 04/09/2007
SCAD brings renowned game industry professionals to Savannah for Game Developers eXchange 2007
SAVANNAH, Ga. — The Savannah College of Art and Design presents Game Developers eXchange 2007, the Southeast’s premier game development conference, Friday, April 27, 9 a.m.–4:45 p.m., at Trustees Theater, 216 E. Broughton St. The keynote speaker is Michael Capps, Ph.D., president of Epic Games and developer of the popular Unreal Tournament Series and the Unreal Engine Technology.
The third annual GDX offers game developers, educators, students and those who share a passion for interactive entertainment the opportunity to hear experts share behind-the–scenes knowledge about the gaming industry. “We’ve expanded this year’s conference to four tracks in art, design, technology and business bringing together speakers who are experts in their fields,” said Josephine Leong, GDX conference chair and SCAD chair of interactive design and game development.
Capps will deliver his keynote speech on next-generation game development. “For schools to prepare their students for the workplace, they must stay ahead of the technology curve by ignoring it completely, and focusing on fundamentals of science and art rather than latest trends,” explained Capps, whose company’s recent game “Gears of War” broke all sales records on Xbox 360 and won multiple “Game of the Year” awards including “Studio of the Year” at the 2006 Video Game Awards.
Other featured speakers and topics include:
Brenda Brathwaite, game designer, consultant and SCAD interactive design and game development professor
“A History of Sex in Games” explores topics found in Brathwaite’s book, “Sex in Video Games,” released by Thomson Learning in September 2006.
Jon Hanna, producer of the 3-D Virtual World, Kaneva
“Future of Virtual Worlds” is an interactive discussion that explores the current state and future of virtual worlds.
Jeb Havens, lead game designer, 1st Playable Productions
“Developing Nintendo for the DS” focuses on unique opportunities and limitations in designing games for the Nintendo DS. Working with fuzzy interaction, UI design and stylus standards are among other topics to be discussed.
Pat Helbig, SCAD director of career services
“Winning the Game: Transition from the Student World to the Real World” introduces a panel of industry leaders and innovators who provide insights and insider tips on what it takes to build a successful career in games.
Andrew Hieronymi, SCAD interactive design and game development professor
“The Artist as Game Designer: Redefining Play” will introduce the emerging field of alternative gaming, showcasing various motives and strategies behind the work of selected artists who use games as a medium of expression.
Davey Jackson, director of educational sales, Garage Games
“Opportunities for New Game Developers: XNA, Social Networks and Alternative Publishing Models” discusses game engine use in game design.
Darius Kazemi, data analyst, Turbine Inc.
“Breaking into the Game Industry” provides tips on finding employment in the gaming industry.
Tad Leckman, SCAD chair of visual effects
“The Feel of Cinema” brings the lessons of filmmaking to games and focuses on the differences and similarities of the cultures of film and game production.
Kyle Machulis, programmer, Linden Lab
“How to Make Money in ‘Second Life’ (or What Open Source Means to You)” explores options for those desiring to transition their talent to a virtual market.
Sheri Graner Ray, president, Sirena Software
“Game Design for Dummies” will cover the top 10 rules every game designer should know.
Tracy Rosenthal-Newsom, producer, Harmonix Music Systems
“Attracting New Players through Innovative Design” discusses how to market to wider audiences.
Jim Spoto, CG supervisor, Electronic Arts
“Pushing the Envelope: The Art of Technology” identifies the mixed skill set that defines the role of the “technical artist.”
Registration for students and SCAD alumni is $20, and general registration is $50. The registration fee also includes admission to the Women in Games International conference, “Advancing Your Career in Game Development,” Thursday, April 26, 1–7:30 p.m., at River Club, 3 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. WIGI, a nonprofit organization in the interactive entertainment industry, created the conference series to serve as a forum to discuss a wide range of issues pertaining to women in the gaming industry. For more information or to register for WIGI and GDX, visit .
Media inquiries and press passes are available by request by e-mailing cpringle@scad.edu or 912.525.5225.
Named “Hottest for Studying Art” among America’s 25 Hottest Colleges by Kaplan/Newsweek, the Savannah College of Art and Design is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with locations in Atlanta and Savannah, Ga., and in Lacoste, France. Accredited undergraduate and graduate degree programs also are offered online through SCAD e-Learning. The college offers Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Master of Architecture, Master of Arts, Master of Fine Arts and Master of Urban Design degrees.
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