RPG Developers to Speak at Game Conference

The full press release:

MOBLISS, VALVE, SONY, ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT, TIME WARNER INTERACTIVE, OTHERS HEADLINE FEBRUARY 12th GAME JOB CONFERENCE AND RESUME WORKSHOP

Event Open to Students and Professionals In the Industry or Looking to Break Into the Industry

January 25, 2005 – Mobliss, Valve, Gas Powered Games, Sony Online Entertainment, Time Warner Interactive, Monolith Productions, Mary-Margaret.com, Konami Digital Entertainment – America, Zango Games, Oberon-Media are just some of the game companies participating in the (Seattle Video Game Industry Job Conference and Resume Workshop) that will take place in the Seattle suburb of Shoreline, Washington on February 12, 2005 at the Shoreline Center. The event is designed for artists, programmers, writers, musicians, designers and others looking to get into the computer and video game business. Students and professionals looking to get into the computer and video game business will have the opportunity to speak with industry insiders, hiring managers and participate in an engaging resume workshop.

Confirmed speakers include:

– Charles Balas, Director of Business Development, Zango Games
– Ellen Guon Beeman, Live Team Producer, The Matrix Online, Monolith Productions
– Norma J. Crippen, Recruitment Specialist, Mary-Margaret.com
– Brian De Marco, Associate Producer
– Marc Franklin, Associate Director of Public Relations, Konami Digital Entertainment – America
– Alexander Pfaffe, Sr. Technical Architect, Sony Online Entertainment – Seattle
– John Smith, Senior Producer, Sony Online Entertainment
– Jessica Tams, Senior Producer, Oberon- Media
– Joe Ybarra, Warner brother interactive

Additional speakers including speakers from Mobliss, Valve Software and Gas Powered Games will be announced shortly.

(This comprehensive program will identify trends and requirements as well as the qualifications and skill-sets that are in demand in the game industry. The casual nature of this event allows attendees an unprecedented opportunity to interact with industry veterans, ask questions, gain valuable contacts and understand the business,) said Christopher Sherman, Game Initiative Executive Director.

Students will learn how to build an early professional road map to a career in the game industry. Professionals looking to move into the business from other industries will learn how their experience and transferable skills can gain rapid entry into the game industry. The event will also provide a great opportunity for local game companies to meet potential new talent. Also, attendees will be able to participate in the Demo Reel Showcase, where can bring their laptops to showcase their demo reels to industry insiders for direct feedback and job opportunities.

Seattle Video Game Industry Job Conference February 12 – Agenda

8:30am – 9:00am Registration and Networking
9:00am – 9:45am Industry Overview
10:00am – 10:45am Getting in at the Ground Floor
11:00am – 12:00pm Applying Transferable Skill Sets
12:00pm – 1:30pm Networking
1:30pm – 3:00pm Resume Workshop

The cost is $45 in advance or $60 at the door. The event takes place at the Shoreline Center in Shoreline, Seattle. Registration is available online at http://www.GameConferences.com/seattle/

How To Break Into Video Game Industry Conference and Resume Workshop attendees will:
* Find out what employers are looking for now and in the future
* Learn how the game development pipeline works
* Receive an overview of the industry and where it’s headed
* Understand the core competencies required in art, programming and design
* Meet and network with professionals in the industry
* Participate in a resume workshop designed to gain them critical interviews with hiring managers.

About The Game Initiative

The Game Initiative is a leading producer of conferences and events for professionals in the computer and video game industry. The Initiative is chartered with the growth of the industry through events, public awareness, information and supporting programs and serves the needs of companies and people involved in producing interactive entertainment software and hardware for video game consoles, handheld devices, personal computers and the Internet. Game Initiative events include the Austin Game Conference (October 27-28, 2005), the Women’s Game Conference (Octoboer 26-27, 2005) and the How to Break into the Game Industry national conference series. More information about the Game Initiative can be found at http://www.GameConferences.com