakers are responsible for their own travel and hotel accommodations.
- Daily access to the Speaker’s Lounge area. The Speaker’s Lounge is the designated area for all speakers to meet, network and prepare for your presentations.
- Speaker listing and company reference in the conference program and conference web site.
- One complimentary conference registration for the speaker's colleague or guest to attend the conference.
Peer Review Process
With the exception of sponsored sessions and roundtables, all OGDC sessions will be peer reviewed before the conference and publication in the conference proceedings. Peer review is widely used to evaluate the merit of articles contributed to scientific and engineering journals. We use peer review to ensure that sessions are of a high quality, ensure integrity, reduce potential liability, and maximize useful information content of sessions.
For guidelines on submitting abstracts, as well as a list of preferred topics, visit the OGDC Submissions Page.
I hope that you will be able to participate in this event and look forward to your submission.
Sincerely,
Peter Freese
OGDC Advisory Board Chair
Read submission guidelines and suggested topics Free Conference VIP Pass - Join the OGDC Mailing List! Want a chance to win one of three conference VIP passes? Join the OGDC Update mailing list. Three lucky members of the mailing list will be selected on October 15, 2006, and receive complimentary registration to all OGDC events.
Join the OGDC Update List About Evergreen Events Evergreen Events is dedicated to the enrichment of the games industry through innovative, high-quality conferences that are both informative and connective. Our directors and advisors have decades of game industry and conference experience.
12922 206th Ct. SE, Issaquah, WA 98027
Voice: 425-996-8478; Fax: 425-642-8256
Due to popular demand from games industry professionals, some of our events will be open only to developers employed (past or present) within the industry. We will announce these meetings on our developer-only mailing list.
If you would like to join our developer-only mailing list, please send an email to
IGDA-Austin_Correspondence *AT* googlegroups.com
FROM YOUR WORK EMAIL ACCOUNT. If you prefer to add your personal email account to our mailing list instead of your work account, then you can include your preferred email address in the body of email that you send us. If you are currently unemployed, then you will need to have a known industry professional vouch for you in person at our next meeting.
Any questions or concerns about this policy can be addressed on our forums:
http://www.igda.org/Forums/forumdisplay.php?forumid=68
Two existing threads that may be of interest would be…
http://www.igda.org/Forums/showthread.php?threadid=24874
and
http://www.igda.org/Forums/showthread.php?threadid=24889
Sincerely,
The IGDA-Austin Officers
The education of future game developers is an important aspect to the health of our industry. IGDA-Austin would like to contribute to this by mantaining a network between local game development student organizations and willing industry representatives.
In short, our organization is looking to mentor student organizations around Austin in addition to opening up useful channels of communication for students. If you are currently involved with a student game dev organization OR you are interested in starting a student chapter of the IGDA in your college, then send an email to
IGDA-Austin_Correspondence *AT* googlegroups.com
With a description of yourself, and what you would like to achieve. We are looking for dedicated individuals who will put as much effort into their organization as we would put into them.
Yours Truly,
The Officers of IGDA-Austin
There will be a free presentation on Scrum for Video Game Development by Mike Cohn of Mountain Goat Software. This takes place on February 6th, starting 6:00pm at the National Instruments campus. More information can be found here:
http://www.igda.org/austin/archives/2007/01/scrum_presentat.html
___
Also taking place in February:
Announcing the Sixth Annual
Gamers for Kids' Sake Bowl-a-rama!
Saturday, February 24, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Highland Lanes, 8909 Burnet Rd
http://austinbowl.googlepages.com
Once a year Austin's game developers convene to topple pins, marvel over beer in pin-shaped bottles, and raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters. To date we gamers have raised over $100,000 to match more than 100 kids with adult mentors throughout Central Texas, and this year we're ready to blow our old records out of the water. Put down your Wii bowling for a night and join us for the real thing!
