TIGA News and Events

Creative Skillset is seeking more employers to join industry panels to help shape the future of UK Games Industry

Last December, Creative Skillset announced the launch of influential industry panels to help shape the future of the UK Creative Sector. Employers and professionals from the computer games industry joined the panel to take part in the pilot survey in February which revealed that computer games employers identified future trends, training and talent acquisition as priorities. Technology, consumer trends, and ‘future needs of business' were highlighted as the main areas of concern for the future. The issues that were most prevalent around training were funding, future training needs and return on investment, and the issues most prevalent around talent acquisition were staff retention and recruitment.

Following the success of the pilot, Creative Skillset are calling on more employers to have their say on the future of the industry by registering to be part of the panel by end of May in order to receive the first of three annual surveys in early June. The short online surveys contain no more than ten quick questions and contributors get priority access to the results.

Creative Skillset's Chief Executive, Dinah Caine, said:

"As an industry-led organisation, the panels will be vital in shaping our future strategies. We urge employers and professionals to register to ensure their opinions and ideas are heard and to support the UK Creative Industries."

We highly recommend members register for the panel, by taking a few seconds to fill in their details at www.creativeskillset.org/research/panels.

Please make sure you tick "Computer Games” as your "main sector.”

What's Next for Social, MMO and Online Games?

9:45 - 5:00pm followed by our developer party
Modern Jago, Club Row, Arnold Circus, London E2 7ES

What's Next for Social, MMO and Online Games?

Predicting the future of the video games industry is a difficult task – there are an increasing number of new ways for users to acquire content, disruptive technologies being introduced and many debates on whether cross-platform is the only way forward for longevity for studios.

PGI14: Project Games Industry 14 - What do you think needs to change?

A documentary that is going to give the gaming community a voice that will be heard.

Einfo Games has decided to launch a kickstarter campaign to help fund a documentary which asks the question: 'What needs to be changed within the gaming industry?', this project is called ' PGI14' and is going to involve the entire gaming community.

PGI14 is going to be a documentary which will highlight the problems within the gaming industry that people want to be improved, the problems that will be featured will come directly from the community.

The funding will be going towards the equipment, production costs and to help get us to the various cities where we will film with you. Once we reach our funding goal you can still pledge, anything extra will go towards adding more cities to the dates so more people can be involved, we want to hear from as many people as possible!

After the 30 day funding period has been completed we will start the first stages:

-A survey with open questions will be available on our website for everyone around the world to take part in at einfogames.com. It is extremely important that we get a fair result so the survey will be open for 30 days.

-Once that is completed we will need time to calculate the results which will then be available as a top 10 list. The top 5 will be addressed within the documentary and then we will go to different cities around the world to get your thoughts on these matters in person.

-There is space for an extra 2 topics to be added from the top 10 results which our higher pledgers can vote on. The top 10 list will be mentioned in the film but only 7 will get a full 10 minute time slot each.

This documentary is being made for all of the community and non pledgers can take part and be involved as well by:

·Taking part in the international survey which asks 'What do you want improved by 2014?' (every single one will taken into account and can make all the difference, no one will be left out)

·Tweeting to @PGI14 #PGI14 @einfogames the one thing you want to change in the games industry.

(The most re tweeted will be added to the film with your twitter name)

· Making a video Response to our Promo video on Einfo Games Youtube channel.

(The best ones with the most reactions and comments will be added to the film&extras where you will then be credited on the final product, and more videos will be added to the website and face book page.) (You could start the tweets and video responses now, the earlier you do this the higher the chance of them being seen. Make sure you add to your title #PGI14 Response Video.)

The second goal of PGI14 is to give work experience and to help people who want to work in the media industry. Everyone involved in production will be credited on the final product (you will get your name on IMDB), more information on this is shown on our kick starter rewards section for pledgers.

This is our way of saying thank you to you, we want to make sure that everyone is involved and this documentary is made by a large community of passionate gamers and gaming enthusiasts. Everyone will be heard.

Promo Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=s2cH8h5t8UU

Kickstarter Page http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/391213469/pgi-14

Other links
http://www.einfogames.com/pgi14
http://www.facebook.com/Pgi14
https://twitter.com/PGI14

Nationwide survey on the Quality of Life of computer game developers in the UK.

TIGA have joined forces with Lancaster University to run a nationwide survey on the Quality of Life of computer game developers in the UK.

Your participation in the survey will provide much-needed insight into the worksite dynamics of UK game developers.

To participate, please visit https://lums.eu.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_24Vx4NjYN0WiQgl

The findings will be shared with you as a TIGA member, as well as potentially appearing in industry magazines and scholarly journals.

For further information, please visit Drs Stacey and Toner's webpage at http://www.lancs.ac.uk/staff/staceyp/lutiga/

Thank you

Dr Richard Wilson
Dr Patrick Stacey (Lancaster University)
Dr Paul Toner (York University)

Game accessibility in undergraduate courses

Today marks Global Accessibility Awareness day, a international event to raise awareness across all industries. Awareness of game accessibility amongst educators in the UK is at a fairly high level, but there’s great potential for more to be done.

I’ve met many lecturers with a strong interest in how to avoid exclusion of the 20%+ of gamers who have some kind of disability, and students have a great affinity for the subject too.

Global Game Jam is a great example, an event with a high proportion of students for which the UK has seen two successive years of optional accessibility criteria, always best recieved by the student participants. For many it has been the first time they’ve come across accessibility, and they’re astounded that the basic things like flexible controls and colour-blind friendly design or modes aren’t in all games as standard.

They’re rapidly becoming more standard, and by the time the current intake of students find their first jobs in industry it’s going to be something that they’re really going benefit from knowing something about.

Currently

Accessibility provision in undergraduate courses is fairly varied. Some don’t yet mention it, some as do briefly as passing comments in other lectures. Some have guest lectures on the topic, and for that there’s a decent base of experts in the UK who can help. There are a good number of postgraduate research projects focussing on game accessibility too.

All of the above areas have potential for expansion, but there is not yet – to my knowledge, and I’d be extremely happy to be corrected – a specific assessable module for undergraduates covering accessibility basics in the UK, or even anywhere else in the world yet.

Future developments

The following is a link to a short survey to gather some more information about current levels of interest, current levels of provision, and interest in working on future developments. This should allow us to take some steps toward upping the level of provision, to connect the people who currently have an interest in the subject, and set up some partnerships to combine expertise, produce new materials and push the level of provision forwards.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/KXF7M7X

- Ian Hamilton

Building the business case for accessibility

Today marks Global Accessibility Awareness day, a international event to raise awareness across all industries. As part of that effort I’d like to share a little information about one of the pieces of the accessibility puzzle: the concrete figures-based business case.

Awareness of and provision for the 20%+ of gamers who have some form of disability has been rapidly improving globally, and the UK have been at the forefront.

As well as the efforts made by many of our studios, from one-man indies to AAAs, we have several organisations and individuals dedicated to furthering accessibility in games, most famously SpecialEffect, and others such as Dual Ring and OneSwitch too. There are regular accessibility talks at conferences, and plenty of coverage in our press .

This has all led to a significant portion of our industry being aware of the value of the disabled gamer demographics, and thanks to the resources such as the UK-led gameaccessibilityguidelines.com, many also have a good idea of the simple design considerations that are involved.

Business case
As the games industry is so audience-focussed, simply knowing that there’s an underserved audience, a group of people who are being unnecessarily excluded, is enough for many developers.

Others find justification in general statistics – the 20% of the UK population who have an impairment that comes within government disability stats; the additional 8% of males who are colourblind; the 14% of UK adults who have a reading age of primary school or lower.

But for others there’s still the completely valid question of how that applies to your own games. How do you know that those demographics are interested in your specific product?

PopCap commissioned a study that showed that the portion of thier audience that was disabled was actually higher than the portion of the general population that was disabled. The study is from 2008 so out of date now, but if you’re involved in studies on demographics there’s a nice opportunity there to do an update.

That’s stilll fairly general, but there’s a very simple solution to a more specific business case.

Gathering game specific data
It’s pretty rare to find a game now that isn’t full of analytics, gathering metrics on fine details of gameplay. If those systems are already in place it’s a pretty trivial job to extend them out to also cover UI.

