http://www.gameseden.co.uk/index.php en lisa@lisadearaujo.com Copyright 2008 2008-11-19T09:45:01+00:00 http://www.gameseden.co.uk/index.php/site/sand_2008_games_animation_and_sfx_swansea_24_28_november/ http://www.gameseden.co.uk/index.php/site/sand_2008_games_animation_and_sfx_swansea_24_28_november/#When:09:45:01Z With over 40 international speakers from the animation and games industry, SAND 2008 is the 9th International CG and Animation Conference held between Monday 24th and Friday 28th November in Swansea, Wales.Date: 24-28 November Venue: Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea and Technium Swansea. With over 40 international speakers from the animation and games industry, SAND 2008 is the 9th International CG and Animation Conference held between Monday 24th and Friday 28th November in Swansea, Wales. SAND is the place to meet people, share experiences in CGI and create new ideas for films, scientific visualisation, commercials and games. SAND includes conference sessions on games, procedural animation, films, post production techniques, TV commercials, motion capture, also with animation screenings from around the world, professional sector workshops and business seminars. SAND continues to highlight the most recent international developments in CGI, as well as share in innovative practice with other businesses and presenters.  SAND encourages collaboration and networking, providing a wealth of opportunities for company networking. Based on the convergence of people, technologies and ideas using CGI, this wholly unique event brings you the latest developments from Blitz Games, EA Games, Allegorithmics, Double Negative, MPC and Aardman Animations, amongst others, as well as Acting for Animators Ed Hooks and animé expert Jonathan Clements. Be part of SAND 2008 – the leading UK event for digital content and creation, attracting visitors and speakers from all around the world. Register now and have the chance to meet even more digital legends for a week of spectacular innovation and stimulation! Prices start at just £10 for a 1 Day Conference Pass or £35 for a 5 Day Conference Pass. SAND is made possible by the partnership with the Welsh Assembly Government and the generous support of our sponsors. The SAND events are initiated and organised by Swansea Metropolitan University’s School of Digital Media. To register, visit the SAND website. Conferences and Meetings 2008-11-19T09:45:01+00:00 http://www.gameseden.co.uk/index.php/site/joint_games_eden_and_location_sig/ http://www.gameseden.co.uk/index.php/site/joint_games_eden_and_location_sig/#When:20:31:01Z This Special Interest Group event is a joint presentation from Cambridge Wireless and Games Eden.Date: 13th November 2008 Venue: Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge Sponsored by: Anglia Ruskin University & Location and Timing KTN Championed by David Bartlett of Pyxidium Limited and Nigel Wall of Location & Timing Knowledge Transfer Network from the Location SIG together with Jeremy Cooke of Games Eden. AGENDA 09:00 Registration and Coffee 09:30 Welcome to the Cambridge Wireless Location by David Bartlett of Pyxidium Limited 09:40 Introduction to Games Eden by Jeremy Cooke of Gameware Development Ltd 10:00 Welcome from Anglia Ruskin University 10:10 Presentation 1 – Sponsor Presentation 10:35 Q & A 10.40 Coffee Break & Networking 11.05 Presentation 2 - ‘Will location based content assist social and immersive learning?’Dr Sara de Freitas, Director of Research, Serious Games InstituteSGI is working closely with industry and it is envisaged that it will play a leading role in future development of game-based learning.  Is there a central role here for contextual, location based content? 11.30 Q & A 11.35 Presentation 3 - ‘Ubiquitous games – they’re everywhere’Mike Dicks, Converged Media Consultant, Bleedin’ EdgeA guide to Args, multi platform, mobile developments and some insights into doing deals in multi platform land ...... 12.00 Q & A 12.05 Lunch Break & Networking 13.15 Introduction to the Session by Nigel Wall of the Location & Timing Knowledge Transfer NetworkIntroduce Participate - its scope and objectives - a Technology Strategy Board supported project involving Industry and Universities research project involving Games and Location! 13.25 Presentation 4 – Participate – ‘Education & Community Trials Amanda Gower, BT1. Overview of the schools trial experiments that used portable devices including location technology. 