___
The second annual SXSW Screenburn event will be running from March 10th through March 13th. SXSW ScreenBurn enables consumers and game developers to preview the future of this industry, hear about soon-to-be-released titles, learn fascinating insights from thought-provoking experts, plus meet up-and-coming new talent whose innovations are powering the next generation of play. More information can be found here:
http://www.igda.org/austin/archives/2007/01/sxsw_presents_s.html
___
Lastly, some of you may be aware of efforts to make Texas more friendly to game development. Legislation under consideration at the Texas State Capitol could offer serious financial benefits to Texas game developers. Spearheaded by the Texas Motion Picture Alliance (TXMPA), the bill would provide financial credits for ever dollar spent on personnel in making a game, movie, television show or commercial in our state. In other words, for every dollar spent on someone's salary, your company would receive X% back. Other states have such programs and Texas is, at long last, posed to institute similar incentive programs. As with any political movement, however, TXMPA needs our help. The more people clamoring for this incentive, the better our chances for passing.
So, how do you, Mr. or Ms. Game Developer, help kick the Legislature into shape? Two ways:
1) Register (for free) to become a member of the TXMPA.
You'll receive updates from the TXMPA on the bill's process, and, when the time comes, you'll be invited to contact your elected officials to advocate for passage of the bill. The film folks are signing up in droves. We need a good showing from the game industry to illustrate our size and desire for these incentives. Go to txmpa.org
All game developers are invited to the Texas Motion Picture Alliance fundraiser on Wednesday, February 7, 7:00 pm, at Scholz's Beer Garden, 1607 San Jacinto.
2) Attend the TXMPA "Call to Action" Fundraiser on February 7.
What: Austin TXMPA "Call to action" fundraiser for incentives
Where: Scholz Beer Garden, 1607 San Jacinto, 474-1958
When: Wednesday, February 7th, 7pm to 10pm
Specific: music, special guests and raffle. Happy hour prices.
Who: Workers in the film, interactive and gaming industries.
Guest speakers include Matt Dentler, SXSW Festival Producer; Rebecca Campbell, Executive Director of Austin Film Society; Dana Wheeler Nicholson, actress (the Fletch girl!). A not-to-miss industry specific raffle and a special guest band!
Happy hour prices on 20oz domestics and selected appetizers.
Sponsors: Austin Film Society, Texas Association of Film/Tape Professionals, Reel Women, Screendoor Films, Caught In The Act Magazine, IGDA-Austin
IGDA-Austin and the Austin Film Society invite you to a Video Game and Film Incentives Party.
WHERE: Scholz's Beer Garden, 1607 San Jacinto Blvd.
WHEN: Wednesday, February 7th, 2007, 7–10 pm
WHAT: Happy hour prices. Mingling with the game and film industry. Raffle prizes.
WHY: A bill before the Texas Legislature would provide financial incentives to Texas game companies. If passed, this will help grow our industry, create jobs and attract more game companies to Texas. Come learn what's happening and how you can help.
Click here for the official flyer.
Originally posted by Bystander
WHERE: Scholz's Beer Garden, 1607 San Jacinto Blvd.
WHEN: Wednesday, February 7th, 2007, 7–10 pm[/B]
Woot, a whole day's notice, and it's at the same time as Susan O'Connor's speech at ACC! Go team!
FYI, the mailout before this recent one also mentions that event.
2) Attend the TXMPA "Call to Action" Fundraiser on February 7.
What: Austin TXMPA "Call to action" fundraiser for incentives
Where: Scholz Beer Garden, 1607 San Jacinto, 474-1958
When: Wednesday, February 7th, 7pm to 10pm
Specific: music, special guests and raffle. Happy hour prices.
Who: Workers in the film, interactive and gaming industries.
Guest speakers include Matt Dentler, SXSW Festival Producer; Rebecca Campbell, Executive Director of Austin Film Society; Dana Wheeler Nicholson, actress (the Fletch girl!). A not-to-miss industry specific raffle and a special guest band!
Happy hour prices on 20oz domestics and selected appetizers.
Sponsors: Austin Film Society, Texas Association of Film/Tape Professionals, Reel Women, Screendoor Films, Caught In The Act Magazine, IGDA-Austin
If I wasn't going to Scholz, I would definitely have gone to Susan's lecture.
About that little "Go Team" comment... you do realize that ACC and IGDA are different entities, right?