Recently a producer from a AAA shooter franchise, one that gathers huge amounts of data on gameplay, told me that he had always wondered how many people actually played with subtitles turned on. The answer is blindingly simple – put one of your analytics hooks into the subtitles on/off button. It’s a straight yes/no thing to track too, no complex data analysis required.

There are other common accessibility features that are controlled by settings so easy to track, such as remapping controls, or turning on a colourblind mode. Not all of these features are used exclusively by people with disabilities, but if you know how much a feature cost to develop, how many players actually use it and how much each player is worth it’s pretty easy to get a sense of value.

There are some features – for example support for screenreaders on smartphones, allowing blind gamers to play – that are not used by anyone other than gamers with that impairment, and without which they can’t play at all. Again gathering that data is very simple, a single line of code tells you whether a player is playing while the phone’s the screenreader is turned on.

Once you have some reliable data you then have directly relevant evidence to inform future development, including cost/benefit for if you’re in a situation where you need to choose between which features you’ll have time to implement, or how where on a backlog they should go.

Publishing data
There are rare some instances of accessibility feature usage being collected (in some of the BBC’s games for example), but noone anywhere in the world has yet gathered data like that and gone on to make it public. If you’re in a position to be able do that, through a blog post or a conference talk, that’s when you’ll be able to make a truly monumental difference.

How useful the information would be for other studios and publishers is obvious, and there’s also another side to it.

The question of the concrete business case is one that is present across all industries, but there’s no way to know how many people looking at a website are colourblind, or how many people entering a building use the ramp instead of the steps, or how many people cross at traffic lights because of sound rather than the visuals.

People in many industries are crying out for any concrete examples of usage stats on accessibility features, and they don’t have to be from within their own industries. This puts the games industry in a unique position. Through some simple analytics we can not only make a difference to our own bottom lines and the quality of life of the disabled gamers we’re including, but what we learn can also be used to the improve the lives of people with disabilities aross all industries.

- Ian Hamilton

TIGA Conference: What's Next for Social, MMO and Online Games?

9:45 - 5:00pm followed by our developer party
Modern Jago, Club Row, Arnold Circus, London E2 7ES

Thanks to our MAJOR SPONSOR:

Key trends and themes that will be discussed throughout the day:

Analytics - player behaviour and ethical monetisation•Building successful free-to-play MMOs
Advice on successful marketing on social media of your game
Cloudgaming & apps – technical overview of Microsoft Azure platform
How indies can monetise well with great press coverage
Developing great social games on mobile and other platforms
Self-publishing learnings from a successful social games studio
The Cloud - are there opportunities for established larger studios and indie developers?
Discussion on the challenges, technical barriers and industry perceptions of developing HTML 5 game

Who should attend?:

Indie game developers
Established studios

Keynote speakers (for full line up please see below):

Indie MMO headline speaker: James Niesewand CEO, Illyriad Games
Jagex. Independent developer of world’s most popular free to play MMORPG: RuneScape
Sproing, major creator of Free to play games and creator of Skyrama, winner of MMO of the Year 2012
Microsoft Azure platform; David Gristwood
Bossa – BAFTA-winning developers behind ‘Merlin: the Game’, a free to play online RPG multiplayer Facebook game and Monstermind

Indie Panel Session: Can indie game developers truly benefit from the Cloud?
Chaired by Oscar Clarke, Evangelist, Applifier, we'll be debating about what the perception of the cloud is and whether is it only relevant to AAA studios? David Gristwood, Windows Azure Cloud Computing Application Architect, Microsoft; Indie dev James Carroll, CEO, iEvil Games; Thomas Szirtes, Founder of Lantern will join the panel. Full panel to be confirmed.

Developer networking party at Blueberry Bar
Included in your ticket - join us for drinks, food, music and a mini table tennis tournament at Blueberry Bar, 2-4 Paul St, London, Shoreditch EC2A 4JH

Thanks to Kingston Smith LLP, LoopMe Media and the Mobile Marketing Association for supporting the developer networking.

Sponsors of our networking developer party:

Biographies:

Mark Gerhard, CEO, Jagex
Mark Gerhard currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer at Jagex Games Studio, the UK’s largest independent games developer and publisher. Mark joined Jagex in February 2008 as the Chief Technical Officer and was promoted to Chief Executive in January 2009. Jagex is widely recognised as the world leaders in the development of browser-based MMO games and, under Mark’s leadership, Jagex has continued to expand its games portfolio whilst also significantly growing its user base and geographical reach.

Prior to joining Jagex Mark served a long career in IT, consulting and security practices and has held numerous executive positions with over 14 years’ experience working in the technology sector.

Jagex Games Studio is a multi-award winning games developer based in Cambridge, United Kingdom.

The studio specialises in the development of high quality browser-based games and is the largest independent games developer and publisher in the UK, employing around 500 staff.

About Jagex:
Jagex has a long-standing reputation for creating the world’s best online games and for developing hugely popular, high quality, accessible, free-to-play games and for providing an unbeatable community experience for millions of players around the world. Since 2001 Jagex has developed and self-published over 40 online titles including the world’s most popular free multiplayer online game, RuneScape.

In addition to RuneScape, Jagex self publishes games on its games portal, Jagex.com and has released a series of successful iPhone games including BounceDown, StarCannon, and Miner Disturbance. Jagex also acts as a 3rd party publisher for likeminded developers and has published a handful of titles including the real-time strategy game War of Legends, the creative shooter Ace of Spades and Carnage Racing, a facebook racing game.

The studio are currently working on a number of projects including the much anticipated TRANSFORMERS UNIVERSE MMO and are looking to expand their publishing platform further during 2013.

Harald Riegler CEO Sproing Interactive Media GmbH
Harald is responsible for studio operations including business development, legal and finance. Originally Harald worked as a programmer and a musician, but took over finance and legal when the company was founded, and has worked in this position ever since. Harald is a frequent speaker at industry events, is a board member of GAME, and helped found the European Game Developer Federation EGDF. He is also advisory board member for several industry events.

Sproing is Austria's leading game developer, and a leading independent studio focused on the creation of Free-to-Play games. Founded in 2001, the studio successfully shipped more than 50 console games, and in 2010, began leveraging that experience to become a major creator of Free-to-Play games. The studio's first browser game, SkyRama, was a massive hit. Currently Sproing is working on several AAA browser, mobile and tablet based Free-to-Play games for various top-tier publishers, and is proud to have successfully worked with partners such as Activision, Bigpoint, Gameforge, Ubisoft and Deutsche Telekom. The team is highly passionate about its games and aims to bring fun, deep and exciting gaming experiences to the market.

David Gristwood Windows Azure Cloud Computing Application Architect, Microsoft
Ever since David programmed his first ‘10 ? "hello world” : goto 10‘ program on a PET computer in the late 70s he has been hooked, and has never looked back since. For more than 15 years David has worked at Microsoft, the last four years with Windows Azure, where he has spent time exploring what this new public cloud platform means for a whole new generation of highly scalable, robust applications and services. Most recently this has included a whole host of games companies, looking to exploit Windows Azure in a number of different scenarios.

Roberta Lucca Co-Founder, Bossa Studios
Bossa Studios is a London TechCity based social and mobile games studio that won a Games BAFTA Award in 2012 for its first title – the quirky "anti-social” Monstermind. The company has been recently in the news due to Surgeon Simulator 2013, a game created in 48 hours, which became an Internet meme with over 10 million YouTube views and 2 million plays in a few days.

Listed amongst the top 100 women in games in the UK and top 35 women under 35 by Management Today & The Sunday Times, Roberta has 13 years experience in spearheading ‘first ever’ digital products, innovative marketing initiatives and multiple-screen strategies within a range of industries – games, TV broadcasting, luxury and mobile.

Until moving to the UK in 2006, she worked at Rede Globo, the world’s second-largest commercial TV network, and was key to the introduction of real-time interaction with TV for Endemol IPs such as ‘Big Brother’, increasing SMS usage in Brazil 17-fold year-on-year.

James Niesewand CEO, Illyriad Games Ltd
James Niesewand is the founder and CEO of Illyriad Games Limited, a three year old UK-based startup doing their first game: an eponymously-named HTML5 browser-based MMORTS. Illyriad has been a rare first-time indie success - monetizing well with great press coverage and a highly-engaged playerbase - and is nominated for this years' Develop Award in the Online Innovation category. James has experience of startups all the way from IPO to successful exit, and loves sharing his business, design and technical experiences with a wider audience.

