2002 News Archive
> Holiday Cheer from Graeme (December Newsletter)
[Dec 22 - IGDA News]Dear IGDA Members and friends,
Yes, I know you're all at the theater watching "The Two Towers". Your games have long since shipped or been pushed back to 2003. But here's one final IGDA newsletter for 2002 before we let 2003 in the door.
Think of all those children Christmas morning eagerly playing our games on their shiny new PCs and consoles! I remember when I got an Atari 2600 for Christmas. My cousin and I played "Combat" and "Air Sea Battle" throughout the Holidays, and those blisters on my hands were testimonial trophies that I was hooked on this industry.
Most of all, from all of us here at the IGDA, have a festive holiday and a happy and safe New Year. As Chairperson of the IGDA I command you all to be responsible citizens if you indulge in the holiday spirit.
Graeme Devine
Chairperson, IGDA
> Revamped IGDA Web Site
[Dec 16 - IGDA News]As can be readily seen, the IGDA web site has been completely revamped. The team is quite pleased that we hit our pre-Holidays ship date... We hope you enjoy the new site, and our efforts to make it more useful, informative, intuitive and hip. A word of warning, the new design makes heavy use of CSS and other current web standards which may not play nice with older browsers. For those interested, check out the "colophon".
> Student Scholarship Program Taking Applications
[Dec 09 - IGDA News]The 3rd annual Student Scholarship Program was announced today. 25 college students will be awarded complimentary full access passes to the Game Developers Conference, opening the doors to coveted conference seminars and panel discussions, show floor exhibits and potential job opportunities. The deadline to enter is Tuesday, January 7, 2003.
> AI Experts Needed
[Dec 02 - IGDA News]The IGDA's AI Interface Standards Committee has several slots open for additional contributors to the Committee's work. Refer to the forums for complete details. The deadline for application is December 9th.
> Charne on Net Profits
[Dec 02 - IGDA News]Jim Charne has updated his "Famous Last Words" column with comments on deals based on net profits and how you need to watch out for its definition.
> Choice Awards Advisory Board Named
[Nov 13 - IGDA News]The advisors for the 3rd annual Game Developers Choice Awards have been named. Our sincerest thanks go out to the Advisory Board for their guidance and dedication, making the Choice Awards a reality. Nominations begin January 3rd.
> Charne on Mod Contract Concerns
[Nov 06 - IGDA News]Jim Charne has updated his "Famous Last Words" column with comments on contract concerns for developers that allow mods to be developed and distributed for their games.
> Negotiating Development Contracts
[Oct 25 - IGDA News]A new article covering the basics of development contract negotiations has been posted. The article discusses such topics as royalties, milestones, copyrights, cross-collateralization and other important topics for studios entering development deals.
> IGDA Newsletter, October 2002
[Oct 22 - IGDA News]The October issue of the IGDA Newsletter highlights recent IGDA news and events. Be sure to review the brief filed by the IGDA against the St. Louis video game ordinance (and don't miss the pictures of synchronized male swimmers performing at the Japanese chapter meeting!).
> Volunteers Needed for Business Best Practice Roundtables at GDC
[Oct 21 - IGDA News]The newly formed Business Committee of the IGDA is hosting a series of "best practice" roundtables at the 2003 Game Developers Conference. Topics include: Human Resources, Resource Management/Scheduling, Promotion/Marketing, QA/Testing and Finance. The IGDA is seeking motivated volunteers, with proven expertise, to either moderate or take notes at these roundtables.
> Charne on Getting Paid
[Oct 04 - IGDA News]Jim Charne has updated his "Famous Last Words" column with comments on the timing of royalty payments and the need to factor this into cash flow.
> IGDA Brief Filed Against St. Louis Video Game Ordinance
[Sep 26 - IGDA News]The IGDA has filed an amicus brief in support of the IDSA's appeal against the St. Louis ordinance to legislate video game sales. The brief can be downloaded in pdf format. The brief argues that games are indeed an expressive medium capable of conveying ideas. The Free Expression Policy Project filed a brief as well, with scholars arguing against the misconceptions over the effect of violent media.
> IGDA Newsletter, September 2002
[Sep 24 - IGDA News]Read the September issue of the IGDA Newsletter to get the latest on industry news and events, IGDA chapters, and more.
