November Gathering Approaching!

November's Gathering is quickly approaching. Two weeks out there is already a certain anticipation and excitement in the air.  With Santa Claus (who lives in Finland ;D) and Christmas coming closer our Gatherings are the sure place to be.  As always Cuba at 19:00 Nov. 9th is the perfect environment to be in if you are working in or around the industry and you want to enjoy the company of like-minded colleagues. As more details emerge about what exactly games and other activities that will be found at the event we will let you know.  At least take comfort in the fact that Super Mario Bros, Turtles and/or Contra are sure to be there. :)

See you there!

Also see earlier post about IGDA Finland Presentations: Funding and Investments taking place right before the Gathering.

IGDA FINLAND NOVEMBER GATHERING Place: Cuba Bar, Erottajankatu 4, 00120 Helsinki (Map) Time: Tuesday, 9th of November, doors open at 19:00

IGDA Finland Presentations! Funding and Investments

After such a great October Gathering it would only be fitting for us to follow up with an event even greater. For that reason we are pleased to announce IGDA Finland Presentations: Funding and Investments in the Video Game Industry. THE EVENT IS FULL! LIVE VIDEO STREAM WILL BE AVAILABLE! Taking place at Sulake Auditorium (click for map) the presentation focuses on the industry's funding instruments, valuation, connections between product volume vs. hit products, new avenues for success outside of the video game industry and why certain companies receive funding and others do not. Each speaker will have a case study highlighting one of these areas.

This event is sure to be extremely informational for anyone involved in the gaming industry so quick book your seat through the IGDA Finland Facebook page as there are only 100 places available. If you don't use Facebook, send an email to sonja [.] kangas [@] igda [.] fi if you want to join the event. We will close the registration when we have 100 names on the list. Maybe list at the Facebook doesn't count.

We will have the pleasure of hearing presentations from:

Marko Tulonen of Mediatonic. Case: Nitro Games

Mari Isbom of Tekes. Case: Digital Chocolate

Hannu Jungman of Veraventure. Case: Ironstar Helsinki

Atturi Tarjanne of Nexit. Case: Hybrid Graphics

The event is presented by the IGDA in association with Sulake, Pelikehittäjät ry and Neogames and will be moderated by Koopee Hiltunen of Neogames.

Oh and do not forget! After the presentation there will be our November Gathering at Cuba Bar (click for map) where the doors open at 19:00 and cold weather never keeps the party from heating up.

See you there!

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IGDA FINLAND PRESENTATIONS: FUNDING AND INVESTMENT Place: Sulake auditorium, Korkeavuorenkatu 35, 00130 Helsinki Time: Tuesday, 9th of November, 17:00-19:00 IGDA FINLAND PRESENTATIONS: FUNDING AND INVESTMENT EVENT IS FULL! WE CANNOT ACCEPT ANY MORE REGISTRATIONS!

We will be streaming the presentations, the stream can be found here at igda.fi site.

IGDA FINLAND NOVEMBER GATHERING Place: Cuba Bar, Erottajankatu 4, 00120 Helsinki(map: http://igda.fi/?page_id=5) Time: Tuesday, 9th of November, doors open at 19:00

IGDA Finland featured in IGDA Perspectives Newsletter (Oct 2010)

IGDA Finland Chapter was in the spotlight in IGDA Perspectives Newsletter in October 2010. There was also a story Crowning achievement: Marketing Lessons From Crown of Byzantus by Pyry Lehdonvirta, Casual Continent. Good stuff! We would also like to remind you that: It’s Global Game Jam time again and it’s fast approaching! The 3rd incarnation of this highly successful worldwide event is coming January 28-30, 2011. We invite you to take part in the largest game jam event in the industry.

October Gathering Rocked!

With coldness in the air things got a whole lot warmer at IGDA’s gathering last Tuesday (Oct. 3) at Cuba. As always the gathering was full of action with 101 friends and colleagues networking and enjoying rich conversation and in the back Retro games ruled with players rocking out with Contra and Super Mario Bros. [singlepic id=711 w=320 h=240 float=] See the Gallery here.

We are also please to congratulate EveryPlay’s Amplifier for winning Mindtrek’s Launch Pad. Applifier helps social game and app publishers of all size to grow their social applications through cross promotion. Over 100 apps use Applifier to promote their application to over 55 million monthly active users on Facebook. Congrats EveryPlay!

Also cool news, TAIK (Aalto University School of Art and Design) started a Game Design and Production Master of Arts program. It is a 2-year degree program that provides unique possibility for building game design skills while building theoretical and conceptual understanding on games. More Info.

Well that's it from here. Our next gathering will be Nov. 9th so keep your eyes open for more information.

Become an IGDA member and bring Warren Spector to Finland!

Warren Spector is the Prize! Deadline Extended: IGDA Chapter that Brings in the Most New Members By Nov.19 Wins Game Legend as VIP Meeting Speaker

LOS ANGELES – Oct. 12, 2010 -- The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) chapter that brings in the most new members by midnight PST Friday, November 19 (original deadline has been extended) -- will win game industry legend Warren Spector as a VIP speaker for a chapter event. Spector, a master storyteller and designer for one of the most highly-anticipated games of the year, Disney Epic Mickey, is known for his innovative views on game design.

Currently Spector is general manager and creative director at Disney Interactive Studios’ Junction Point. Prior to his work at Disney, Spector started the Ion Storm Studio in Austin and is best known for his work on blockbuster video game franchises such as Thief, System Shock, and Deus Ex.

All 81 chapters world wide are eligible to win.

Point values are as follows:

Lifetime Member: 10 Points (a limited number of Lifetime Memberships are available at $600.00) 2 yr Core Member: 5 Points 1yr Core Member: 2 Points Student Member: 1 Point

Member registration is available online and as a PDF. Send recruits to www.igda.org/join/online or print out the PDF membership application form here:

www.igda.org/sites/default/files/IGDA_Membership_Application_0.pdf? PDF forms can be submitted via email to Sheri Rubin, sheri@igda.org or faxed to (856) 423-3420.

The Winning Chapter will work with the headquarters of the International Game Developers Association to organize and promote the Grand Prize meeting.