Mike Hawkyard Founding Partner, 4T2 Multimedia
Mike Hawkyard is the Founding Partner of 4T2 Multimedia, an award winning digital marketing agency and it's subsidiary publishing division, Amuzo Games. Specialising in the creation of browser and app games, he has been helping global brands successfully promote their products and services for over 14 years. Mike is also the Chairman of the Casual Game Committee for www.TIGA.org

Patrick O'Luanaigh CEO, nDreams
Patrick is CEO of nDreams, a fast-growing UK-based publisher of virtual games/items. They are one of the leading developers and publishers in PlayStation Home, and have also created Alternate Reality Games such as 'Xi' and 'Lewis Hamilton: Secret Life', which both had over 600,000 players take part. As well as console, they are moving into browser and handheld free-to-play gaming. Before setting up nDreams, Patrick was Creative Director of Eidos, and he has been in the games industry since 1996. He's also the author of 'Game Design Complete', published by Paraglyph Press. His latest game, a freemium floating archipelago called Aurora, has already had over 3 million visits. Twitter: @patrickol

Sebastian Long User Researcher, Player Research
Seb Long is a User Researcher at Brighton-based player experience studio Player Research. His academic background is in Human-Computer Interaction Design, with publication the field of Biometrics and their applications in games user research.

Player Research provide understanding and insight into player behaviour and psychology, delivering evidence and actionable feedback on game usability and user experience during development. Using playtesting and our own tried-and-tested user experience evaluation methods, we ensure designers' intent is met with each games' target audiences. Player Research have an unrivalled track record of top grossing and chart-topping games with companies including NaturalMotion Games, Mind Candy, Jagex, EA Games, Sony, Capcom and many more, and have just been nominated for a 2013 Develop Award.

Paul Canty CEO, Preloaded
Paul is the co-founder and Managing Director of Preloaded. Since starting the company, he has flown the flag for innovation and worked closely with Preloaded's clients. Paul has been responsible for the business development of the company, bringing prior experience of working in both the creative studio and full service agency space, before setting up Preloaded twelve years ago.

Graeme Harvey CEO, Tsumanga Studios
Tsumanga Studios is a social video game company established in 2012 in Glasgow, Scotland. We focus on the creation of the next generation social gaming and virtual world experience.

James Carroll CEO, iEvil Games
iEvilGames is a developer and publisher of mobile entertainment, apps, animation and interactive content based in the South West.

We develop and publish mobile games and apps for the App Store, Google Play and Facebook. We create our own mobile games and develop licensed properties. Our games range from bright physics games to realistic strategy simulations to all out full blown cuddliness and war. Our new App Goohoo is due for release in June.

Tom Szirtes, Lantern Interactive
Tom Szirtes has been programming games since the age of 10. He started his professional career at Sega working on amongst many things the Dreamcast console. He then worked at Computer Artworks on the number one charting horror game The Thing and at Eidos on the Championship Manager series. More recently he managed development of games and gamified apps for Orange. He now runs a start-up called Lantern (http://www.lanterninteractive.com) that works with creative companies to produce beautiful innovative games and apps. His latest project The Realm, a joint venture with award winning art studio Atomhawk Design, is a visually stunning modern take on the adventure game (http://kck.st/XZlFdU).

Oscar Clark is a consultant and Evangelist for Everyplay from Applifier. He has had many years of experience with online, mobile and console social games and is an outspoken speaker at games conferences including GDC, Casual Connect, Game Connection and Develop on Freemium Design and Monetisation. He is a Mentor at the GameFounder accelerator and has also guest lectured on Social Freemium Games Design at UCA Farnham, NFTS Ravensbourne and University Campus Suffolk.

TIGA has welcomed the the National Insurance Contributions Bill which was set out in the Queen's Speech.

The bill will see the first £2,000 of national insurance contributions for employers waived. It would, if passed, come into effect in April 2014.

The bill aims to reduce the cost to small businesses of employing people. It was initially announced by Chancellor George Osborne in the Budget 2013 and it is suggested that 450,000 small organisations will benefit.

The bill will also take steps towards stopping the use of offshore companies that are sometimes used by companies to avoid paying their National Insurance contributions.

It will remove the presumption of self-employment for limited liability partnership members and it will apply to the whole of the UK

More than a game: exploring new digital frontiers

A groundbreaking new initiative led by the University of York, with partners at Cass Business School, part of City University London, and Durham University Business School, aims to unlock the potential for scientific and social benefits in digital games.

The £1.2 million project aims to bring the UK digital games industry closer to scientists, teachers and healthcare workers to harness their ingenuity and innovation to contribute to advances in science and society.

Researchers will work with games companies and industry network associations to explore ways to promote the production of more games with a social and scientific purpose.

The New Economic Models and Opportunities for digital Games (NEMOG) initiative, funded jointly by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and the Economic and Social Research Council, will employ three post-doctoral researchers. It also has an advisory board reflecting the support of more than a dozen games companies and nine creative industries network organisations.

Principal investigator Peter Cowling, an Anniversary Professor based in the York Centre for Complex Systems Analysis (YCSSA), said:
"Every action in an online game, from an in-game purchase to a simple button push, generates a piece of network data. This is a truly immense source of information about player behaviours and preferences. We will develop new algorithms to "mine" that data to better understand game players as an avenue for making better games, societal impact and scientific research.”

Researchers will investigate sustainable business models for digital games, particularly those with scientific and social goals. This will help to guide how businesses can start up and grow to develop a new generation of games with the potential to improve society.

They will also build simulation models to investigate what might happen if, for example, Government policy were to encourage the development of games with scientific and social benefits.

Professor Cowling added:
"The numbers of games sold and the numbers of game hours played mean that we only need to persuade a small fraction of the games industry to consider the potential for social and scientific benefit to achieve a massive benefit for society. Potentially this will start a movement that will lead to mainstream distribution of games aimed at scientific and social benefits.”

Professor Nicola Spence, the chief executive of Science City York, who chairs the NEMOG Advisory Board, added:
"It is an ambitious programme, but the potential benefits if we are even partially successful could have a huge impact on children, science and wider society, as well as the digital economy.”

The NEMOG research team consists of Professor Peter Cowling, Dr Ignazio Cabras and Dr Daniel Kudenko of the University of York, Professor Feng Li, of Cass Business School, and Professor Kiran Fernandes, of Durham University Business School, with three postdoctoral researchers to be appointed and a wide range of games companies, network organisations and potential users of games for scientific and social purposes.

The digital games manufacturers supporting the project are:
4 Door Lemon, AI Factory, Albino Pixel, Complex City Apps, Creative Assembly, Introversion, LimbsAlive, MiniMonos, Playgen, Red Kite Games, Revolution, WeR Interactive, ZumFun.

Network organisations supporting the project are: AIGameDev.com, the Creative Industries Knowledge Transfer Network, City of York Council, Digital Shoreditch, Game Republic, Science City York, the SiDE Social Inclusion through the Digital Economy Hub, Tech City, TIGA.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:
· Follow progress of the project at www.nemog.org

TIGA members receive 15% discount on attending Gaming, Racing & Wagering Australia 2013

12-14 Aug 2013
Venue: SCEC, Sydney
Website: www.gamingdownunder.com/2013/GRWA2013/TIGA

Introduction: The region’s premier conference, Gaming Racing & Wagering Australia (GRWA) returns in 2013 as the official conference of the Australasian Gaming Expo, the region's largest trade show for the gaming and hospitality industry.

Held the day before the main expo, on Monday 12th August, day one of the conference will feature the leading experts in the Australian and Asian gaming sector to speak about legislation and regulation, competitive landscape, technology trends, innovations and growth strategies from the global gaming industry. We highly recommend this day for casinos, clubs, pubs, hotels and other gaming operators in Australia.

Day two of the conference on Tuesday 13th August focuses on digital marketing strategies including social media, SEO, social games, as well as social gaming development, mobile and a peek into the international online gaming market and their strategies. Day two is highly recommended for anyone looking to expand their business in the gaming or sports betting industry.