> Volunteer Writers Wanted for Online Games Whitepaper
[Sep 18 - IGDA News]Last year's Online Games Whitepaper was a tremendous success, with over 5000 developers across the world having read it. The 2003 edition is now underway and they are now looking for volunteer writers to help with the report. If you are active (or very interested) in online games and would like to get more information about volunteering for the IGDA Online Games Committee Whitepaper Project, please email Alex Jarett, the Committee's chairperson, for more info.
> Colorado Chapter IP Panel Results
[Sep 15 - IGDA News]The Colorado Chapter recently held a panel discussion with intellectual property law experts. The results of that panel have been recorded and transcribed for your edification.
> GDC Europe & ECTS 2002 Summary
[Sep 07 - IGDA News]A summary report covering the IGDA's recent trip to GDC Europe and ECTS has been posted along with several pictures. Part of GDCE, the IGDA's Academic Day was successful in building bridges with the European academic community.
> Charne on Protecting your IP
[Sep 07 - IGDA News]Jim Charne has updated his "Famous Last Words" column with advice on how to protect your early game designs and concepts via copyrights, trademarks, patents, trade secrets and self help.
> IGDA Newsletter, August 2002
[Aug 16 - IGDA News]Find out what's new with the IGDA in the August Newsletter. Covered in the Newsletter: upcoming chapter meetings, new membership cards, details about GDC Europe, and more.
> AI Interface Standards Committee Formed
[Aug 13 - IGDA News]The new AI Interface Standards Committee is a joint effort of game AI developers, academics, middleware representatives and other relevant experts. The Committee will develop interface standards in such areas as pathfinding, steering, decision trees, finite state machines, rule-based systems, goal-oriented action planning and world interfacing. Check the Committee's page for further details.
> Game Career Guide
[Aug 13 - IGDA News]Game Developer's 2002 Game Career Guide offers practical, real-world advice from game industry veterans on how to break into the game development industry. It's an invaluable one-stop resource for students, recent graduates, and career changers who dream of making games for a living. This special issue was sent to all IGDA student members and is available at major newsstands and college bookstores, or the Gamasutra store.
> GDCE Sponsorship Recipients Announced
[Aug 09 - IGDA News]Twenty-five college students will attend the Game Developers Conference Europe free of charge, as recipients of the IGDA's GDCE Student Sponsorship. Sponsorships were awarded to students representing a diverse range of disciplines, courtesy of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe and Argonaut Games.
> Scott Miller on Game/Movie Licenses
[Aug 07 - IGDA News]The August installment of "Miller Time" is up and discusses the growing phenomenon of game and movie cross-licensing.
> Charne on Royalties and Credits
[Aug 05 - IGDA News]Jim Charne has updated his monthly "Famous Last Words" column with a discussion of getting credit for your work on a game. Jim has also submitted an article regarding the advance&royalty model and suggests a time&materials approach for development deals.
> SIGGRAPH 2002 Report
[Jul 31 - IGDA News]Check out the brief summary report and pictures from the IGDA's recent visit to SIGGRAPH. For the academics out there, be sure to download the updated version of the Curriculum Framework, which was presented during the conference.
> Game Developer Salary Survey
[Jul 18 - IGDA News]The 2nd Annual Game Developer Salary Survey is now available for download. The past year has brought a lot of changes to the game industry and the economy. See how you're doing compared to the 2524 game developers represented in this year's salary survey. Note: You must be registered with the IGDA (paid membership or free user account) to download the Salary Survey.
> IGDA Newsletter, July 2002
[Jul 16 - IGDA News]Read the July Newsletter to learn about the IGDA's recent appearance on ABC Nightline, new membership cards, and plans for next week's SIGGRAPH.
> Monthly Legal and Biz/Design Columns Updated
[Jul 05 - IGDA News]The IGDA montly columns "Miller Time" (game dev insight from Scott Miller) and "Famous Last Words" (legal low down by Jim Charne) have been updated for July. This month, Scott talks about the status of writing in games and common biz terms, while Jim addresses the cash flow woes of many developers.
> IGDA Newsletter, June 2002
[Jun 18 - IGDA News]The June Newsletter details IGDA plans for upcoming events. We'll be at SIGGRAPH in July with two conference sessions. In August, we're hosting an Academic Day during the Game Developers Conference Europe. We've also expanded our scholarship program to send 25 lucky students to GDC Europe.