Please join us at the Breaking In Seminar and Mixer. Rodney Gibbs will be giving a short talk. Then we'll do some informal Q&A. Industry professionals will be there to answer any questions you might have about getting into the games industry. This is a good opportunity for students in the Austin area to mingle with professional developers and have some good coffee while you're at it.
http://www.austincc.edu/techcert/VideoGamScreenburn4.pdf
Breaking In Seminar/Mixer Sponsored by: Austin Community College Video Game Program, SXSW Screenburn & Digital Media Council; Thursday evening, 7pm to 9pm, February 22, 2007; LOCATION: Joe's Coffee [Map] 242 W 2nd St.
Sincerely,
Your friendly neighborhood IGDA-Austin Officers
Dorkbot Geeks Out on Games this Thursday
This Thursday, May 10, 7PM, Dorkbot features an array of people doing strange things with electricity, including two video game topics:
* Jason Asbahr of Roxor Games will discuss Indie Arcade Game Development
* James Clarendon of Red Fly will present Tempest 2000, the trippiest game ever made.
Dorkbot is fun, free and strange. Come see for yourself. Details below.
dorkbot8
Thursday, May 10, 7PM
Cafe Mundi
1704 E 5th St. (a few blocks east of I-35)
(512) 236-8634
Yummy food and beverages to accompany your dork euphoria.
dorkbot is back. What do we have in store for you this time?
Colloids and whacked out video games and Satanic anti-war song-cycles. Oh-my!!!
Line-up:
* Brian Park (http://www.abbedon.com/electricminds/html/wwj_austin_2228.html)
o Virtual Reality in 3space: realspace, mindspace & cyberspace. If you’ve seen the film Lawnmower Man, you’ve seen Brian’s work. Come out Thursday to see his latest inventions.
* Sean McCullough (http://www.cricketschirping.com/weblog/)
o
teaches you to build a writhing slime demonstration of how colloids react to sonic waves.
* Jason Asbahr from Roxor Games (http://www.roxorgames.com)
o
exposes Indie Arcade Game Development.
* “Music†by themysterious H
o
twists 8-bit synths in interesting and disastrous ways. DJ McPickleshittz backs him up with an original copy of Electric Lucifer.
* Tempest 2000 for the Atari Jaguar
o
Jeff Minter's magnum opus, this sequel to the coin-op classic Tempest is one of the trippiest games you’ll ever see. See (and play) for yourself with a homebrew rotary control on the big screen.
Spread the word about this Thursday to dork lovers near and far.
What’s next? We can’t spill all the beans quite yet but here’s a teaser of what’s to come this summer and fall: kidbot, evil dorkbot and Maker Faire.
Sign up on the mailing list and don’t miss a thing: http://dorkbot.org/mailman/listinfo/dorkbotaustin-announce
Does anyone know of any upcoming events where I might be able to meet some folks in the industry? I am new to town and I really wold like to meet some people.
about once or twice a year there is a breaking into the industry IGDA meeting that is open to everyone. Also there is an indie meeting thrown on by Zratchet you might want to check out.
Originally posted by gametitan
about once or twice a year there is a breaking into the industry IGDA meeting that is open to everyone. Also there is an indie meeting thrown on by Zratchet you might want to check out.
Where can I get more info on the Zratchet thing?
You should keep reading this forum. A lot more. There are many threads. Read them. 
Where do I find forum threads? Do people have conversations here?
Originally posted by Bystander
Where do I find forum threads? Do people have conversations here?
What's a "Forum"? This is so confusing!
Originally posted by C.Barrett
Where can I get more info on the Zratchet thing?
We should be having a meeting this Thursday. More details soon.
Originally posted by C.Barrett
What's a "Forum"? This is so confusing!
http://www.igda.org/Forums/showthread.php?threadid=22984&perpage=15&pagenumber=2
Originally posted by zratchet
http://www.igda.org/[b]Forums/showthread.php?threadid=22984&perpage=15&pagenumber=2
[/B]
Oh!! *Whew* that makes so much sense now!
I love the smell of sarcasm in the morning
Originally posted by dark_tonic
I love the smell of sarcasm in the morning
Reminds me of Bacon.
Reminds me of Bacon.
I'm curious, are you sniffing Kevin, or a cop?
Get your drink on with Austin musicians at IGDA's June 5th Happy Hour, 6:30 - 8:30 PM at the Shoal Creek Saloon. Gamers team up with the Austin Music Foundation to kick off the summer Cajun-style. Mingle with other game folks, meet musicians, chat about ways our industries can collaborate. Cash bar and spicy Cajun cooking available.
