2009 Game Developers Conference Opens Call for Submissions

New System Designed to Ease Process and Increase Quality Invites Submissions Now Through August 11

PRNewswire
SAN FRANCISCO
Jul 7, 2008

SAN FRANCISCO, July 7 /PRNewswire/ -- The call for submissions to present lectures, roundtables, panels and posters at the 2009 Game Developers Conference® (GDC) is open now through Monday, August 11th. The annual conference dedicated to the art, science and business of games -- presented by Think Services, a Division of United Business Media -- returns to San Francisco's Moscone Convention Center March 23 - 27, 2009. Session proposals can be submitted via the official GDC website at http://www.gdconf.com/.

This year, the GDC is introducing a new three-phase submission system, easing the initial entry process and thereby allowing the submitter to have ample time to expand on their session proposal if selected to advance to phase two. The simplified first-phase of the call for submissions reduces the entry form to session focus and attendee takeaway, along with basics such as biographical information and speaking experience. The GDC advisory board will review phase one submissions and determine who will proceed to phase two, at which point submitters will be asked to prepare a complete presentation plan. In the third phase of the process, the advisory board will review the presentation plans and make the final cut.

To read more regarding the submission phases, visit http://www.gdconf.com/conference\callforpapers\index09.htm. Guidelines for submissions can be found at http://www.gdconf.com/conference\callforpapers\faq09.htm

"GDC's world-class reputation is built on the strength of its content, so we are always looking for new ways to keep the quality of that content as high as ever, and to find new ways to raise the bar year after year," said Meggan Scavio, director, Game Developers Conference. "To that end, we have reformatted our historically rigorous submission process to make the first steps more welcoming, and so that the advisory board can select the sessions that are most beneficial and relevant to the attendee. When submitting, keep in mind that GDC attendees are experts in their field. Tell them something they don't know."

Tracks at GDC09 include Audio, Business and Management, Game Design, Production, Programming and Visual Arts. Session formats this year include 20- and 60-minute lectures, panels, roundtables, one- or two-day tutorials and poster sessions. For further information and to begin the submission process, please visit http://www.gdconf.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 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

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, and Dr. Dobb's Journal. Think Services is a subsidiary of United Business Media, 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/.

SOURCE: Think Services Game Group

CONTACT: Sibel Sunar, sibel@fortyseven.com, or Brian Rubin,
brian@fortyseven.com, both of fortyseven communications, +1-323-658-1200, for
Think Services Game Group; or Ben Veechai of Think Services Game Group,
+1-415-947-6280, bveechai@think-services.com

Web site: http://www.gdconf.com/
http://www.tsgamegroup.com/
http://www.think-services.com/