> NXN and Zona Offer Discounts to IGDA Studio Affiliates
[Jun 07 - IGDA News]Two great new discounts for our Studio Affiliates: NXN Software is offering a $490 discount on their newly announced alienbrain Starter Pack; Zona is offering a 10% discount on their networking middleware solution, Terazona. See the Studio Affiliates benefits page for more details.
> Scott Miller of 3D Realms Shares Industry Wisdom
[Jun 04 - IGDA News]A new monthly column titled "Miller Time - The Business of Designing Games" is now live. Each month, Scott will answer a question in a Dear Abby format and then continue discussion in the online forums. Submit your own question for Scott...
> SIGGRAPH 2002 - The IGDA Presence
[Jun 04 - IGDA News]The IGDA will be hosting two sessions during the upcoming SIGGRAPH conference: "The Fate of Play: Game Industry Revolutionaries Speak Out" and "Game Development, Design, and Analysis Curriculum". The IGDA will also have a small stand in the lobby area of the convention center for membership and chapter info. SIGGRAPH has set up a handy link for game developers with all the content they deem as "must see".
> New Discount: 10% off Game Institute Classes
[May 13 - IGDA News]All IGDA members are eligible for a 10% discount on tuition fees for classes at the Game Institute. Check the member benefits page for further details.
> E3 Poolside Reception with Game Orgs
[May 10 - IGDA News]Digital Coast, a California based new media association, is hosting an E3 reception is partnership with game industry organizations (IGDA, AIAS, TIGA, GANG) as an opportunity to mingle with those interested in games. The free reception is being held at the Figueroa Hotel on Tuesday, May 21st from 5-7pm. Full details are online at the Digital Coast site.
> Welcome to New Studio Affiliates and Sponsor
[May 10 - IGDA News]Let's all extend a warm welcome to our latest batch of Studio Affiliates: 3D Realms, Vicarious Visions and Evillusion Studios. As well as our newest sponsor Intrinsic Graphics. We are grateful for their support!
> New Board of Directors and Officers Announced
[May 08 - IGDA News]We are happy to announce that Kathy Schoback (Sega) and Greg Zeschuk (BioWare) were elected by the membership to the two open board seats; and David Weinstein (Red Storm), was appointed to the board per the terms of last year's merger agreement with the IGDN. Returning board member Graeme Devine (id) was elected as the chairperson by the board. Read the full press release and check out the board's bios.
> New Member Benefit: 20% off New Riders books
[Apr 25 - IGDA News]All IGDA members can now enjoy a 20% discount (in addition to any ongoing sales!) from books purchased directly at the New Riders online store. New Riders is a leader in books covering 3D content creation, as well as new media and web design. See the Benefits page for further details.
> New Writers Special Interest Group
[Apr 16 - IGDA News]A SIG for Writers has just been started. The Writers SIG is being led by Austin Grossman, a Looking Glass alumnus and contributor to Deus Ex and many other noteworthy games (System Shock!). Check out the Writers SIG main page and jump into the ongoing discussions.
> San Diego and Chicago chapter updates
[Apr 16 - IGDA News]Both the San Diego and Chicago chapters have posted updates on their latest events. And, San Diego has also started a listing of companies in the area...
> IGDA 2001 Annual Report
[Apr 03 - IGDA News]The IGDA's 2001 Annual Report is now available for download. The 16-page document covers the progress of the Association over the past year, mentions some future plans, and has a lot of nice pictures. The physical version of the report was mailed to all IGDA members and glued into the April issue of Game Developer Magazine.
> IGDA Online Games Committee Whitepaper Released
[Mar 27 - IGDA News]The IGDA's Online Games Committee has released the 2002 Online Games Whitepaper. The 60+ page document was compiled by volunteer committee members from the industry and covers online games market statistics, business model descriptions, and technology summaries among other topics. The whitepaper was presented at a panel during the 2002 GDC.
> Successful GDC for the IGDA
[Mar 27 - IGDA News]Endless prep and planning paid off, as the IGDA's presence at the 2002 GDC was a success. The Awards, the Academic Summit, our booth and sessions were all crowd pleasers! Check out the event recap and pictorial.
> Game Developers Choice Awards Recipients Named
[Mar 27 - IGDA News]The IGDA announced the recipients for the 2nd Annual Game Developers Choice Awards at a ceremony during last weeks Game Developers Conference. Yuji Naka, of SEGA, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award and Grant Theft Auto III took the Game of the Year. Both GTA3 and Ico were big winners with three awards each.