IGDA-Austin/Austin Music Foundation Happy Hour
Tuesday, June 5
6:30 - 8:30 PM
Shoal Creek Saloon
Creek Side Patio
North Lamar & 9th St
map: http://tinyurl.com/2ta7lt
Mark your calendars for Thursday, June 14th from 2-8 pm, as we hold our inaugural Portfolio Show @Gemini. We'll show our 2007 graduate portfolios, hold FREE Master Class painting demonstrations and wind up with a networking Happy Hour. Details on the day's events are below!
**Meet Gemini School 2007 Graduates. If you're an Art Director or Recruiter looking for talented full time artists, Gemini School 2007 graduates will be on hand to show their portfolios and talk one on one with company representatives. Gemini School students looking for art internships for Summer 2007 will also be showing their work. Recruiters/Art Directors can call us 512- 249-1237 to reserve a space.
**Speed Painting Master Class. Gemini School faculty will demonstrate the latest techniques in Acrylic Speed Painting (Roger Barcilon @ 2:00 pm), Oil Speed Painting (Rob Perry @ 3:15 pm) and Digital Speed Painting (David Levy@ 4:30 pm). You won't want to miss seeing these talented (and award winning) artists in action. Artists are welcome to bring their own sketchbooks--it will be an inspiring afternoon! Demonstrations are FREE but an RSVP is required as seating is limited. David Levy’s latest DVD “From Speed Painting to Concept Art" (produced in partnership with Gnomon Workshop) will also be on sale.
**Meet Old & New Friends. We'll wrap up the Portfolio Show with one of Gemini School's famous Happy Hours from 5:00-8 pm. It's a great way to unwind, visit with old friends and make new contacts!
RSVP’s Appreciated: cynthia *AT* geminischool.com or give us a call at 512-249-1237. We hope to see you on the 14th!
Hello Game Developers and Friends,
IGDA-Austin invites you to our summer picnic event, taking place on Saturday, June 23rd at Richard Garriott's lakeside property starting at 4pm and going until 9pm. We will have all you can eat barbeque plus vegetarian options from The Salt Lick, drinks from Opal Divine's, and various other activities. This event is made possible by our keystone sponsor for 2007-2008, Dell Computer.
You need to be an IGDA member to attend this event. We will accept online registration up to June 20th. We will also have on-site registration. To become a member of the IGDA, check with your studio to see if it is already a full studio affiliate or go here if you know that you're not a member: http://www.igda.org/join/. Between book discounts, GDC discounts, and general good karma, an IGDA membership will pay for itself very quickly.
This event is open to all IGDA members around the world, but we will close the gates after the first 400 people. IGDA members are allowed to bring in one adult guest and any kids that belong to them. Sending us an RSVP will guarantee a place for you ahead of time and also get you in quicker than having us look you up in a list of 5,000 names of IGDA members. To make sure you get in as well as receive a map to Richard's castle, Send RSVPs to IGDA-Austin_Correspondence -AT- googlegroups.com with the following information:
- Name
- Bringing an adult guest?
- How many children?
- Anything you can volunteer for?
To help offset the cost of this event, there will be a charge of $10 per adult and $5 per child 5-13 years old. If you do not RSVP with us, then we will charge an additional $5 at the gate per head, but only if there is still room for you and your minions.
Here is a list of things you can expect at this event:
- Water balloon fights on a pirate ship! Try saying that while holding your tongue.
- Chanbara (padded sword fighting) - Come see if your fencing and kendo skills apply to padded swords. There will be no magic missiles involved here... unless you really want there to be
- Musical Developer Jam Sessions - If you play an instrument then bring it! Others like you will bring theirs. Form an ad-hoc band so you can quit your job in the industry and become a professional musician!
- "Warming Fire" - a bonfire goes against city ordinance. We will have a summer "warming fire" at night
- Mike "The Terrorist" McShaffry will astound the audience with his fire-spinning skills while juggling poison tofu. Flame +2
- Whatever else you can come up with is probably fair game… Whether it's a live action D20 campaign or a mixed martial arts competition in an octagon, send us your ideas and we'll make you a volunteer if you're willing to help make it happen.
- Bring your kids, waterguns, and Nintendo DS's, but leave your pets at home, please.