Day three, held on 14th August will bring together the market leaders of the local sports betting racing and wagering companies in Australia to focus on the latest competitive issues and growth strategies affecting this sector. It is recommended for online / offline sports betting companies, racing bodies, and related businesses. Supported by an advisory board of cross-industry representatives, this is the only event that covers the political, regulatory, technology, marketing and competitive issues for gaming operators and associated industries in Australia and New Zealand.

Follow us on Twitter @Gaming_Beacon
Join our LinkedIn group to connect with other participants in GRWA http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Attendees-Gaming-Racing-Wagering-Australia-2958653

TIGA members receive 50% off Gamehorizon tickets

Gamehorizon
8 and 9 May 2013
The Sage, Newcastle, UK

Gamehorizon aims to be Europe's most relevant forward-looking games industry event. With a combination of inspirational sessions, debate and networking it's the place to plan the future of your video game business.

To get your TIGA discount code email suzi@tiga.org

To register click herehttp://www.gamehorizon.net/tickets

Staffordshire University GradEx 17th May 2013

GradEX is the work of graduating students - fully prepared to launch their careers in the outside world, their work is not only of a professional standard, but of a high professional standard. Whilst the exhibition showcases student work in many areas, we would specifically like to showcase our work in Games Technologies. We have students exhibiting work in Games Programming, Games Design and Production, and Games Modelling and Animation.

If you would like to attend please contact d.j.edwards@staffs.ac.uk.

You can find more information regarding the event, including previous winners, sponsors and judges at http://www.staffs.ac.uk/events/gradex/

You can also follow the conversation on the day with #GradEx on Twitter
Exhibitions are open 10.00am - 2.00pm, you’re welcome to visit for as little or as long as you wish.

TIGA members receive 10% discount at Develop in Brighton

Develop in Brighton
Brighton Hilton Metropole
9 - 11 July 2013

The Develop in Brighton Conference is where the European developer community comes together for an inspiring mix of top notch speakers, practical informative sessions, insights into the latest trends and technologies, plus of course fantastic networking.

www.developconference.com

TIGA members - email suzi@tiga.org to get your discount code.

Neon Play wins Queen’s Award for Enterprise

Less than three years since setting up business, mobile games studio Neon Play have won a prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the "Innovation” category.

Neon Play, based in Cirencester, Gloucestershire have achieved nearly 50 million downloads in the three years since they launched in June 2010. And 15 of their mobile games have had over one million downloads, including games such as Flick Football, Paper Glider, Traffic Panic London and Bravo Force: Last Stand.

The Queen's Awards for Enterprise recognises outstanding achievement by UK businesses in the categories of Innovation, International Trade and Sustainable Development.

Neon Play is the first UK mobile game studio to receive a Queen’s Award.

Awarded annually on 21st April, to coincide with Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday, candidates are judged to a demanding standard and must demonstrate the highest levels of excellence in each category. The award will be formally conferred by a grant of appointment, which will be presented to Neon Play by Dame Janet Trotter, the Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire later in the year. This will be followed in July by CEO Oli Christie and CTO Mark Allen meeting the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

On top of this, Neon Play have also recently been recognised as one of the Top 250 "brightest and best” companies in the country by Lord Young and Sir Terry Leahy. This has resulted in them being invited to be a founder member of Accelerate 250, a group of companies tasked with the ambition to help build Britain as a global centre for commercial excellence.

Oli Christie, CEO of Neon Play commented,
"We have been lucky enough to win 12 business awards in the last year or so, but this crowns the lot and is the cherry on top of the icing on the cake. We are hugely honoured to win a Queen’s Award for Innovation. For such a young company in Cirencester to win this genuinely prestigious award is a huge moment in Neon Play’s short history.”

ABOUT NEON PLAY

Based in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom, Neon Play Ltd is a privately held mobile games studio founded by Oli Christie. Neon Play makes iPhone and Android mobile games. Copyright (C) 2013 Neon Play Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

ABOUT THE QUEEN’S AWARD FOR ENTERPRISE

The Queen’s Award for Enterprise is Britain’s top honour for industry, and has been awarded annually on the Queen’s official birthday, 21 April, since 1965. Continued...

ABOUT ACCELERATE 250 An exclusive community made up of the very best of British business. These are the UK’s so-called ‘vital six per cent’ – the businesses that are creating more than half of the nation’s new jobs by disrupting industries and creating new markets. The ACCELERATE 250 are chosen on the basis of superb record of achievement in their respective fields. www.accelerate2013.co.uk/about/accelerate-250

CONTACT: Oli Christie CEO, Neon Play Ltd +44 1285 650 600 oli@neonplay.com @neonplayoli

Windows Azure Gaming Technical Briefings

One day technical briefings on the Windows Azure Platform are designed to help games companies explore the opportunities presented by Windows Azure as a rich, extensible, scalable, resilient and geo-replicated games platform.

The briefings will help games companies understand the Windows Azure Platform and how great games and cloud based applications can exploit this powerful new platform.

April 29, 2013 in Hamburg
April 30, 2013 in Paris
May 1, 2013 in Reading
May 3, 2013 in Amsterdam

Windows Azure Games Acceleration Lab – May 21 & 22, 2013 / Reading

Designed to help create highly-available, highly performing, scalable applications and services to cover a wide range of game scenarios. We are also particularly interested in developers who are keen to exploit any of the following themes:

• Create highly-available, infinitely scalable, multi-tier, highly performing games and services using a rich Platform as a Service environment

• Optimising game performance with machine scale out, extensible caching and CDN

• Develop with a wide range of language and tools

• Create real time and turn based multiplayer game support with SignalR, Windows Azure Service Bus, sockets, etc.

• Analysing post game data and usage through Big Data and Hadoop/HDInsight

• Manage cross device platform devices and social network authentication with Windows Azure Mobile Services

• Stream and managing video with Windows Azure Media Services

Click here to register

Gaming Apps at Apps World

22nd – 23rd October 2013 Earls Court 2, London

Gaming World at Apps World will be looking at how mobile and gaming together are disrupting the digital entertainment industry, and what this means for developers, gaming houses, console and device manufacturers, digital marketers, publishers and broadcasters.

There will also be free-to-attend workshops for developers taking place at Apps World over the two days in the Developer World, Droid World, Enterprise World and Coding World.

The flagship Apps World show will be returning to London for two days of engagement and high level insight and discussion around one of the largest growing industries - mobile apps. Europe’s largest multi-platform app event will be taking over Earls Court 2 for a massive free-to-attend expo with over 8,000 developers, mobile marketers, mobile operators, platform owners and industry professionals expected.

http://www.apps-world.net/europe/register/free-developer-track-a-exhibition-pass

Hills of Glory 3D

AMA is pleased to announce the release of Hills of Glory 3D, its new free-to-play tower defense game. Like Babel Rising 3D, the 3 million downloads success, Hills of Glory 3D was co-produced and developed with Mando Production. The game is exclusively available on Google Play at its launch and should land on other platforms, including Windows 8, in the following weeks.

It’s time to save Europe and make History. You will land in Italy, fight many battles to reach Germany and end this War. Bring out the Inglorious Rambo inside you to survive 21 missions or play the Endless mode. Step into the shoes of a military strategist: observe the battlefield and destroy tactical points to block your enemies’ path. Prove yourself on the battlefield and be promoted to unlock and collect rewards. Share your scores with your brothers in arms on Facebook!

Hills of Glory 3D is a unique WW2 tower defense mixing stunning 3D graphics and humor with war movies references. The game will please both hardcore gamers with a real military arsenal (rifle, flamethrower, mortar) but casual gamers with a great and simple multi-touch gameplay.

"This is my phone, this is for fighting, and this is for fun...”

About AMA
Founded in 2004 by Christian Guillemot, AMA is an international game and application developer and publisher specialized in content for mobile devices, tablets and Kinect. AMA, a sister company of Ubisoft and Gameloft, releases titles on all the OS – including Android, iOS, QnX, Windows Phone 7, Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8, Ouya, J2ME, Google TV and Brew. AMA partners with a selection of the best development studios worldwide to stay at the cutting edge of video game technologies. In 2012, AMA has been nominated Top Developer on Play Store by Google.

