Flashpoint Academy Hosts State of the Industry Panel for the IGDA with Key Industry Leaders

State of the Industry Panel Presentation


Over the last month every day we turn on the news and hear more devastating news about the economy. Companies are closing, layoffs are becoming more frequent and our 401K statements are simply too painful to open. I’m sure all of us are wondering how this is impacting the video game industry and more specifically how this will impact the industry in Chicago. Is it true that video game companies fare well in a depressed economy? Are their segments of the industry that will become more stable than others? Is development in Chicago increasing or decreasing? Where do we see the future of game development overall and in Chicago?

IGDA has assembled a very well rounded panel including not only console developers, but also the full scope of the industry including mobile game developers, arcade developers and slot-machine developers. This is a rare opportunity to hear from the best and brightest in our industry.

Our panel of experts will include:


Matt Booty, interim CEO of Midway Games

Andreja Djokovic, Founder of Babaroga

Scott Herrington, Lead Producer at WMS

Eugene Jarvis, Founder of Raw Thrills

Tom Kim, Executive Producer for Gamasutra Podcast on GDC Radio

Alex Seropian, Founder of Wideload Games

This is a rock-star line up of industry experts and a panel not to be missed. Space will be limited however to the first 150 people to RSVP.

This meeting is sponsored by and hosted at Flashpoint Academy. Flashpoint, The Academy of Media Arts and Sciences, is Chicago’s first digital media arts college, offering an intensive two-year program for high school graduates and adult learners in five digital disciplines: Film, Recording Arts, VFX & Animation, Game Development and Broadcast Media.

Flashpoint is geared for those individuals with a passion for anything digital, a desire for creative expression, a story that needs to be told, or an imaginative spark that needs ignition. For those students that aren’t thinking pre-med or pre-law or any “traditional” pre-determined path. Students that have the potential, but have yet to find the proper focus. No preparatory classes are required; Flashpoint’s nurturing staff has crafted a curriculum that starts at square one.



MEETING DETAILS:



When: Monday, October 20th, 2008, Doors open at 6:15 PM, Presentation starts at 7 PM

Where: Flashpoint Academy, 26 N. Clark, Chicago, IL 60602. Flashpoint Academy is near the intersection of Clark & Washington and is very close to all major el lines in Chicago. The closest parking facility is near the intersection of Washington & Wells.

Cost: $10 non-members, 5$ IGDA members and Flashpoint Academy Students. Light snacks and refreshments provided

RSVP: Space is limited to the first 150 guests.

Please RSVP to igdachicago@gmail.com.