- Did we mention that you will not be thirsty or hungry at this picnic?
- Food will be served at around 6pm
There is another way into this shindig: If you'd like to volunteer for this event, you get in free. Free food, free drinks, free new friends! Limited volunteer seats available so contact us ASAP at IGDA-Austin_Correspondence - AT - googlegroups.com .
Here's what we need as far as volunteers go:
- Burly enforcer-like gatekeepers - If you are not burly, we may be able to provide you with a muscle suit
- Grounds Security - We need guards. Lots of guards.
- Cleanup crew - Balloon fights can be messy. Richard no like messy.
- Setup/Teardown crew - It ain't gonna set itself up.
- Traffic control and parking attendants – must not be afraid of cars
Love,
Your local friendly IGDA-Austin volunteers
Can anyone attend, or do you have to be a working game developer with a membership card?
I've RSVPed, but as a free member, I don't have a membership card to show 
Texas Independent Game Conference, July 22/23, Austin
http://www.txindiegamecon.com
Register now for this new LOCAL conference offering a low cost ($105 for both days) opportunity to learn, network - and have a good time! Hear from indie veterans sharing their successes and experiences as well as presentations addressing:
- Where is the industry heading
- what are the drivers and what can you do to win?
- Where are the best opportunities, what is the timing and the likely rewards?
- What's happening in the mobile game market, is the party over?
- How can I get funds for my ideas and my company?
- What's the future for casual games?
- What are the trends in on-line distribution?
- How can I keep protect my games and my IP?
- How do I get a good Publisher/Distribution deal?
- Roundtable discussions on OSS and alternative business models
...and lots more.Highlights include keynotes from Warren Spector and Greg Costikyan and sessions from Gordon Walton (Bioware), Jay Moore (Garage Games), Steve Jackson (Steve Jackson Games), Paul Trowe (Pulse Mobile Games) and Jessica Tams (Casual Game Association). A Game Demo Party has been added to the program so developers can bring their latest games and get direct feedback from delegates.
Questions? Call Steve Farrer on 512 415 8300
___
Be sure to check the IGDA-Austin website for the latest local news, job listings, and resumes of experienced available professionals:
http://igda.org/austin
News Recap ( http://www.igda.org/austin/archives/local_news/index.html )
- Austin Game Developer Recreation Group
- Edge Releases Over the Hedge
- Denise Fulton Profiled in The Escapist
- Edge of Reality Announces Cipher Complex
- NCsoft Reports Significant U.S. Layoffs
- Warren Spector on in-game choices
- Local leaders comment on recent downsizing
- Tabula Rasa:A Day in the Life
- Warren Spector on Gaming at the Fringes
- Arkane Studios Opens Austin Office
- Austin startups in the news
- Edge of Reality's Rob Cohen on Next-Gen
- Warren Spector Quote-by-Quote
- Speakers Address Critical Issues Facing Indie Game Developers
Jobs Recap ( http://www.igda.org/austin/archives/jobs/index.html )- Amaze Entertainment Has a Contract Position Opening: Can You Touchscreen?
- Spacetime Studios - Concept Lead
- CMI is Hiring
- Game Artist Opening at Junction Point
- Midway Austin is Hiring Engineers
- Midway Austin is Hiring Artists
- Midway Austin is Hiring Designers
- Midway Austin is Hiring Leads
- Amaze is Hiring a Contract Lead Tester
- Aspyr Needs QA Tester
- CMI Has Massive Multi-Developer Positions
- Amaze Seeks Design Interns
- Online Alchemy seeks Python programmers
- Volt Seeks Environment Artists
- NCsoft looking for Server Engineer
- NCsoft looking for Game Systems Engineer
- NCsoft looking for System Administrators
- Online Alchemy seeks software engineers
Resume HostingWe screen all incoming resumes according to the terms listed here:
http://www.igda.org/austin/resumeHosting.html
In short, you have to have previous games industry experience to be hosted on our website.
Call For Volunteers
We still need volunteers to join our band of merry people. In particular, we need a bartender as well as door checkers and people who can move and set things up before meetings. In return, volunteers get free admission to IGDA-Austin events.
Pass this newsletter on to your friends. Anybody can join our mailing list by going here: http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/IGDA-Austin/join