For more information visit us at: www.ama-studios.com
Press contact: Marine Fradet marine_fradet@ama-studios.com

About Mando Production
Mando Productions is a videogame developer and producer, based in Paris. Guided by an approach of editorial and technical quality, the original contents of their games aim at a large public. Mando develops on all the platforms available on the market, with a special attention to mobile phones.

eJay Pure to support Video Games Community with 8bit chiptune pack

Create old-school gaming soundtracks on iOS and Android as eJay Pure unveils chiptune samples

Independent developers and wannabe videogame musicians will be able to quickly and easily create authentic chiptune tunes when eJay Pure hits iOS and Android later this year – with your help. The 1,000 strong sample pack will mark the first time the eJay series has catered for this booming genre – and illustrates the breadth that Wired Productions is bringing to the core eJay experience.

To celebrate this brilliant first, Wired Productions has released a selection of samples for everyone to download for free. Just head to http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/wiredproductions/ejay-pure and hit the "updates” tab to find them.

eJay Pure is a touch-screen reworking of the pioneering PC music-making software, which allows users to quickly and easily create original music tracks from a bank of beat- and pitch-matched samples. By manipulated blocks of music across multiple tracks, a vast array of brilliant, original music can be created. A visual demonstration of how eJay Pure will work can be found in this chiptune inspired video http://youtu.be/_NR7cA3pGK0

Dr Richard Wilson, CEO, TIGA says,
"It is great to see a fun product that has actual benefits for the development community. From entry level sound design to sound prototyping, eJay Pure has great all-round potential”.

"The beauty of any composition made within eJay Pure is that it will be 100% royalty free – which will help any small or medium sized developer,” continues Leo Zullo.

eJay Pure is currently running a Kickstarter campaign, with rewards varying from 1,000 samples for a pound, right up to having your song featured as the opening track in the game. For more information and to show your support for this innovative re-imagining, visit the Kickstarter page at: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/wiredproductions/ejay-pure

Note to Editors:

For more information, press queries, media assets or interviews please contact: press@wiredproductions.com
http://kck.st/YR0MLz - short url
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/wiredproductions/ejay-pure - long url

About Wired Productions:

Established in 2008, Wired Productions http://www.wiredproductions.com is an independent games production company and publisher, based in Watford, Hertfordshire, UK. Wired are the team behind the successful We Sing franchise on Nintendo Wii, and have recently co-developed and produced The Voice of Germany - the official video game of the popular music show. Wired have also self-published their first PS Vita title, Let’s Fish! Hooked On in 2013. For more information visit: http://www.wiredproductions.com or contact info@wiredproductions.com
Follow Wired at: http://www.facebook.com/WiredPro and on Twitter @WiredP

About eJay:

eJay http://www.ejay.com/uk/ was the brainchild of two visionaries, Helmut Schmitz and Bernhard Throll. They met in 1994 by chance and began talking about how they could bring music making to the masses. eJay was born and went on to become a music production power house with different genre versions, magazines, Carl Cox and other artists involved, and a website that was ahead of its time, with over 1 million registered users. eJay was taken over by a video game publisher which later fell into administration and eJay was lost. The eJay creators Helmut and Bernhard secured the legacy of eJay by acquiring the rights in 2010, and now is preparing for the next chapter. For more information visit http://www.ejay.com

Follow eJay at: http://www.facebook.com/eJayHQ and on Twitter @eJayHQ

TIGA members receive 20% discount at F2P Summit

18th April 2013
Rich Mix
35-47 Bethnal Green Road
London
E1 6LA

After a sold-out event in September, the F2P Summit returns to London on Thursday 18 April for more learning and networking.

F2P and freemium continue to be hot topics still sparking a lot of debate within the game development community. The F2P Summit is a unique event that explores all aspects of F2P and freemium from the developer’s point of view, offers practical advice and an opportunity to hear from studios who have built successful businesses on this model.

Maximise Your Exposure!
Various levels of sponsorship and branding are available to get your message across in the run-up to the conference, at the summit itself and then post-event. There’s something to suit every budget – from delegate handouts to a table top expo and networking drinks. So if you’re serious about getting in front of some of the leading players in the F2P market then check out what’s available…

To register please email mike@tiga.org to get your discount code then click on the link below
http://www.f2p-summit.com/

GAME QA & LOCALISATION FORUM

For the first time ever, game developers from around the world are meeting to begin setting international standards and raising the benchmarks for QA and localisation across all platforms. The Game QA & Localisation Forum is the first meeting of it's kind anywhere in the world!

Taking place in London, United Kingdom, on June 25th - 26th 2013, the forum will bring together QA and Localisation Managers, Directors and VPs from game developers around the world and it is set to be an iconic date in the QA world's diary!

With Keynotes and panels including EA, Sony, Sega, Codemasters and Paradox, the Game QA & Localisation 2013 event highlights include:

Develop best practices for test plans, QA budgeting and strategy
Automation - how to automate testing, assimilate it into your existing strategy and when to use it
Selecting the right technology tools and outsourced solutions for your QA
Working on different platforms - the minefield of platform-specific requirements
Establishing a clear QA career path and team structure to encourage internal asset retention and development

These topics will be approached by leading experts in the field, including:
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Chris Rowley, Senior Director of Certification, Electronic Arts
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Dave Parkinson, Director, Global 1st Party QA, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ghulam Khan, Sega (Europe) Ltd
Edmundo Harbin, ProSiebenSat.1, Media AG
Eddy di Luccio, Codemasters
Carsten ‘t Mannetje, Paradox Development Studios
Jesse Penning, Ganz Studios

...and more!

Whether it be for console, PC, mobile, online or social, the playability and game experience can now define a game's success - or failure - are you ready to step over the threshold?

As a TIGA member you are entitled to attend this inaugural event for the special price of £199 (Developers/Publishers only package) email Suzi@tiga.org to get your member code. To place your booking get in touch in one of the following ways:
Visit: http://www.gamingqa.com
Call: +44 (0) 207 036 1300
Email us at: enquire@iqpc.co.uk

30th April: GrowthAccelerator in partnership with TIGA

1- 7pm Speakers followed by networking drinks

30th April 2013

Venue: Grant Thornton, 30 Finsbury Square London EC2P 2YU

The first in a series of TIGA’s Commercial Skills Seminars:

Grow Your Games Studio to Twice Its Size – What Are The Next Steps?

Sponsored by

Attend our seminar on Tues 30 April to hear from experts, learn from industry case studies and network with other games studios.

TIGA, in partnership with GrowthAccelerator, is hosting the first of a series of commercial skills seminars. ‘Grow Your Games Studio to Twice its Size’ is an afternoon seminar for CEOs, Studio Heads and business owners in the games industry who are ambitious and looking for the next steps required to grow their businesses including where and how you can access finance and other services to support this growth.

ICT SPRING EUROPE 2013: PURE INNOVATION! Free pass code for TIGA Members

Strategically located in the heart of Europe, ICT Spring Europe gathers more than 3,500 visitors from all over the world: CEOs, CIOs, startups, e-Marketers, tech decision-makers, VCs, economic and technology press, government authorities, municipalities, etc. The place "Where Corporates Meet Startups” has just unveiled on its website (www.ictspring.com) the first headliners expected for the occasion: Biz Stone (Twitter), Trip Hawkins (Electronic Arts), Laura Yecies (SugarSync), Peter Sondergaard (Gartner), and Brian Stevens (Red Hat), among others. This year’s key topics include Mobile Opportunities, Digital Content, B2B Revolution, IP in IT, Internet of Everything, Social Networks, Gaming: Beyond Entertainment, Lifestyle Revolutions, Financial Systems, Mobile Payments, and Leading Action Security.

ICT Spring Europe is a two days event (19 & 20 June) that brings together the latest ICT technologies and solutions available on the market, entirely dedicated to innovation, in an interactive, enriching and convivial atmosphere. It is not surprising therefore that the conference is organized in Luxembourg, a place with state-of-the-heart ICT infrastructure, highly skilled multilingual workforce, easy access to decision-makers, stable and business-orientated regulatory framework, and high quality of life. ICT Spring Europe is definitively the best framework for companies and organizations wishing to improve their international network or brand awareness, for those who want to be at the very heart of business trends to generate new leads.

Register Now on www.ictspring.com

TIGA members: To get your free pass code please email suzi@tiga.org

Call For Papers

VS-Games 2013, the fifth outing of the International Conference on Games and Virtual Worlds for Serious Applications will be hosted at Bournemouth University, UK between the 11th and the 13th of September 2013. With the conference organized in previous years at locations such as Coventry (UK), Braga (Portugal), Athens (Greece) and Genoa (Italy), it will take place, for 2013, at the state of the art Kimmeridge House building of Bournemouth University, situated at the main Talbot campus of the institution.