2. Overview the Kew Gardens trials that used cell phones equipped with location technology.3. Introduce the results from the integrated trial - particularly the assignments that needed to be completed using a mobile phone (with location knowledge) 13.50 Q & A 13.55 Presentation 5 – Participate – ‘Games Trials’ Professor Steve Benford, University of Nottingham1. Review UoNott work on augmented reality that use mobile LBS technology 2. Introduce the games trials based upon a mobile ‘phone 3. Overview of the Equip platform and how it supports Location Based Games 4. Review learning from the trials. 14.20 Q & A 14.25 Coffee Break & Networking 14.50 Presentation 6 – Mission Development from early investigation to the current trialAmanda Gower, BT 15.15 Q & A 15.20 Presentation 7 – Participate – ‘User reaction’David Crellin, Abington Partners ScienceScope· What was successful? · What did not work well? · Evidence of potential for mass market adoption · Steps needed to assure success 15.45 Open Discussion Session· Opportunities for exploitation · Barriers to implementation · Barriers to adoption · Ideas for further R&D 16.10 Closing Remarks and Completing Evaluation Form 16.15 Event Closes Presentations will be loaded to the Cambridge Wireless website on the day following the event Profile of our SIG Champions Location SIG David Bartlett, Pyxidium Limited David Bartlett has specialist knowledge in the fields of location technology, wireless communications and digital imaging. He runs his own business, Pyxidium Limited, which provides system design, modelling, simulation, IPR, competitive analysis and innovation services to small and large organisations.  For more information please visit http://www.pyxidium.co.uk Nigel Wall, Shadow Creek Consulting Ltd Nigel Wall has been an independent consultant for 6 years (Shadow Creek Consulting), with a focus on Intelligent Transport Systems. Prior to this he held a number of key roles within BT, including leading mobile data research. He now works for a variety public and private sector clients, including acting as a Technology Translator for the Location & Timing Knowledge Transfer Network, and for innovITS.  For more information please visit http://www.locationktn.com Games Eden Jeremy Cooke, Games Eden Games Eden is the regional digital creative networking organisation, chaired by Jeremy Cooke of Gameware Development Ltd.  Games Eden support is delivered in partnership between: EEDA, East of England International (EEI), Screen East, Cambridge Wireless, EMMA, TIGA and FDMX. Event Proceedings 2008-11-13T20:31:01+00:00 http://www.gameseden.co.uk/index.php/site/paris_fx_creative_il_de_france_19_21_november/ http://www.gameseden.co.uk/index.php/site/paris_fx_creative_il_de_france_19_21_november/#When:20:20:01Z Paris fx is two days dedicated to digital creation and production of visual effects in France After a successful first edition attended by 1300 visitors over 2 days, Parisfx offers an exceptional 2008 programme focused on digital visual effects and CGI. Producers, directors, post-production houses and VFX supervisors will demonstrate their mastering of CGI and VFX via case studies or conferences.Date: 19th & 20th November 2008 Venue: Espace Pierre Cardin (Paris) Two days dedicated to digital creation and production of visual effects in France. Parisfx proposes this year an exceptional programme focused on digital visual effects. Many producers, directors, post-production houses and VFX supervisors will be demonstrating their work via case studies or conferences. Date: 21st November 2008 Venue: Espace Pierre Cardin (Paris) The technical meeting of the CST ( Superior Technical Commission) dedicated to the new supports from production to post-production. Parisfx is accessible to everybody, provided you are accredited (from 79 euros TTC for the two days). Prices, conditions and registration on www.parisfx.fr / +331 41 40 56 18 Conferences and Meetings 2008-10-30T20:20:01+00:00 http://www.gameseden.co.uk/index.php/site/tiga_and_the_media_festival_26th_28th_november_2008/ http://www.gameseden.co.uk/index.php/site/tiga_and_the_media_festival_26th_28th_november_2008/#When:20:03:00Z After years of anticipation, convergence is finally happening. Discussions around funding, creativity, rights and IP, distribution business models, piracy and the role of advertising and brands are playing out across all content-focussed industries, from traditional TV production, to games companies to mobile content providers to social networking sites. The battle for eyes – and ears – has become more intense than ever, as consumers become