OC Chapter Meeting Report - April 2010

The Orange County chapter of the IGDA convened at the local campus of the Art Institute on April 20 for a largely student-focused meeting. The topic: explore various core elements critical for successfully managing a game studio.

The approximately 50 attendees attacked the subject with enthusiasm, breaking down the various ways in which crucial concepts like communication, product management, marketing and company culture ultimately contribute to the creation of games. Admittedly, much of the discussion was speculative / aspirational, given that an overwhelming number of the participants were students who hoped one day to work in the industry (cue amused laughter from more experienced industry veterans when one student suggested harshly rebuffing a publisher that requested late breaking content additions to a game in production).

However, given that the main objective of the meeting was to widen students' horizons when thinking about careers in the game industry, we considered it a success.

The IGDA OC will return on May 18 with a panel discussion on digital distribution. it will feature participants from both major digital distribution channels as well as developers and service providers with deep experience in the subject. We hope you'll join us!

Some administrative notes:

EVENT HOSTING: We are grateful to the studios who have graciously hosted our local chapter events these past few months. However, we are always in need of spaces in which to hold our upcoming events. If you have -- or know of -- a space that can accommodate 100-200 members for one of our meetings, please contact the local board ASAP! We will shower you with gratitude (and as much promotion as we can muster).

FOLLOW US: In addition to this Website, the IGDA OC maintains a presence on both Facebook and LinkedIn. Please follow us in either / both locations to ensure that you don't miss out on news of upcoming chapter meetings, events and other information that we share with the chapter!