2009 Game Developers Conference Europe Partners With European Games Developer Federation

BERLIN, June 9 /PRNewswire/ -- The Game Developers Conference® Europe today announced its alliance with Europe's trade body of game developers, the European Games Developer Federation (EGDF). The EGDF unites the game development industries of eleven European countries committed to technological development and economic stimulation. Together with the EGDF, GDC Europe will present content focused trend-setting developments and political issues facing European game developers today. Alongside more than 80 sessions, the results of this new cooperation will be seen at Europe's premier developer event, taking place August 17-19 at the Cologne Congress East Center in Cologne, Germany. Members of the EGDF will receive additional benefits through this alliance, which includes a 100 Euro discount on conference passes to GDC Europe.

"It is with great pleasure that I welcome the EGDF as a key partner for GDC Europe," said Frank Sliwka, Vice President of European Business Development of Think Services Game Group and Event Director, GDC Europe. "This long term partnership is a great opportunity to unite European game developers and is a reflection on our commitment to serve the interests of the European game development community and ensure their voices are heard."

"It is great to collaborate with the new, must-attend event within the games industry," said Dr. Malte Behrmann, General Secretary of EGDF. "The EGDF's goals to further advance the European games development sector to be more globally competitive and recognized culturally fit perfectly with GDC Europe's objectives. In addition to that, we are pleased to offer our members a price advantage to attend the conference."

GDC Europe will be held in conjunction with gamescom, the leading game industry European event for consumers, publishers, and trade professionals. Learn more about GDC Europe at www.gdceurope.com.

About the Think Services Game Group

A core provider of essential information to the professional game industry, the Think Services Game Group offers market-defining content, and drives community through its award winning lineup of print, online, event and research products and services. These include Game Developer Magazine, Game Developer Research, the Webby Award-winning Gamasutra.com, GameCareerGuide.com, WorldsInMotion.biz, GameSetWatch.com, GamesOnDeck.com, SeriousGamesSource.com, the Game Developers Conference®, the Game Developers Conference® Austin, the Game Developers Conference® Europe, the Game Developers Conference® China, GDC Mobile, the Game Career Seminars, the Independent Games Festival and Summit, and the Game Developers Choice Awards. To learn more, visit www.tsgamegroup.com

About Think Services, a division of United Business Media

Think Services connects specialized communities worldwide using educational events, consulting, training, certification, membership, and innovative media. Providing comprehensive opportunities for people to learn from, network with, and inspire each other, Think Services builds strong brands and works within communities to foster a unique affinity with its products and services. The division's flagship products include the Game Developers Conference, the Webby Award-winning Gamasutra.com, Game Developer magazine, the International Customer Management Institute (ICMI), and HDI. Think Services is a subsidiary of United Business Media, a global media and marketing services company with a market capitalization of more than $1.6 billion. To learn more, visit www.think-services.com.

About EGDF:

The European Games Developer Federation is committed to the stimulation and development of a stable, vibrant and creative European games development sector that is competitive globally and recognized culturally. The EGDF will act to advance the political and economic interests of the European computer and video games industry by providing a platform for collaboration and discussion between European institutions and game developers. The federation represents some 600 studios based in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Spain, and the United Kingdom, which together employ about 18,000 people. The European computer and video games industry, including distributors and students in game educations, encompasses almost 100,000 individuals.

General Secretary Contact: Malte.Behrmann@egdf.eu

    MEDIA CONTACT:
                       Simon Wondracek, Gerriet Ohls, Europe
                       +49 (0)251 7481123
                       sw@fragster.de, go@fragster.de

                       Ben Veechai, North America
                       +1-415-947-6280
                       bveechai@think-services.com

    GDC EUROPE CONTACT:
                       Frank Sliwka, VP European Business Development
                       +49 (0)171 1288898
                       fsliwka@think-services.com

SOURCE: Think Services Game Group

Web site: http://www.tsgamegroup.com/