more demanding, more fickle and more bombarded with content all the time. The creative industries need to engage with what is occurring, not just within the silos of their company types, but across the creative and communications industries. In response to this industry need Broadcast, Screen International and shots – thought leaders in the world of digital media – bring you The Media Festival. Date: 26th - 28th November 2008 Venue: Manchester Uniting the worlds of television, advertising, film, gaming and beyond, The Media Festival, endorsed by Tiga, is the ideal destination to meet your partners in a converging future. Discover new avenues of game funding including branded content, the secrets of working with TV and film properties, publicly funded opportunities and discover what it means to be part of a truly creative digital community. The festival is about fun and participation. It will host a range of events including conference, late night debate, workshops, business clinics, screenings, parties and more! The Media Festival already has some great content on board for what promises to be a groundbreaking three days. They are delighted to announce that Michael Denny will be discussing the launch of LittleBigPlanet and have announced their first speakers, who will be joining us to share their vision for the future of creative digital media. Tiga’s CEO, Richard Wilson, will also be part of a panel discussion. The programme is growing by the day so be sure to check online at http://www.themediafestival.com for the latest updates, session news and new event announcements. Save £120 register before 12th September 2008! Register online at: http://www.themediafestival.com or email conferences@emap.com Conferences and Meetings 2008-10-30T20:03:00+00:00 http://www.gameseden.co.uk/index.php/site/the_technology_strategy_board_competition_for_funding/ http://www.gameseden.co.uk/index.php/site/the_technology_strategy_board_competition_for_funding/#When:19:49:00Z The Technology Strategy Board is to invest an indicative £5m in a programme to help digital content creators and rights holders realise and maximise the commercial return potential from their intellectual property (IP): Accessing and Commercialising Content in a Digitally Networked World.This competition is looking for proposals to develop applications that can be deployed across the digital content sector to extend market opportunities and promote the commercial exploitation of IP for content creators and rights holders. These could include innovative projects addressing all or any of the following for professionally produced or usergenerated content and mash up services: Development of new business models, business processes, consumer experiences and approaches to deriving commercial benefit from IP. Applications that make it easier for rights holders to efficiently and effectively collect revenue from their content/services. Solutions to broaden the market access of digital content services; this could include the development of new platforms designed to deliver scale to small businesses, or solutions to support multiplatform distribution of content based services. Applications to help provide intelligent access to context relevant content, e.g. driven by individual consumer behaviours, habits, preferences or device selection. Development of intuitive tools and applications to increase participation and extend democratisation of the Web for generating and interacting with content and networks. Applications or tools to support the emergence of new value chains. Proposals that seek to apply well established solutions from other industries to the digital content sector will be considered alongside the truly novel. The Technology Strategy Board is concerned with innovative solutions to develop underlying capability that can be exploited widely within the UK digital content sector, i.e. applications or tools that have the potential to be applied across many businesses. This competition is likely to be particularly relevant to the games industry among other sectors. For more information about this and other competitions and details of how to register and apply, please see Competitions at www.innovateuk.org. News 2008-10-30T19:49:00+00:00 http://www.gameseden.co.uk/index.php/site/a_future_in_3d/ http://www.gameseden.co.uk/index.php/site/a_future_in_3d/#When:19:59:00Z A knowledge of 3D computer technology, art and design are much in demand across the creative industries. But what are the core things you need to know in order to