The development and deployment of games with a purpose beyond entertainment and with considerable connotations with more serious aims is an exciting area with immense academic but also commercial potential. This potential presents both immediate opportunities but also numerous significant challenges to the interested parties involved, as a result of the relatively recent emergence and popularity of the medium. The VS Games 2013 conference aims to address this variety of relevant contemporary challenges that the increasingly cross-disciplinary communities involved in serious games are currently facing. This will be achieved by, amongst other ways, the comprehensive dissemination of successful case studies and development practices, the sharing of theories, conceptual frameworks and methodologies and, finally, the discussion of evaluation approaches and their resulting studies.

For VS Games 2013 we are therefore seeking contributions from researchers, developers from the industry, practitioners and decision-makers which aim to advance the state of the art in all of the technologies related to serious games. The following listed topics are particularly encouraged, though it should be mentioned that they are not the only ones of interest to VS Games 2013 and that the list below is not exhaustive by any means:

• Game design

• Virtual environments

• Game-based learning methodologies

• Mixed and augmented reality

• Computer graphics

• Gamification

• Case studies/user studies for serious games and virtual world

• Mobile gaming

• Interactive storytelling

• Application areas

• AI for serious games

• Educational/learning theories and their application

• Visualization

• Pervasive gaming

• Human-computer interaction

• User modeling

• Alternate reality

• Simulation

• Platforms and tools

The following are the dates of submission for the different tracks of the VS Games 2013 conference:

• Full Papers (8 pages): 25th March 2013 extended to 8th of April 2013

• Short Papers (4 pages): 25th March 2013 extended to 8th of April 2013

• Poster Papers (2 pages): 25th March 2013 extended to 8th of April 2013

• Call for Workshops (2 pages): 25th March 2013 extended to 8th of April 2013

The authors of the best papers will be invited to write an extended version for inclusion in the Elsevier Entertainment Computing journal (subject to additional review) and IGI Global's International Journal of Game-Based Learning. Authors of selected technical articles with a focus on computer graphics will be invited to submit extended versions of their works to be considered for publication in Elsevier's Computers and Graphics Journal. Further proceedings and other journal special issue details for the VS Games 2013 publications are being finalised and will be announced as soon as possible

Young people give their views on violence in videogames and videogames age ratings, with comments from TIGA CEO Richard Wilson

Chimpact, a newly released Windows game which has a PEGI 3 rating, taken to Bromley youth group to hear their perspective in the on-going debate: Which video games are suitable for children?

Videogames are often in the news for all the wrong reasons, with claims games containing inappropriate content are getting into the hands of children and people accrediting acts of anti-social behaviour to things they have experienced in games.

But is this the full story? Some games are designed for young people and some for adults. Age ratings are created by PEGI (Pan European Gaming Information) which should mean young people are not exposed to games unsuitable for them.

By the very nature of gaming, its biggest audience is young people and games are often viewed as less violent or inappropriate, than say film. This tends to be the reason inappropriate games get into the hands of children and therefore exposed to content unsuitable for them.

With young people at the heart of this debate, it seems the adults are always making the decisions of what young people should be playing. But what do young people actually think? As part of this debate, videogames developer Yippee! Entertainment took its game (which is designed for all audiences over three years old) to Baseline youth club in Bromley, to hear young people’s views on what video gaming and age ratings mean to their members.

The young people who took part in the discussions at Baseline, range in age from 11 to 16 and they played the game on Windows tablets and iPads. They were asked general questions including: Whether a game like Chimpact appealed to them, what they thought of games aimed at young people, what they thought of age ratings and what they thought of parents deciding which games young people should be allowed to play.

As part of the initiative, Yippee! Entertainment also gave Baseline a brand new Windows Laptop with Chimpact installed, to thank its members for taking part in the debate.

"I don’t play games all the time but I do play Xbox and things like Temple Run on my HTC and Angry Birds on my friend’s iPad. I think it’s good to have games like this which are designed for kids, you don’t really think of old people playing games.

I think it is a good thing to have age ratings, some games contain violence and swear words so it’s good to get away from that. It’s good to have both games aimed at kids and games aimed at older people. It is good parents stop children playing games but it can be difficult to tell kids what they can’t do.”

When asked: what do you think are the best games for young people, those aimed at all ages or games aimed at an older age group, both Daniel and Jack answered: "Games designed for the older group.”

Daniel continued: "Games like Call Of Duty and Dead Island. Call Of Duty is like a puzzle strategy game, you spend ages on some levels trying to complete them, quite a few people like these games because of that.”

Jack: "I think age ratings are annoying, because there are some games we’re not allowed to play.”

Daniel continued: "Sometimes you’ll go to buy something and you’ll need a parent there, the shops will often say, unfortunately this isn’t for your age group, you’ll have to come back with an adult. So, I’m not really a fan of them.”

When asked: do you think there should be age ratings on games or everyone should be able to buy them? James said: "They should be open to everyone really.”

Whereas Daniel said: "Some shouldn’t be open to under tens, some are a bit too graphic.” When asked: parents often stop their children from playing age rated games, do you think this is a good idea? James said: "I don’t think so, Call Of Duty shows you what happens in war.”

And Daniel continued: "Some games are too graphic for young kids others are acceptable, so sometimes it’s best if parents don’t let them play them.”

James then said: "In call of duty you can turn off graphic content.” And Daniel said: "You can turn off blood and things like that, as some kids don’t like it.” Jodie Martin 11 and Saffron Farrell 13

Jodie: "The game was really fun but it’s quite hard to bounce and sling the character around the screen.”

Saffron: "The pictures are really cool in the game, I liked the way it looked and the characters. It was really good, it’s something I would play.”

Jodie: "I like games because when you are bored and not at school you can just get one out and play it. I play Playstation 3 and things like Super Mario.”

Saffron: I think some should have age ratings but some are good for everyone, like the type of games you can play with your family. It’s good that some parents stop children playing older rated games, just in case.”

Masie: "I usually play games more on iPads and smart phones, rather than on consoles. I do play on the Wii at Christmas. I liked Chimpact, I thought Chuck (the main character) was cute. I thought the way it looked was really interesting, like the backgrounds and the way they moved.”

Nicole: "I play games regularly, like Call Of Duty and Halo. I thought Chimpact was a lot like Angry Birds but different as well. It was so easy that you could get through it really quickly, but it gets more difficult which made it more fun.

It’s fun playing older rated games but it’s also great playing games that are aimed at everyone, you can then play them with your friends and family. I think age ratings are a good idea as young people should not be playing really violent games but others should be allowed if their parents let them, it’s up to the parents really.”

Parents should look into games and decide what they deem suitable for their children

When discussing games with the members of Baseline Bromley a well-rounded debate developed about what is appropriate. The general consensus was that gaming for very young people should be regulated tightly and parents should decide what they deem suitable for children of all ages.

Most enjoyed playing Chimpact but it seemed the older children preferred more adult content in their games. This added to the debate that older teenagers are young adults and most enjoy entertainment aimed at an older age group.

Though, these children (in or heading towards their teenage years) think that most games should be regulated to very young children. We didn’t really receive many opinions directly against age restrictions completely, most of those interviewed saw them as necessary and positive.

Gaming can be enjoyed by young people responsibly, regulations are in place for good reason and it looks like these young people agree, age ratings are needed and should be taken into account by parents.

Dr Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO, said: "It is important that consumers are aware of the PEGI system and understand what the ratings and advisory comments mean. Parents and consumers generally need to know when they purchase a boxed video game from a shop what the PEGI ratings mean so that they can make informed decisions. However, while PEGI provides more information for consumers, the purchaser must ultimately take responsibility for ensuring that the game which he/she has bought is age-appropriate. Only bricks and mortar stores are affected by the law which puts PEGI on a statutory basis. Online and digital downloads remain exempt. As both of these methods typically require a credit or debit card, parents can ensure that their children play age appropriate games.”

