International Game Developers Association

|| Game Writers SIG || Current Initiatives || Monthly Meeting Minutes ||

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[edit] September 7, 2005

Andy Walsh: Something to do with their helmets apparently?
rdansky: I can do it, but I would humbly request that I be allowed to delay moving on it until October. I have some very tight project deadlines coming up, as well as a wedding, so my schedule is kind of tight at the moment.
Andy Walsh: Are we going to get censored in a minute?
Chris Bateman: Hi Coray! What tipped you off that you were in the wrong chat room? Did someone ask what you were wearing? :D
Andy Walsh: Hi Coray
James Swallow: Yeah, that brad pitt movie didn't do them a lot of favours - hi coray!
Chris Bateman: Sure thing Rich. There's no rush on that point.
rdansky: Hi, Coray. A/S/L? :-)
Andy Walsh: LOL
Chris Bateman: Let's bring it up at the October committee meeting.
Coray: well, the lack of people was a bit confusing
BenServiss: Hey C-note
Ed Kuehnel: My project is getting crunchy as well, so I'd rather devote my free time to that chapter for now. But if now has volunteered at our next gathering I'll do it.
Chris Bateman: Moving on...
Chris Bateman: D. WGA update (Rich Dansky)
rdansky: Thanks, Chris.
rdansky: I got nothing. Nobody's answering emails, Jen and her husband took a job with BioWare and moved to the frozen north, and essentially it's crickets chirping. My next step is to join the new media caucus and attack from the inside.
Coray: trying to catch up...very confused...23/m/nj...hi ben... Coray: ;)
rdansky: My apologies for not having more.
Chris Bateman: np. Shall I bounce it to the next meeting for now?
rdansky: Please.
Chris Bateman: E. ACG Game Writers thread (Susan O'Connor)
Andy Walsh: I can talk about WGGB
Chris Bateman: No Susan this time... I think this point is probably finished now, isn't it?
Chris Bateman: Andy - can I hold you back on WGGB to later...
Andy Walsh: yep no problem /S/
Chris Bateman: Ta.
Chris Bateman: Does anyone think the ACG point needs to remain in the Matters Arising, or have we successfully finished that level?
rdansky: I think it has fully arisen
Chris Bateman: Cool.
Chris Bateman: F. GDC Side Track for Game Writing (Steve Jacobs)
Chris Bateman: No Stephen today, so I guess we'll skip that.
Chris Bateman: G. E3 co-branded event with WGA (Rich Dansky)
rdansky: That ties in with not getting feedback from the WGA.
rdansky: I will keep hammering on it.
Chris Bateman: Sure. :) I'll conflate those two into one point for ease of future use. :)
rdansky: Grazi
Chris Bateman: OK, Andy, it's the moment you've been waiting for...
Chris Bateman: H. Future co-operation with WG UK (Rhianna Pratchett)
Chris Bateman: H. Future co-operation with WG UK (Rhianna Pratchett)
Andy Walsh: Grand /S/
Andy Walsh: After the BAFTA event there was a lot of interest from BAFTA, the Guild and people in general about organising more events and pushing the area of games writing forward
Andy Walsh: The question is which direction to take. Maybe we could launch a joint assaultlt on GDC by trying for a WGGB/IGDA writing event at Gdce
Rhianna Pratchett: We having been trying to meet up but the first time London started exploding and the second time there were too many beers
BenServiss: Too many beers? Does such a thing exist?
Coray: Yes!
Andy Walsh: We also want to look at producing some industry guidelines for that we need to get some of the big companies i,e, EA and Sony onboard first and then push them forward
Coray: As you witnessed a few weeks ago ;)
Andy Walsh: That's as far as we've got due to my deadlines and my beer consumption /S/
Ed Kuehnel: BAFTA gives an award for best writing in a video game, does it not?
James Swallow: ed, no
Chris Bateman: I think this is one of those cases where a 'Select Committee' might be our best option - if Andy, Rhianna and anyone else who's in or around London wants to get together at some point they could specifically meet to discuss options, then report back at the October meeting.
Andy Walsh: No it's for best audio and most of the games (read 90%) of those put forward for it have terrible scripts but good car noises
Andy Walsh: It would involve beer too!
James Swallow: beer=good
Rhianna Pratchett: ANdy did send out an email recently about this
Andy Walsh: I talked to BAFTA about doing a writing award but they stated that they already have too many awards and it would be too confusing. continued pressure might yild results in the long term
rdansky: Clearly, the solution is to write a game where the characters just make car noises.
Andy Walsh: Damn that's genius!