succeed as a 3D artist?Date: 16 October, 5-8pm Venue: University of Hertfordshire, Room A161 Lindop Building A knowledge of 3D computer technology, art and design are much in demand across the creative industries. Nowhere are developments in 3D moving so fast as in the Games Industry. But what are the core things you need to know in order to succeed as a 3D artist? What software is important, and what level of skills are needed? Come and see some great 3D Games work, and listen to 3D games professionals give you their take on how the world of 3D design and technology is changing. Speakers and Topics include: Introduction from Jeremy Cooke, Chairman of Games Eden Keynote address by Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO The Cutting Edge of Animation: Natural Motion - speaker (tba) NaturalMotion are the creators of Dynamic Motion Synthesis (DMS), a break-through in 3D character animation. Based on research carried out at Oxford University, DMS creates high-quality 3D character animation in real time by combining artificial intelligence, biomechanics, and dynamics simulation. The state-of-the-3D-art in Game Creation Speaker: Chis Riddell, Sony Studios, Cambridge Get tooled up: what skills will you need to secure your future?  Paul Wilkes and Jason Jenner, EscapeStudios What are the core things you need to know in order to succeed as a 3D artist? What software is important and what level of skills are needed? 5.15 Registration 5.30 Welcome and Introduction from Jeremy Cooke Chairman of Games Eden 5.45 Keynote address: Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO The Independent Game Developers Association - representing the business and commercial interests of games software developers in the UK and Europe 6.06 Q & A 6.15 The Cutting Edge of Animation: Natural Motion - speaker (tba) NaturalMotion are the creators of Dynamic Motion Synthesis (DMS), a break-through in 3D character animation. Based on research carried out at Oxford University, DMS creates high-quality 3D character animation in real time by combining artificial intelligence, biomechanics, and dynamics simulation. 6.35 Q & A 6.45 The state-of-the-3D-art in Game creation Speaker: Chis Riddell, Sony Studios, Cambridge 7.05 Q & A 7.25 Get tooled up: what skills will you need to secure your future? Speakers: Paul Wilkes and Jason Jenner, Escape Studios An overview of the type of positions available in the games industry with a focus on the entry level and the core skills required for these roles. 7.30 Q+A and summing-up 7.40 Networking over refreshments To book for this event, please visit the EMMA website. Games Eden Events, Event Proceedings 2008-10-16T19:59:00+00:00 http://www.gameseden.co.uk/index.php/site/helping_start_up_small_and_medium_sized_businesses_grow_28_october/ http://www.gameseden.co.uk/index.php/site/helping_start_up_small_and_medium_sized_businesses_grow_28_october/#When:22:23:00Z Tiga and Nesta’s London Games Festival event ‘Helping Start-Up, Small and Medium Sized Businesses grow’ will take place on Tuesday 28th October and we are pleased to announce the early bird discount has now been extended to 25th October.Date:9am to 4pm, 28 October Venue: David Lean Room, Bafta, 195 Piccadilly, London W1J 9LN Tiga and Nesta’s London Games Festival event ‘Helping Start-Up, Small and Medium Sized Businesses grow’ will take place on Tuesday 28th October and have announced an early bird discount extended to 25th October. Tiga members booking before then will receive the discounted price of £50 and non members will pay £75. The event has some fantastic speakers lined up who will share their knowledge of ways to make your business a leaner, more profitable organisation. The organisers have confirmed two more speakers, both key industry figures, who will bring a fantastic breadth of experience to the day. Ian Livingston of Eidos will give a brief introduction and history of the industry, looking at audiences, platforms and the importance of IP ownership. Jamie Macdonald of SCEE will also be speaking and further details of his session will be announced soon. The keynote will be from Ed Vaizey, Conservative Shadow Arts Minister who will give us an overview of Conservative policy towards helping SME’s in our sector and other cultural industries. Attendees will also hear from the Liberal Democrats Shadow Minister for Culture, Media and Sport, Don Foster, who will outline their policies for the games industry. Other highlights include, Nesta’s Jonathan Kestenbaum and Jackie Mackenzie discussing their