Game Development Crisis Conference & Webinar Series

IGDA and Take This are partnering to host an online webinar series and conference focused around equipping game developers and studio leadership with the knowledge and tools they need to sustain successful development in times of crisis. It will include talks and panels dedicated to skills and tools for working from home, studio leadership in times of change, and mental health considerations and resources for game developers. 

Webinars will focus on self-care considerations and personal management. The conference will focus on technical tools for continuing development under stress and change, leadership and management of teams during crises, and ongoing coping tools for long-term isolation.

The Game Development Crisis Conference and webinars will be hosted on Twitch and be free for all to watch. All talks will be later available on YouTube. 

Date:

Webinars launch: April 2nd, 2020 and are hosted every Thursday until May 14th

Conference: May 14th, 2020

Location: https://www.twitch.tv/igda 

Language: English 

Schedule

Self-Care 101

April 2nd, 2020

13:00-14:00 EDT (UTC -04:00) / 20:00-21:00 EEDT (UTC +03:00)

Participants:

Dr. B, Clinical Director, Take This

Renee Gittins, Executive Director, IGDA

Kelsey Wesley, Diversity, Inclusion & Learning Lead, Bungie

Pat Kemp, Game Designer, Spry Fox

Moderator: Eve Crevoshay, Executive Director, Take This

IGDA Mission

Support and empower game developers around the world in achieving fulfilling and sustainable careers.

Take This Mission 

Decrease the stigma, and increase the support for, mental health in the game enthusiast community and inside the game industry.

Core Goals for GDCC

The core goals for GDCC 2020 are:

1. Host discussions and programs that improve game developers’ tools and lives in times of crisis 

2. Connect game developers from around the world with networks, knowledge, and resources to overcome the difficulties created by COVID-19

3. Encourage management styles that best support teams during crises and give studios the best chance for continued success

4. Support leaders in a time of uncertainty

Donations

All donations received during the event’s stream will be given to Take This to support gamers and game developers in this time of mental crisis. 

Sponsorships 

IGDA and Take This are offering sponsorship packages for the Game Development During Crisis Conference to support the event and our own missions to help game developers. If you are interesting in sponsoring this event or one of the webinars, please contact IGDA HQ. This is a great opportunity to connect with decision makers and others within in the industry, all while supporting game developers and our industry during this crisis. 

PC Connects Digital - IGDA Finland Members get 20% off!

PG Connects Digital: The Global Games Industry Conference ONLINE! PGC Digital (April 6-10th) aims to distil the spirit of the PG Connects conferences you've come to know (and hopefully love) over the last 7 years into digital form. In practise this means we'll deliver 100+ informative speakers across 8 tracks covering everything from game design and trends to monetisation and growth (talks will be available to watch/interact live or to watch recording at a later date). There's a 24-7 digital meeting system too which syncs in with Zoom (or you can specify your own meeting tool) for audio/video calls so you can network and do business with c.750 delegates from 400+ companies. Plus we'll even have a digital version of all of your favourite fringe events (Big Indie Pitch, SpeedMatch and Investor Connector!) and a few more interesting extras too - in fact we'll have everything barring a party (stay tuned, we're working on that!)

IGDA Finland members get 20% OFF using code FIGDA20!

The world may be in lockdown, but people aren't stopping playing games (quite the opposite) and the games business shouldn't stop either - so join us online to keep connecting! www.pgconnects.com/digital

IGDA Finland Meetups POSTPONED!

Dearest community,

With the spread of COVID-19, the IGDA recommends that you listen to the advice of local government and health organizations especially keeping your teams and their loved ones as safe as possible.

The Board of IGDA Finland has decided together with Hub-Leads that our meetups will be postponed until further notice. Safety and well-being of our community has always been IGDA's main priority.

We also want to highlight the IGDA Twitch channel (https://www.twitch.tv/igda ) which runs regularly webinars and hosts IGDA Chapter and SIG streams - enjoy them from the safety of your home!

Stay safe everyone <3

IGDA Future is here!

IGDA Future is an initiative of IGDA Finland to empower the younger generations (18 years of age and younger) to join our amazing community and learn all about the opportunities that game development education and gaming industry have to offer. We wish to build a bridge between youth and the industry professionals with series of events, following the vision and mission of IGDA.

Events and activities will be free of charge, easy to access and aimed to give the participants tools and aid in becoming independent, confident and skilled adults. We want to create an environment where it is safe to experiment, find friends and learn without fear of failure. It is our mission to encourage youth during times of strife and reward them for participation and volunteering.

We are welcoming all enthusiasts, volunteers and industry partners to join us in our mission to shape the future of our industry into even bigger success!

Feel free to follow our Facebook page and of course hub activities for more info.

Volunteer for IGDA at GDC

Want to help the IGDA @ GDC 2020? The application to join the volunteer team is open through February 3rd. Learn more about the benefits and requirements of volunteering with the IGDA at: https://igda.org/gdc2020/volunteer/.

The IGDA Foundation is also looking for volunteers from a variety of backgrounds to help support our initiatives that promote diversity and inclusivity in game development.

Whether you’re a producer with a knack for getting things done, a graphic designer with a flair for branding, or just someone with a little extra time to do good, we’d love to hear from you.

If you’re interested, please complete this brief survey and you will be added to the foundation’s pool of potential volunteers. They will review your skills and availability and let you know when there’s an opportunity that may be a good fit.

Volunteers are what makes both the IGDA and IGDA Foundation run. Their time, knowledge, and passion are absolutely vital to the success of our programs. We would love it if you would consider dedicating some time to bringing these initiatives to life.

The IGDA Foundation supports diversity and inclusion in the games industry through its programs, IGDA Scholars, Velocity, and Next Gen Leaders. We believe that the game development industry should be representative of and welcoming to every person who wants to make games.