James Swallow: What about applying pressure to some of the higher profile magazines who have awards (Develop, etc)?
BenServiss: Or scooter noises, like the famed frog?
Rhianna Pratchett: Interesting I get on quite well with Owain
Andy Walsh: That'd be a good one, I'll also talk to the Guild who are talking about starting up t their own awards...
Rhianna Pratchett: I could give him an email
Chris Bateman: Develops Industry Excellence awards aren't a sensible place for writer awards. They focus on company-level achievements, not individual achievements.
Andy Walsh: There are apparently some awards in Germany aimed at games writing
Chris Bateman: I could talk to Owain about it, but I don't think it's the right sort of event to be honest.
James Swallow: What about mags like (off the top of my head) GamesTM or Edge?
Chris Bateman: That's Rhianna's balliwick.
Andy Walsh: Ah, that explains why she was limping at the pub
rdansky: Is it possible to start targeting the lad mags for some sort of coverage. If MTV can do a piece on JT Petty, is FHM or Maxim that far behind?
Rhianna Pratchett: Edge just have game specific awards
James Swallow: The Daily Mirror did a piece on that girl who did The Getaway script...
Rhianna Pratchett: and I think it might be just one award
Andy Walsh: The next Guild meeting is on 3rd October, if we could meet before then I could take ideas to that meeting. Seeing as Jim, Rhianna and me are likely to be a possible core turnout, can we all make any dates in the week26th-30th?
Chris Bateman: This discussion seems to have gone *far* beyond the scope of the next point of co-operation between WGUK and us...
Andy Walsh: Katie
Andy Walsh: Any takers for that week?
James Swallow: 29th & 30th are good for me
Andy Walsh: Rhianna?
Ed Kuehnel: The week is good for me.
Chris Bateman: We can come back to this discussion once we make it out the other side of the agenda, if people would like. I'm going to risk introducing the next point now - feel free to keep thrashing out meeting dates et al.
Rhianna Pratchett: er just a mo
Chris Bateman: I. Spike TV report (Ed Kuehnel)
Andy Walsh: Ah, I was thinking a pub meeting in London to start with Ed..erm
Andy Walsh: Grand
Rhianna Pratchett: 29th 30th should be okay for me, but I never plan that far in adavance
Rhianna Pratchett: Sorry, I mean I never have plans that far in advance... normally
Ed Kuehnel: Not much to report. I can't seem to get management here at HVS to get fired up at the possibility and my one contact in the PR world won't return my emails.
Andy Walsh: Any and all ideas by email welcome. I'll post things through the normal channels, but the last couple of emails haven't garnered much response, maybe as there's a meeting attached it'll be different this time
Chris Bateman: Shall I bounce it to the next agenda, or do you think it's effectively dead in the water?
Andy Walsh: No probs rhianna. Shall we 29th in Islington, venue (pub) t.b.d?
Ed Kuehnel: It's dead. I won't give up yet, but I'd say it's dead. Maybe I'll surprise you.
Chris Bateman: Sure - you can always resurrect it if necessary. :)
Andy Walsh: Gamer TV in the UK would cover something if we can make it player friendly and 'sexy'.
Chris Bateman: J. Link to the mailing list on the SIG webpage (Chris Bateman). This has been done - thanks as ever to Wendy. I don't know what I'd do without her.
Chris Bateman: And that's the last point on the Matters Arising... Only took three quarters of the meeting time. On to the Agenda proper... which is thankfully short. :)
Rhianna Pratchett: Fine with me
Chris Bateman: 1. Blogroll for the SIG webpages (Stephen Jacobs)
Rhianna Pratchett: we could try the Albion this time
Chris Bateman: Sadly, Stephen isn't here, and neither is Wendy who would be the likely person to implement it. I think the safest thing might be to just carry that over to the next Agenda.
Chris Bateman: And that's the Agenda.
Chris Bateman: So, Any Other Business?
Andy Walsh: Sounds good to me. Is it easy to find/spot people in?
Chris Bateman: First up, Date of the Next Committee Meeting.
Ed Kuehnel: On a somewhat related note, do we want to keep a blog on the sig website and have people take turns updating it?
Chris Bateman: This is a tricky one.
BenServiss: For AOB, I'd like to volunteer for the committee
rdansky: Small item - I've been asked to do a chapter on game writing in the next edition of Writing Horror, from the HWA.
Rhianna Pratchett: I've got to dash now guys I'm afraid
Chris Bateman: np Rhianna!
rdansky: Later, Rhianna
Andy Walsh: Catch yousoon chuck!
James Swallow: c-ya rhianna!