> IGDA Newsletter, March 2002
[Mar 14 - IGDA News]Read the March Newsletter to get the scoop on our GDC plans and the upcoming Board of Directors election.
> IGDA board candidates jump in the ring
[Mar 13 - IGDA News]The nomination of board candidates is now over, and we have seven brave people who have stepped forth:
- Mark Baldwin - Baldwin Consulting (USA)
- Jim Charne - Law Offices James I Charne (USA)
- Jeff Lander - Darwin 3D (USA)
- Scott Miller - 3D Realms (USA)
- Brian Robbins - CleverMedia (USA)
- Kathy Schoback - SEGA (USA)
- Greg Zeschuk - BioWare Corp. (Canada)
> Naka gets Life!
[Mar 13 - IGDA News]Yuji Naka, President and CEO of SEGA's SONICTEAM will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. In a career spanning nearly two decades, Naka is best known as the creator of video game industry icon and long-time SEGA mascot, Sonic The Hedgehog. Naka is an inspiration in our industry for his originality and vision. Our community and craft are better for his contribution.
> New Member Profile: Edward Kilham of Ronin
[Mar 11 - IGDA News]Edward Kilham of Ronin Entertainment is our latest member to be profiled. He's been an IGDA member since '94! Check out what he's up to...
> First Penguin & Community Contribution recipients announced
[Mar 07 - IGDA News]The First Penguin Award acknowledges developers who have shown a willingness to take risks. Hubert Chardot will receive this honor for his work on Alone in the Dark, a game that started the "survival-horror" genre. The IGDA Award for Community Contribution is presented to a developer who has made significant efforts in building community, sharing knowledge and advancing the art form of games - which Jeff Lander has done in spades.
> Orlando Chapter welcomed industry legends
[Mar 07 - IGDA News]The IGDA's Orlando Chapter had a great Feb/March gathering with industry legend John Romero and D&D founding-father Dave Arneson on hand. In other chapter news, Montreal hosted a simple social meeting and New Jersey is planning their own game project.
> New Article: Being a freelance audio pro vs in-house
[Mar 07 - IGDA News]Darryl Duncan of GameBeat has put together a great audio article covering the pros & cons of being an in-house audio developer vs a freelance contractor and making the transition between the two sides. A worthy read for all audio professionals.
> New Studio Benefit: 30% off Games Analyst
[Mar 07 - IGDA News]IGDA Studio Affiliates can now take advantage of a 30% discount on the Games Analyst newsletter. Published every 2 weeks, the Games Analyst newsletter provides essential business information on the global gaming industry. Check the Studio Affiliation Program page for further details.
> Legal Advice: Rules on ownership
[Mar 06 - IGDA News]Jim Charne's monthly "Famous Last Words" column has been updated with a Q&A on developer ownership rights over content and technology. Check out the March column.
> Presenters announced for Game Developers Choice Awards
[Mar 01 - IGDA News]...just days before the Oscars, we'll have our own star studded awards evening at GDC. Today, we announce the line up of presenters - from Will to Warren, to Gabe and American. It will be a fun night!
> New Member Profile: George Alistair Sanger
[Feb 25 - IGDA News]George "The Fat Man" Sanger is our latest member to be profiled. George has been a member of the IGDA since '94 and provides some truly enlightening reasons why he has supported the IGDA for so long... Read George's profile.
> Milia summary & pictorial
[Feb 20 - IGDA News]The IGDA dropped into Cannes for Milia in early Feb. Check out the summary of the visit, the event's relevance for game developers and the amazing vegetable pong!
> Nominees Named for Game Developers Choice Awards
[Feb 12 - IGDA News]"Every year, the Game Developers Choice Awards recognize the most innovative individuals and games in the industry," stated Warren Spector, studio director of ION Storm Austin and IGDA board member. "The nominees represent what game developers consider to be the best in game development -- the work they most admire and the efforts that are advancing the state of the art." Check out the list of nominees at the Awards site.
> New Member Benefit: 30% Focal Press discount
[Feb 12 - IGDA News]IGDA members now benefit from a 30% discount on all Focal Press publications ordered via their website, including "Real-time 3D Character Animation with Visual C++". Members must log into the secure benefit codes page for purchasing info.
> Legal Advice: Words of Wisdom on Insurance
[Feb 10 - IGDA News]Jim Charne's monthly "Famous Last Words" column has been updated with a Q&A on developers insurance needs. Check out the Feb column.
