Austin Game Developers Conference 2008 Website and Registration Now Open

'Evolve to Win' with the Industry's Leading Conference for Online Games, Writing for Games, and Game Audio

PRNewswire
SAN FRANCISCO
May 14, 2008

SAN FRANCISCO, May 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Registration is now open for the 2008 Austin Game Developers Conference (Austin GDC). Presented by Think Services, organizers of the industry-leading Game Developers Conference (GDC), the Austin GDC is a three-day event taking place at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, Texas September 15-17, 2008. The conference brings together the best sessions, speakers and networking opportunities for developers of online games, game writers, and audio professionals. The conference's "Evolve to Win" theme reflects a forward-looking focus on the technologies and methodologies that game developers will need to acclimate to in order to survive in the fast-paced games industry. This year's addition of the Worlds in Motion Summit (WiMS), an Independent Games Festival (IGF) showcase, and access to the "myGDC" social networking portal further round out the conference and community networking opportunities. Registration information and details for the event, including track descriptions, are now available at http://www.austingdc.net/.

The Austin GDC 2008 presents topics along three main tracks: Online Games; Writing for Games; and Audio. The Online Games track offers four sub-tracks, which consist of business & marketing, design, social networking & community, and technology & services. Each track will present attendees specialized expertise into their respective discipline that addresses the conference's overall theme, "Evolve to Win."

  Tracks:
  --  Game Audio - "Breaking out of the Loop"
  --  Writing for Games - "The Future of Storytelling in Games"
  --  Online Track - "Breaking Down Barriers"

  Online Gaming Sub-Tracks:
  --  Business and Marketing
  --  Design
  --  Social Networking & Community
  --  Technology & Services

Keeping true to the fiercely independent and progressive spirit of Austin, the conference will play host to an Independent Games Festival (IGF) showcase; the premier venue for the creative, ingenious, fun and weird creations coming out of the thriving independent game development scene. Beyond the informative sessions that form the backbone of the event, Austin GDC welcomes the addition of audio and writing track tournaments, access to "myGDC," the official social networking portal for the Game Developers Conferences, and the Worlds in Motion Summit. The 2008 Austin GDC also marks the return of a nearly sold-out exposition floor, evening events, and the Game Career Seminar.

"Everything about the 2008 Austin GDC reflects the forward thinking vision of our advisory board and conference team," said event director Izora de Lillard. "We're very excited to return to this welcoming city, bring in fresh content to our strong tracks, and introduce industry relevant additions such as the Worlds in Motion Summit and IGF showcase."

The Austin GDC advisory board consists of experts in each of their respective fields who lend their unique perspective and expertise for the event. For more information on the sessions that they help craft, as well as online registration, please visit the official website at http://www.austingdc.net/.

About the Think Services Game Group (http://www.tsgamegroup.com/)

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 Austin Game Developers Conference, the Paris Game Developers Conference, GDC Mobile, the Game Career Seminars, the Independent Games Festival and Summit, and the Game Developers Choice Awards. For more information, please visit http://www.tsgamegroup.com/).

About Think Services (http://www.think-services.com/)

Think Services connects specialized communities worldwide using innovative media, educational events, consulting, training and certification. 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, HDI (formerly the Help Desk Institute), and Dr. Dobb's Journal. Think Services is a subsidiary of United Business Media (http://www.unitedbusinessmedia.com/), a global provider of news distribution and specialist information services with a market capitalization of more than $2.5 billion. To learn more, visit http://www.think-services.com/).

  Contact:   Craig Sinel / Sibel Sunar
             fortyseven communications
             craig@fortyseven.com / sibel@fortyseven.com
             323.658.1200

             Ben Veechai / Ahmad White
             Think Services Game Group
             bveechai@think-services.com / awhite@think-services.com
             415-947-6280, 415-947-6207

SOURCE: Think Services Game Group

CONTACT: Craig Sinel, craig@fortyseven.com, or Sibel Sunar,
sibel@fortyseven.com, both of fortyseven communications, +1-323-658-1200, for
Think Services Game Group; or Ben Veechai, +1-415-947-6280,
bveechai@think-services.com, or Ahmad White, +1-415-947-6207,
awhite@think-services.com, both of Think Services Game Group

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