Chris Bateman: Ben - we don't have a formal process for adding people to the committee. But we can put it to a vote.
Rhianna Pratchett: Andy/Jim we can email!
Andy Walsh: Yep /S/
Rhianna Pratchett: /Waves to all/
James Swallow: ok
BenServiss: Later rhi!
Chris Bateman: All those on the committee in favour of co-opting Ben onto the committee, type Aye.
Chris Bateman: Aye!
Coray: Aye Aye!
James Swallow: aye
Andy Walsh: Aye!
Coray: Yar.
Coray: o sorry
Ed Kuehnel: aye
Chris Bateman: Fair enough, Ben - welcome to the committee! :)
rdansky: Depends. Do we have time for the "initiation"? And where are we going to find two ducks and some burlap pants on short notice?
Andy Walsh: No idea what I've just put him up for, but he seemed willing /S/
BenServiss: yay!
Coray: huzzah!
BenServiss: Oh no, internet hazing! Not again!
James Swallow: abd may god bless all who sail in her
Chris Bateman: Where do we keep a record of the committee? On the Wiki somewhere?
rdansky: Sounds right
Chris Bateman: Yeah, it's there, and it's /completely wrong/.
Chris Bateman: :)
Chris Bateman: Okay, what AOBs got lost in the shuffle back there...
Chris Bateman: Oh yes, date of next meeting...
Chris Bateman: I have a message from Stephen which needs deciphering by someone with Calendars of Calculation:
Chris Bateman: From 11/28, 2005-3/5/2006 I'll be teaching a class from 12:00-1:30 EST. (not my choice, but that's how it goes sometimes) We can look at rescheduling during those months or just having me absent for those three meetings. I'll leave it to you as to what you'd prefer and when you want to bring up rescheduling if that's your choice.SJ
rdansky: I think that translates to "In two months, we need to reschedule."
Chris Bateman: Thanks Rich. :)
Chris Bateman: We usually meet on the last Wednesday of the month, is that right? (This one being out of sequence owing to GME)
Chris Bateman: Except last Wednesday would be 28th - which would be before Andy et al meet...
Chris Bateman: How does Wednesday 5th October grab people?
Ed Kuehnel: Sounds fine to me.
rdansky: Works for me
James Swallow: ok
BenServiss: I might be in portland then, but could probably find an internet cafe
Andy Walsh: I might not be able to make tha (depends on a meeting) but I can always send a report thingy in
Chris Bateman: Are you on the committee Andy?
Chris Bateman: I think you're just a guest. :)
Chris Bateman: Not that you're not welcome! :D
Andy Walsh: Oh, sorry, thought you meant one of these meetings, I'm confused
Andy Walsh: Is this a committee meeting that I've gatecrashed?
Chris Bateman: And not that anyone can tell since apparently we have /lost/ the list of the committee members!!!
Chris Bateman: It is, Andy - but it's /always/ open.
rdansky: One cannot gatecrash if there is no gate.
Andy Walsh: Thanks, and oops!
Chris Bateman: If you keep turning up, you will eventually be infected with the C-virus, as happened to Ben today. :)
rdansky: Basically, if you're committee or exec, you have to be here or make a good excuse. Otherwise, it's the more the merrier.
James Swallow: we let anyone in, we're not proud
Andy Walsh: LOL, I'll write the date down and try to make it along to let you know what's happening guildwise
Chris Bateman: I'm putting down Wednesday 5th of October for the next meeting, based on what's been said.
Chris Bateman: Rich - something you brought up in AOB got washed away in the onrush of text...
rdansky: Hmm? The Writing Horror thing?
Chris Bateman: Possibly... I'd have to scroll to find out.
BenServiss: C-virus mutating! S.T.A.R.S.!
rdansky: The short version - the HWA publishes a fairly well respected guide to writing horror in all its many forms. I've been asked to write the chapter on games this time around. On a related note, the push for game-related content at World Horror is increasing. Fingers crossed on that.
Chris Bateman: Cool. All sounds positive.
Chris Bateman: We have 4 minutes of regulation time remaining. Any other AOB?
Coray: Well done Rich!
Coray: I'm going to try to get that Day in the Life of a Writer article together again
Andy Walsh: Isn't that AOAOB Chris?
Coray: but things are crunchy over here too
Coray: a bit
rdansky: As long as it isn't the BAOBABs. I'd hate to go all Saint- Euxpery
rdansky: /prods the conversation with his foot. Yep, dead. The joke killed it./
BenServiss: Ah, now we have to get another one from the pet store.
Chris Bateman: I think I can declare 'Meeting Adjourned'. And with just 30 seconds to spare.