TIGA's advice for parents is to:

Always look for the age classification on the game package.
Try to look for a summary or review of the game content or ideally play the game yourself first.
Play video games with your children, watch over them when they play and talk with them about the games they play. Explain why certain games are not suitable.
Be aware that online games sometimes enable the download of extra software that can alter the game content and eventually the age classification of the game.
Online games are usually played in virtual communities requiring players to interact with unknown fellow players.
Tell your children not to give out personal details and report inappropriate behaviour.
Set the limits by using the parental control tools of the game console or PC

The Age ratings

3 - suitable for those aged three and above
7 - suitable for those aged seven and above
12 - suitable for those aged 12 and above
16 - suitable for those aged 16 and above
18 - suitable for those aged 18 and above
Violence – Game contains depictions of violence
Bad language – Game contains bad language
Fear – Game may be frightening or scary for young children
Sex – Game depicts nudity and/or sexual behaviour or sexual references
Gambling – Games that encourage or teach gambling
Drugs – Game refers to or depicts the use of drugs
Discrimination – Game contains depictions of, or materials which may encourage, discrimination
Online – Online game

Chimpact, by YIPEE Entertainment, is available now on Windows 8 and Windows Phone, and other mobile platforms:

www.chimpact.com

Augmented Reality Summit

Now in its 3rd year, the AR Summit, a one day conference & expo is set to return in 2013, providing a unique insight into the capabilities, innovations, successes and future direction of AR.

This platform is designed to bring together the industry advocates, leading technology providers and innovative companies/brands looking to discover, explore and embrace the concepts AR brings.

Dates:
20th June 2013

Venue:
Altitude, London

Price:
Early bird from £295 - Book your place today usi to receive a 15% discount - TIGA members email suzi@tiga.org to get your discount code.. Early bird applies until 30th April

http://www.augmentedrealitysummit.com/index.php/register/prices-a-registration-

Wellcome £10K Deadline: 26th April Royal Society Event 24th May

Wellcome £10k Deadline

The deadline for the Wellcome Trust £10K development fund for games to engage with biomedical science approaches. It's a great opportunity as not only does it provide the cash to develop the idea, developers will also attend Develop in Brighton for the day to pitch to senior figures from publishers. Info is here: http://bit.ly/Zqvzj1 This is open to UK based games developers only.

Get £2K+ to Game Jam Cutting Edge Science into Fun: Royal Society invites game developers to bring research to life at Summer Science Exhibition The Royal Society is looking for experienced games development studios to take part in a new initiative that will turn some of the research on show at its annual Summer Science Exhibition into video games. The Royal Society will host a 12 hour game jam on 24th May that will see developers work with the scientists behind exhibits to produce five exciting new games. Five development teams of up to 4 developers will be partnered with the selected exhibitors for an all-day game jam from 10am - 10pm. Each development team will receive £2,000 to further develop their games after the game jam so that they are ready to be played at the Summer Science Exhibition which runs from 1st – 7th July. The games will be available free online and at the exhibition itself so that the public can cast votes for their favourite game. The team that receives most votes will receive an additional £2,000 to further develop their game once the Exhibition closes.

This is a great opportunity to get your name known, make some amazing games and get paid too! Reasonable travel costs, food and refreshments will also be provided. Interested developers can find out more about the competition and how to apply from the Royal Society's website at http://bit.ly/RSgamejam - Applications need to be in by the 1st May.

China Britain Council

The China-Britain Business Council (CBBC) is the leading organisation helping UK companies grow and develop their business with China. We help companies of all sizes and sectors, whether new entrants or established operations.

CBBC has worked with China for 60 years and our team has extensive experience of doing business there. We offer practical in-market assistance, services, industry initiatives and a membership programme delivering access, seminars and networking. If you have a general enquiry about exploring the China market or require specific advice from one of our China Business Advisors please email enquiries@cbbc.org or call +44 (0)20 7802 2000.

Website: www.cbbc.org

Business Breakfast with Nicola Mendelsohn, Executive Chairman of Karmarama and Industry Chair of the Creative Industries Council

Wednesday, April 24 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM

Nicola Mendelsohn is one of the leading figures in the UK’s creative community.

She is Executive Chairman & Partner of Karmarama, one of the UK’s largest and most successful independent advertising agencies with clients including Nintendo, BBC, BT, Costa Coffee, Honda, Plusnet and Sony.

She has also recently been appointed Industry Chair of the Creative Industries Council, a joint forum between the creative industries (including TV, computer games, fashion, music, arts, publishing, film and advertising) and Government.

This Business Breakfast Event will be ideal for any business with an interest in the creative industries, creating a competetive advantage for the UK, building and developing business or the economic state of the UK.

Prior to Karmarama, Nicola was the Deputy Chairman of Grey London and a Board Director at BBH. In 2005 she featured in Management Today's list of the 'Top 35 Women Under 35’. In May 2011, Nicola was named an ‘International Woman to Watch’ by Advertising Age. In the same year she was awarded as a CEW (Cosmetic Executive Women) Achiever of the Year. In addition, Nicola is a Director of the Women’s Prize for Fiction and a Trustee of The White Ribbon Alliance.

This Business Breakfast is a chance to hear how businesses can use the creative talent on offer in the UK to bolster their business, how the creative industries impact the UK’s economy, how the government can best work with British industries and how British industries can make use of our competitive advantages in the global economy.

Click here for more info.

Veros Digital Announces Commitment to Antix Labs’ HD Entertainment Platform

　

　

New generation of "play for fun" and play for prizes gaming applications to be launched by Veros Digital on TVs, phones and tablets using the Antix Game Player

Veros Digital is producing its advanced entertainment content on the Antix Game Player and will utilize the full Antix Game Service and Store.

Veros is at the forefront of virtual sports gaming technologies, providing both play for fun and play for money solutions to a range of international business and consumer users including mobile networks, online and land based casinos, betting shops, hotels and cruise lines. The Antix Game Developer Kit enables developers to create or port their own C and C++ applications to run on the Antix platform. "Veros is running with the most advanced use cases ever deployed for gambling and play-for-fun applications across home, mobile and shop," said Adam Prichard, Antix’ Business Development Director responsible for Content Acquisition.

According to Angus Wood, the Veros Digital CTO, "Veros uses Antix to build a single instance of our applications running at full tilt in native executable form to deliver best-in-class media across an extensive range of televisions, set-top boxes, phones and tablets. It doesn’t matter if the devices are architecturally completely different. The functionality provided to us by Antix is remarkable, enabling use cases that can’t be achieved with any alternative. While it is great for us as developers, the most important advantages are the enormous benefits to users." Francis Charig who founded Antix in 2007, commented that "Veros products are transformational, increasing the media qualities in the gaming marketplace and making the applications truly ubiquitous across home and mobile devices. There’s a real symbiosis between Antix and Veros that means together we can offer absolute best-in-class services." Jonathan Mills, Veros Digital’s CEO stated "I’m thrilled with the collaboration as Antix uniquely allows us to fulfil our commitment to deliver an experience that is differentiated and more fun for our customers. Its remarkable global distribution channels consolidate Antix as the best choice for accessing the TV and STB marketplace but it presents us with exciting opportunities for phone and tablets."

-Ends-

NOTES FOR EDITORS

About Antix Labs, Ltd. (Antix):

Antix enables consumers to download and play their HD quality, certified native games virally on to their STBs, TVs, phones, tablets and PCs. Users can play with their friends on the move and in the home on their digital devices, whether or not they are connected to a network and can distribute games much in the way they can their music, video and pictures. All user payment models are supported and can be localized to optimize monetization for service providers and publishers. A single SKU will work across all supported devices utilizing Antix’ unique Triple Lock Game Security System, improving protection for the consumer from viruses and reducing content piracy. The service is deployed using either Antix’ or 3rd party content stores with associated payment gateways. Antix, founded in 2007 by World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer, Francis Charig, delivers an integrated, next generation TV, STB, mobile and multi-screen service even across highly fragmented networks. The Antix Game Service has now been mandated by operators, broadcasters and device manufacturers, and Antix works with an increasing number of the world’s leading games publishers. A Game Developer Kit is available free of charge from the Antix website (http://antixlabs.com/developer/support/register.html).

For more information, please visit: http://antixlabs.com.

