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IGDA, Indies, & SIGs (Oh My)
By Corvus | June 29, 2009
As you may be aware, the IGDA has a bit of a black eye at the moment, thanks to the actions of a particular board member. While I have found the IGDA, the SIGs in particular, extraordinarily useful in the development of my career, I know many of my fellow indies have found it to be less than welcoming or helpful.
But the power to change this lies in our hands. The Indie SIG is rebooting and looking for people to help lead initiatives and forge exactly the sort of community many of us have been saying we want to be a part of. There’s talk of forming an Indie Forum along the lines of the Leadership Forum which has been so popular. There’s talk of approaching Autodesk (who is a huge supporter of the IGDA) about cheaper indie licensing for their 3d product, Max and Maya. There’s talk of–well, you can go see for yourself: Initiative Sign Up List.
I know it is easy to be cynical about organizations like the IGDA and I have to confess I’m feeling a bit let down by them myself at the moment. But the only effective means to effect change is through involvement in the community. And the Indie SIG reboot is a great opportunity to become involved in a meaningful way and make a positive impact. Even if the current leadership should flag again at some point, having enough of us actively supporting it will keep it alive, flourishing, and providing us with the community contacts and support that we long for.
Additionally, Darius Kazemi is already running for the IGDA board next year. He’s going to need our support and knowing Darius, I feel pretty safe guaranteeing that if he gets elected that support will be returned in spades. But more importantly than just electing Darius, we need to insist that the election process be more involved, demand an open debate on important issues such as QOL, and learn much more about the people we elect to represent us to the community at large and the world. And we can’t do that if we remain on the outside casting accusatory glances and hostile comments at the people who are, by and large, doing their absolute best with limited resources.
The board recently appointed a new executive director, Joshua Caulfield*, who brings considerable experiencing running professional organization to his role at the IGDA. Let’s show him that Indies are not only consummate professionals that are invested in the health and future of the industry, but the very spirit of what makes this such a great industry in the first place.
*It’s now been officially announced and I’m already hearing great things about Josh from people that have interacted with him directly.
Tagged:Darius Kazemi, igda, Indie SIG. | 5 Comments »
June 29th, 2009 at 11:18 am
Who is the Indie sig open for? My plans for the year are to write an art game in Flash, is this somewhere that’d be welcome?
Just curious as I figure out how I’m involved with the thing that is game development.
June 29th, 2009 at 11:42 am
From the Indie SIG web site.
I do know they also state their definition to include “for profit,” but I will be arguing that quite vehemently until they either change it, or we start our own SIG that supports art games.
June 29th, 2009 at 3:34 pm
I joined the mailing list, but if they keep the definition as for-profit, I don’t think I’ll be able to stay.
June 29th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
I think we’ll be able to get it changed. There are only two people against altering that requirement and they dont’ have very solid arguments.
June 30th, 2009 at 6:28 am
I need to make sure that my membership stays renewed so that when the time comes, I can make sure to play my part and support Darius.