Chris Bateman: Feel free to hang around for cocktails afterwards.
Andy Walsh: I'd prefer a parrot
Chris Bateman: Also, if anyone actually knows who is on the committee, I wouldn't mind knowing so I can get our wiki to be up to date. :)
BenServiss: The wiki got swept out to sea again?
James Swallow: andy, just so I'm clear - pub meet islington on 28th, you'll email a reminder to the listy?
BenServiss: Oh wow, weird
James Swallow: sorry, i meant 29th
Ed Kuehnel: Got to run guys. See you at the next meeting.
Andy Walsh: Yep, that's the plan /S/ Feel free to invite/drag others along on the 29th I shall do the same /S/
Andy Walsh: Bye Ed
James Swallow: c-ya ed
Coray: Okay folks, I'm off...sorry I was late! Thanks for giving the update Ben...see you all online/next meeting/at demo night 3
Steve Jacobs: hey sorry
BenServiss: Later Ed
Steve Jacobs: to miss most of it
Coray: by Ed
James Swallow: bye coray
Andy Walsh: Bye Coray
Coray: bye all!
BenServiss: Later C
Steve Jacobs: last minute update on gdc, phone meeting w jamil at end of month
Chris Bateman: James - you're on the Committee right?
Andy Walsh: I shall also bow out. Any ideas/suggestions/pointers for the WGGB meeting are welcome. Email prods to follow
Andy Walsh: Bye all
BenServiss: Bye Andy
rdansky: Later, folks. Good talking with everyone again
James Swallow: by y'all
BenServiss: Later Rich
James Swallow: Chris - I think I'm in there somewhere...
BenServiss: Chris, I have a list of all the 'volunteers' that was underneath the committee members
Chris Bateman: Cheers, Jim... I can't believe that I don't have a document for this anywhere.
Chris Bateman: :)
James Swallow: I wanted to swing by today just to confirm I'm okay with the chapter assignments you mailed out for the book.
Chris Bateman: Cool, thanks.
Chris Bateman: Just trying to fill up the remaining editor slots in an equitable fashion right now. Hope to be ready to advance on the actual contracts next week.
James Swallow: Sounds good.
Steve Jacobs: will set up Oct 5th meeting space in the next few minutes
Chris Bateman: Hi Steve - wow - didn't see you there. :)
Chris Bateman: Re: Committee...
Chris Bateman: Excecutive PanelChris Bateman (International Hobo Ltd) Stephen Jacobs (Rochester Institute of Technology) Richard E. Dansky (Red Storm Entertainment) [edit]CommitteeWendy Despain (Quantum Content) Ed Kuehnel (High Voltage Software) Rhianna Pratchett (Independent Writer) Coray Seifert (Large Animal Games) Ben Serviss (Creo Ludus Entertainment) James Swallow (Independent Writer)
Chris Bateman: *Ugh* Unreadible. Think that's right.
Steve Jacobs: pooped in at the last moment with regrets for tardiness :-)
Chris Bateman: Actually, Jim, I don't think you were on the committee until now. Do you want to be? :)
James Swallow: I'm on the list, though, aren't I?
Chris Bateman: Oh yeah.
Chris Bateman: Just not on the committee. There's no benefit to being on the committee, though. Only ardurous tasks. :)
James Swallow: I have been lax about getting to the meetings though, what with work problems
Chris Bateman: Well you're welcome to come to any meetings you like.
James Swallow: i'll try to be more visible in future
Chris Bateman: You are by no means our least visible SIG member. :)
Chris Bateman: Steve - can you send a transcript of this session to Wendy as usual?
James Swallow: that's sweet of you to say, chris. but now I must disappear. Adios, gents.
Chris Bateman: Fare thee well!
Steve Jacobs: yah
Steve Jacobs: will do
Steve Jacobs: Same times oct 5th??\
Steve Jacobs: after that may need to switch times for nov and dec meetings if you want me in
Chris Bateman: Yeah, that came up in teh discussions - but since it doesn't apply yet, we figured we'd solve it next time.
Steve Jacobs: if not I can just check the transcripts later and pass on news to you in advance re GDC
Chris Bateman: Can we solve it by switching day, or does it have to be time?
Steve Jacobs: could switch day also
Steve Jacobs: I'll send a menu in :-)
Steve Jacobs: with luck will have interesting news from Jamil by that point
Steve Jacobs: ie 10/5
Chris Bateman: Fair enough. We can sort it out next time around. Going to have to flee now, alas. Speak to you soon!
Steve Jacobs: bye
Steve Jacobs: hey ben