International Game Developers Association to Explore Quality of Life Challenges and Solutions at Industry Summit

International Game Developers Association to Explore Quality of Life Challenges and Solutions at Industry Summit

Software Leader Steve McConnell to Provide Business Case for Improved Practices

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Addressing the continued response to quality of life issues for the game development industry, the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) will host the Quality of Life Summit on March 8th, at the annual Game Developers Conference (GDC), in San Francisco. The Summit will focus on the issues addressed in last year's Quality of Life white paper, published by the IGDA, which documented the long hours and pressures exerted on developers and the toll that these problems take on people and companies alike.

Steve McConnell, software industry leader and best selling author (Code Complete and Rapid Development), will explain the dollars and cents of production process improvement, mapping out the need for improved software development practices in a way that is meaningful to managers and executives. Blue Fang Games will sponsor this keynote speech.

"Tackling quality of life issues and maturing production practices is necessary for the industry to move forward," said Jason Della Rocca, Executive Director, IGDA. "Attendees of the Summit will be inspired by the reality that there is a way to be successful in the games business, while enjoying a sensible work/life balance."

Content of the Summit will focus on labor relations theory, the current state of quality of life within the industry, case studies on successfully implemented practices and a discussion on how to overcome the issues preventing a better quality of life. Developers, producers, managers and those in involved in the human resources process are encouraged to attend the Summit.

The complete list of speakers includes:

* Michel Allard -- Vice President of Continuous Improvement, Ubisoft
Montreal

* Tom Buscaglia -- Attorney, T.H. Buscaglia & Associates

* Jason Della Rocca -- Executive Director, IGDA

* Julian Eggebretch -- President/Lead Producer, Factor 5

* Francois Dominic Laramee -- freelance developer, IGDA Quality of Life
Committee Chairperson

* Steve McConnell -- CEO and Chief Software Engineer, Construx Software

* Clarinda Merripen -- Director of Operations, Cyberlore Studios

* Joe Minton -- President & CEO, Cyberlore Studios

* Gina Neff -- Assistant Professor, Department of Communication,
University of California, San Diego

* David Perry -- President, Shiny Entertainment

* Rich Vogel - Executive Producer, Sony Online Entertainment



Please visit www.igda.org/summit for complete session details and event information.

About the International Game Developers Association (IGDA)

The International Game Developers Association is a non-profit membership organization that advocates globally on issues related to digital game creation. The IGDA's mission is to strengthen the international game development community and effect change to benefit that community. For more information on the IGDA, please visit www.igda.org or e-mail info@igda.org.


Source: International Game Developers Association

CONTACT: Craig Sinel of The Bohle Company, +1-310-785-0515, ext. 211,
craig@bohle.com, for International Game Developers Association

Web site: http://www.igda.org/summit

Web site: http://www.igda.org/


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