initiatives to support the sector in ‘Raise the Game’. Jeff Meek will explain methods of creative accounting for creative industries, and Tim Gatland will look at successful project management and delivering games on time. Staffing issues and skill shortages in the industry are a very real problem at the moment so the event also features speakers who will give advice on tackling these issues. Pam Williams of Kuju will advise on good retention policies, John Nash of Blitz Games will look at improving work performance through training and Richard Clegg of Osborne Clarke will discuss ways of managing your workforce successfully and legally. The event will run from 9am-4pm on the 28th October in the David Lean Room, Bafta, 195 Piccadilly. London W1J 9LN. To book and pay for your place online, please visit http://www.tiga.org and click on events, or email (places are not confirmed until payment has been received). Don’t forget that Games Eden members receive Tiga membership as a part of their membership benefits! Conferences and Meetings 2008-10-14T22:23:00+00:00 http://www.gameseden.co.uk/index.php/site/casual_games_forum_30_october/ http://www.gameseden.co.uk/index.php/site/casual_games_forum_30_october/#When:22:11:00Z The Casual Games Forum is a new one-day conference and networking event designed specifically for anyone involved in or interested in the business of casual gaming.Date: 30 October 2008 Venue: Ambassadors Bloomsbury Hotel, 12 Upper Woburn Place, London
 WC1H 0HX The Casual Games Forum is a new one-day conference and networking event designed specifically for anyone involved in or interested in the business of casual gaming. It offers a rare opportunity for today’s games industry professionals to gain insight, ideas and inspiration from some of the casual games market’s leading players. The Casual Games Forum will bring together key industry figures to: Gather essential information about market trends and future forecasts Learn more about new and existing business opportunities Get up-to-date with the latest techniques in developing casual games Be inspired by case studies of successful and innovative casual game development Network - mix with peers, meet the experts and make new contacts Who should attend? The Casual Games Forum has been designed for anyone already involved in the casual gaming market, as well as for people interested in finding out more about it, including: Casual games publishers & developers Mainstream games publishers & developers Platform holders Portals & aggregators Investors & analysts Technology & service providers This is an unmissable opportunity to explore both the business opportunities that the sector offers and the technical challenges that developing casual games presents. Conferences and Meetings 2008-10-14T22:11:00+00:00 http://www.gameseden.co.uk/index.php/site/g_star_2008_an_important_opportunity_for_uk_companies/ http://www.gameseden.co.uk/index.php/site/g_star_2008_an_important_opportunity_for_uk_companies/#When:23:11:01Z UKTI is offering free booth space at G-Star 2008, an important event in one of gaming's key markets.Date: 13-16 November Venue: KINTEX exhibition centre, Korea The Korea Game Industry Agency and Gyeonggi Digital Contents Agency will be hosting the ‘G-Star 2008’ exhibition and conference event at KINTEX exhibition centre in Korea from 13 – 16 November 2008. This is a key event in one of the world’s most important games markets and expects to attract 150 game publishers and developers and over 150,000 visitors.  All of the major Korean games firms including NHN, NC Soft, JC Entertainment, Samsung Electronics and SK Telecom will be participating in the show. Korea has the most advanced ICT infrastructure in the world and is the No. 1 online gaming country, holding more than a 30% global share. Its game market was worth £2.5 billion in 2007 so this is a great opportunity for UK games developers to participate and break into this huge gaming market. A brief overview of the Korean Games Industry Online games is the most popular gaming platform in Korea with a 75.1% share followed, by video (console) games with 14.1% and mobile game with 8.4%.  