> Last chance to nominate for the Game Developers Choice Awards
[Jan 31 - IGDA News]The nomination period for the annual Game Developers Choice Awards ends on Friday, February 1st. Hit the nominations page to make your nods, if you have not already done so, that is.
> The Fat Man Came to Town!
[Jan 31 - IGDA News]The IGDA's San Diego chapter has just posted a nice summary report and pics from their recent chapter event. Special guest George "The Fat Man" Sanger was on hand to speak to the chapter about all matters audio. Check out the pics and brief transcription of his talk.
> IGDA Board Elections: Call for Nominees
[Jan 25 - IGDA News]The IGDA will be conducting elections to fill two Board of Director seats in the March timeframe. All members in good standing are eligible to nominate, or be nominated, to run for the Board. This is a serious commitment and a chance to truly make a difference. Full details, timeline and requirements are available in the letter from the IGDA's executive director, Jennifer Pahlka.
> New Member Profile: Ellen Guon Beeman
[Jan 22 - IGDA News]After a short break, our Profiles section is back in action. Next up is industry veteran and IGDA charter member, Ellen Guon Beeman. Find out why this Buffy fan is not fond of Hollywood's influence...
> More Chapter Meetings Planned
[Jan 17 - IGDA News]Both the New Jersey and Houston Chapters will meet next Thursday, January 24th. Check the chapters calendar for complete details on these and other IGDA chapter meetings.
> IGDA Chapter Meetings Abound
[Jan 16 - IGDA News]Five IGDA Chapters across the United States and Canada will meet this week and next in San Diego, Seattle, Columbus, San Francisco, and Montreal. Check the Chapter Calendar for details on a meeting in your area.
> Ten Developer Commandments Redux
[Jan 13 - IGDA News]We have made G.O.D.'s Ten Developer Commandments available in our Articles section. Scott Miller, of 3D Realms, posted and was discussing them in the forums and we thought it would be nice to bring them back after their "disappearance" from the GODgames web site...
> Words of Wisdom: Being a junior game designer
[Jan 13 - IGDA News]Always a popular question for those wanting to break into games, our dutiful Newbie&Student forum moderator, Barbara Walter has culled some excellent responses on getting a job as a junior designer from the pros (eg, Raph Koster of Sony Online, Bruce Shelley of Ensemble Studios, and a half-dozen more). Check out their Words of Wisdom, or dive into the forum to add to the discussion.
> Group Gatherings @ GDC Call for Proposals
[Jan 08 - IGDA News]The IGDA will be hosting a room at GDC dedicated to informal "group" gatherings. These groups can be literally anything (eg, friends of Bob, developers from Brazil, OpenGL coders). The gatherings will happen during the Classic GDC period (ie, from Thursday to Saturday), and each will last for one-hour. The current list of Group Gatherings, which can be found at the GDC site, includes gatherings for character artists, demosceners, students, editors of the Game Programming Gems series, teachers and Flash developers. Anyone who wants to lead such a session should contact Jason with a brief proposal (please note, this does not confer official speaker status). Slots are limited.
> Oddworld and A2M latest Studio Affiliates
[Jan 07 - IGDA News]A big new year's welcome to our latest Studio Affiliates: Oddworld Inhabitants of recent Xbox fame with Munch's Oddyssee and Artificial Mind & Movement, a successful Montreal studio working on all the cool Toons properties (Bugs, Taz, etc). Welcome!
> Game Developers Choice Awards nominations open
[Jan 03 - IGDA News]Nominations for the annual Game Developers Choice Awards are now open to all game developers from around the world. All developers are encouraged to make their nominations for twelve award categories, including Game of the Year, Excellence in Design and Rookie Studio. Nominations run until February 1st, so hop to it!
> San Diego Chapter gets Fat
[Jan 03 - IGDA News]The upcoming San Diego Chapter gathering will feature a presentation by industry audio veteran George "The Fat Man" Sanger. The Fat Man will be discussing "game audio and other more important things". If you are in ther SD area, be sure to check him out and mingle with other local developers. Check the SD Chapter page for complete details.
> New Famous Last Words: Royalty rate comparison
[Jan 03 - IGDA News]The monthly "Famous Last Words" column has been updated with a brief discussion on the comparison of royalty rates...
> Happy New Year!!!
[Jan 01 - IGDA News]Best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year from the IGDA board and staff! This is shaping up to be another big year for interactive entertainment, and the IGDA has a ton o' stuff in the works for 02 - so, stay tuned...