March Gathering - 7th March 2006 - Education Theme

Dear friends, fellow developers! These days there are many game industry specific education programs going on in Finland. We in IGDA thought that the educators and companies should have closer ties since both can benefit from an active relationship. That's why we now wish to offer you a compact overview of who some of the educators are and what their programs offer.

So if you're an industry pro curious about current state of education or maybe a studio head looking for trainees, the IGDA Finland March gathering is the place to be! Students are also welcome!

Here's the program, we estimate it will run about 7:30 - 8:30 pm:

- IGDA: Jyri Ranki - Games & Storytelling / Media Lab: Mika Tuomola - ARTO Pelikoulutus: Juha Vanhanen - Helsinki University, Gamelab: Tomi Pasanen - Questions & Answers - From trainee to designer: Esko Javanainen / Sumea

And of course you're welcome to just join the rest of the Finnish game developers for drinks and conversation again at System Club! Hope to see you all there!

Place: System, Club, Keskuskatu 4, 00100 Helsinki (see map: http://www.igda.org/finland/images/igda_map.jpg) Time: Tue March 7th, doors open at 7.00pm

As always, bring your handheld consoles for some wireless multiplayer fun! Whether you own a PSP or DS, you're bound to find opponents in IGDA Gatherings.

February Gathering - After Action Report

n this months event we had a good attendance despite it was Valentine's day with, 53 regulars and 5 new members.It is exiting to see that new people keep on flowing in, with a steady pace. We also had a strong USA representation in, since visitors included people from Digital Chocolate (San Mateo) and Game House (Seattle). Other more local visitors included people from a Swedish recruiting firm and of course the finnish Sumea & Mr.Goodliving were represented nicely along with the regular group of aRTO College "Game-Dev class" students.

For photos CLICK HERE

The highlights of the evening and the night included a small indie game development team led by Henri Aalto, showing some engine features and the core for their latest game project called "Future lost" based on a modified Torque engine.

Again, there was a plentiful of Pool games around that even gathered some audience later that night. It seemed that people kept coming in as the time passed, due valentines day evening started slow but accelerated towards the night. Overall, the mood was relaxed and open as always.

There was also a new member joining the IGDA Volunteers, Juho Niittyniemi, whose first task as a volunteer was to work in the reception. Its great to see new volunteers coming in as-well as new visitors.

That's it - See you next time!

February Gathering - 4th April 2006

Dear friends, fellow developers! GDC is behind us and April fast approaching. It is time for the next IGDA Gathering. The likely hot topics for discussion will revolve around GDC and the NVIDIA-Hybrid deal. Come share your highlights from the conference or just listen to those who were there. And as always, you're welcome to just drop by for a drink with colleagues and friends!

Place: System, Club, Keskuskatu 4, 00100 Helsinki (see map: http://www.igda.org/finland/images/igda_map.jpg) Time: Tue April 4th, doors open at 7.00pm

Your normal plethora of gaming choices are again available: pool, black jack & board games from upstairs. And feel free to bring your own games, especially handhelds for multiplayer matches! Mario Kart DS anyone?

Games & Storytelling: There is a lecture by Jessica Mulligan earlier (http://www.igda.org/Forums/showthre...?threadid=21251). Make sure to see it before joining us at System Club!

Game On! Jyri, On behalf of the whole Chapter Team