One of the key factors driving online games growth in Korea was the development of Internet cafes, of which there are currently 20,607 across the nation. There is also a huge base of game enthusiasts, with more than 60% of a Korean population of nearly 50 m, having played at least one game. Imports of games reached US$389.54 million in 2007 of which Video games had the largest market share, accounting for a 81.8% market share, followed by on-line and PC games. The Export market for games was worth US$781 million, of which On-line games accounted for a 95.5% market share. Japan is the biggest export market for Korea, followed by China and USA. As a result of fierce competition from existing export markets, Korean firms are now increasingly exploring opportunities in new markets, especially in Europe. Although the on-line game market in Europe is not as yet as well developed as other countries like China, Japan and USA, the immediate interest for Korean companies lies in servicing their on-line/mobile games in Europe through partnerships with European firms. There are good opportunities for UK firms with technology in game servicing middleware/solutions and creativity for content development and also for UK IDCs (Internet Data Centre) as well as game publishing services for the European market. How can you get involved?  What assistance can UK Trade & Investment offer? 1. UKTI Seoul will have a booth at G-Star 2008 and they are inviting interested UK games companies and sector multipliers to display brochures/show their promotional CD/DVDs or/and also show their games at the booth.  There will be no charge for this arrangement, but UK companies will have to cover all costs of shipping/freighting promotional materials to send to the British Embassy (UKTI), Seoul. 2. In addition, they’ll be able to act as a representative on behalf for UK companies which will not visit the market during the show for a small charge under our OMIS scheme and could provide the following services:- Arrange a UK company’s information to be put into the UKTI exhibition brochure for G-Star 2008Conduct meetings with Korean firms on behalf of a UK firm and send feedbacks to the UK firm>/li> 3. If you are planning to visit G-Star 2008, UKTI Seoul can, for a charge, enhance your visit under our OMIS scheme in which they could: Arrange a programme of callsArrange a UK company’s information to be put into the UKTI exhibition brochure for G-Star 2008Provide the UKTI booth as a meeting point 4. You can contact UKTI Seoul for further information. Contact To register, complete this form and return it to Youngju Kim (Youngju.Kim@fco.gov.uk) by 23rd Oct. 2008 and also send your promotional materials including brochures/DVDs/CDs to arrive here at the following address by 31st Oct. 2008: Youngju Kim, Trade & Investment Officer British Embassy Seoul Taepyeongno 40, 4 Jeong-dong, Jung-gu Seoul 100-120 Republic of Korea Direct Line: +82 2 3210 5596 Conferences and Meetings 2008-10-09T23:11:01+00:00 http://www.gameseden.co.uk/index.php/site/mini_mission_to_mips_october_12_16/ http://www.gameseden.co.uk/index.php/site/mini_mission_to_mips_october_12_16/#When:21:56:01Z Screen East organises mini-mission to top content forum in Cannes.With many UK games companies considering the growing opportunities with TV, Screen East is organising a “mini-mission” to MIPCOM for companies from the East of England . This may include financial support of £200 per company under the Market Visit Support (MVS) scheme and funding is on a first come first served basis: MIPCOM - the world’s audiovisual content market, Cannes: 12 - 16 October 2008 MIPCOM is the global content event for co-producing, buying, selling, financing and distributing entertainment content across all platforms. It provides the key decision makers in the TV, film, digital and audiovisual content, production and distribution industry with the only market conference and networking forum to discover future trends and trade content rights on a global level. Costs are approximately £600 for registration per person if you apply directly through the EU’s Market Place umbrella http://www.marketplace-events.com. This is substantially more cost effective way of attending rather than directly. MIPTV featuring MILIA - (the world’s interactive content forum), Cannes: 3 - 7 April MILIA provides a unique international context for media and entertainment content decision makers to get together and generate new business with professionals representing a wide range of digital platforms and television. Its renowned conferences, provide an unparalleled opportunity to discover the latest business, technological and creative trends in digital convergence, interactive TV, broadband and mobile entertainment. Please contact asap to let her know if you are interested in participating in the mini-mission to MIPCOM in October.  Conferences and Meetings 2008-09-19T21:56:01+00:00