Alternatively please contact:

Tim Cole, Marketing & PR Manager, Antix Labs Ltd.

tim.cole@antixlabs.com +44 1183 570357

About Veros Digital Partnership LLP (Veros Digital):

Veros Digital is a new company dedicated to the development of next generation Virtual Gaming and interactive sports. Its objective is to bring together established Virtual Sports events with new technologies to allow for greater user interaction through Tablet and Mobile devices. It is headquartered in the Isle of Man and has development teams in London and Barcelona.

PayExpo - Where payments markets converge

London 18th – 19th June, 2013

The UK’s only dedicated payments innovation event FREE to gaming operators!

PayExpo is the must attend industry event that keeps banks, merchants and other payment providers in the know about the latest product innovations, new payment business models and regulatory changes that are transforming the way we pay.

It combines 3 successful conferences: Prepaid 2013, Mobile Money Europe and Advanced Payments Summit covering smartcards, mobile payments, contactless payments, security, ID, loyalty, e-commerce, bill payments, transport ticketing, with on-floor seminars, thousands of visitors and over 60 exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations, technologies and services from across the world of cards and payments.

PayExpo in numbers
-          An audience of 2000+ card and payments professionals
-          A large scale exhibition of 60+ stands showcasing all areas of payment innovation
-          3 dedicated conferences: Prepaid 2013, Emerging Payments Summit, and Mobile Money Europe.
-          PLUS! PayExpo is totally free to attend for visitors from banks, merchants, government agencies, transport operators, gaming operators and mobile network operators.

Find out more at: www.payexpo.com/tiga

TIGA members receive 20% discount at Social Gaming 2013

Social Gaming 2013 will explore the booming online gaming industry. With a focus on both social gaming and social gambling, the conference will encompass all aspects of this sector. The industry is without doubt one of the fastest growing sectors of the decade - Without regulation, the social gaming industry is forecast to grow into a $7bn business by 2015.

As debates surrounding regulation continue, this conference will draw upon experts in the gaming, gambling and legal sphere who will offer insight into the future of this rapidly expanding industry.

Hear from key players in this space, including speakers from:
GREE, RockYou!, Belgian Gaming Commission, Bossa Studios, MegaZebra, The Social Gaming Association and Yazino.

Register today at http://www.cecileparkconferences.com/social-gaming-2013?page=5 and receive an exclusive 20% discount - please email suzi@tiga.org to get your discount code.

Antix Labs and Broadcom Collaborate On Anytime, Anywhere HD Game Service

High-Performance Set-Top Box Devices from Broadcom IntegrateAntix Game-Related Native Services

News Highlights:
• Delivers executable, interactive games to broad range of high performance and efficient STB platforms from Broadcom
• Enables deployment of a single game SKU that utilizes the full power of Broadcom hardware and software
• Eliminates the need for FLASH/HTML5, emulation or virtual machine solutions to deliver high quality media

Antix Labs today announced it is working with Broadcom Corporation (NASDAQ: BRCM) on an integrated service that delivers executable, interactive games to consumer home devices, including smartphones, tablets and television set-top boxes (STB). The combined offering integrates Broadcom’s full breadth of silicon and advanced IPTV, cable and satellite STB technology solutions with the Antix Game Service (AGS).

The Antix Game Service is a scalable solution for the STB market that supports game development, discovery, delivery, store and payment and addresses security, performance and usability needs. It makes games even more viral than music and video while still protecting the rights and the revenues of the developers.

When using the Antix Game Service, end users benefit from:
• High performance native game capabilities deliver high quality media without the overhead and limitations of FLASH/HTML5, emulation or virtual machine solutions
• Ability to copy and share games across devices and enjoy uninterrupted play (from television to mobile devices and vice versa) irrespective of network availability• Breakthrough methods that make TV game payments by phone and tablet easy
• Use of mobile and tablet devices as game controllers for fast-action games that are unsuitable for an IR remote

Service providers benefit from:

• A method for deploying and updating a single SKU that utilizes Broadcom’s full breadth of silicon and depth of integration for a full range of devices from basic phones to advanced STBs
• Secure delivery and execution of games in conjunction with other Broadcom security initiatives and capabilities, thereby minimizing the risk of game piracy
• Increased revenue by using the STB to share games across mobiles, tablets and PCs and submit user charges directly to service provider store• Branded or white label game store options (or integration with existing content stores)

Francis Charig, the founder of Antix, said,

"Consumers increasingly expect advanced and integrated game solutions. Broadcom is ideally positioned to help Antix and its customer base deliver such a service. I’m very excited about the prospects of our collaboration.”

Nicholas Dunn, Broadcom’s Vice President of Marketing for the Broadband Satellite Group, said,

"Antix offers a comprehensive multi-platform game service and represents the fastest route to market for partners seeking the benefits that native gaming brings to both revenue generation and churn reduction.”

Antix and Broadcom will demonstrate the combined solution at TV Connect 2013 at Olympia London (March 19-21). Antix is the Gold Sponsor for the free to attend ‘Gaming Connect’ sessions being held in the Connected Innovation Theatre on March 19.

Ends-NOTES FOR EDITORS

About Antix Labs, Ltd. (Antix):
Antix enables consumers to download and play their HD quality, certified native games virally on to their STBs, TVs, phones, tablets and PCs. Users can play with their friends on the move and in the home on their digital devices, whether or not they are connected to a network and can distribute games much in the way they can their music, video and pictures. All user payment models are supported and can be localized to optimize monetization for service providers and publishers. A single SKU will work across all supported devices utilizing Antix’ unique Triple Lock Game Security System, improving protection for the consumer from viruses and reducing content piracy. The service is deployed using either Antix’ or 3rd party content stores with associated payment gateways. Antix, founded in 2007 by World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer, Francis Charig, delivers an integrated, next generation TV, STB, mobile and multi-screen service even across highly fragmented networks.

The Antix Game Service has now been mandated by operators, broadcasters and device manufacturers, and Antix works with an increasing number of the world’s leading games publishers. A Game Developer Kit is available free of charge from the Antix website (http://antixlabs.com/developer/support/register.html).

For more information, please visit: http://antixlabs.com.

Alternatively please contact:Tim Cole, Marketing & PR Manager, Antix Labs Ltd.tim.cole@antixlabs.com +44 1183 570357

TransferJet™ Wireless Proximity Transfer Technology Brought to Antix Game Service by Toshiba

Advanced TransferJet products and solutions to be fully supported by the Antix Game Service, the multi-platform game service for home and mobile networks

Antix Labs and Toshiba have announced a collaboration to help consumers in the home or on the move share their high quality casual and premium video games with their friends as easily as they can share their music and their video.

TransferJet™ is a Close Proximity Wireless Transfer technology featuring simple operation, safe connection and efficient transfer of data. Touching two devices together can initiate a secure transfer of files; a short transmission distance minimizes any risks of data theft, while users can specify and restrict which other devices can be connected. TransferJet’s maximum data throughput is 375 Mbps so that even large files can be transferred in just a matter of seconds.

TransferJet enables large data files such as movies and Antix-based games to be distributed very quickly between devices.

Francis Charig, Founder of Antix Labs said,
"When we received the invitation from Toshiba to collaborate, the technology’s transfer speed, of course, excited us but it was that speed combined with the exceptional ease of use that truly impressed us as being both disruptive and commercially compelling. To be competitive, any games service has to be fun, efficient and straightforward. TransferJet achieves all of this. With game files becoming ever larger to take account of increasing screen resolutions, we must have highly efficient methods of transfer if we’re to keep the consumer’s attention. TransferJet encourages users to share because it eliminates the barrier of technology.”

Armin Derpmanns, General Manager of Business Development at Toshiba Electronics Europe commented: ”Some people still believe TransferJet technology is in competition with Wi-Fi. The truth, however, is that technology like TransferJet will enhance user experience because of the way its operation parallels natural human interaction. The Antix Game Service model is a breakthrough in bringing content to consumers beyond existing business models. Both companies have been focusing on developing solutions that enhance consumer benefits. The collaboration with Antix is a perfect match to combine service and technology with similar intentions in mind and to bring those enhancements to the consumer.”

The Antix Game Service is the only multiplatform game service that allows high definition native games to be shared across different devices both on and off-network, irrespective of processor architectures, operating system, input device, screen size, screen orientation and user payment method. A single binary of a native game can be run by and shared between phones, tablets, televisions, set top boxes, PCs and other devices.

Jeff Moles, Business Development Director at Antix said,
"Apple’s game services are designed to be incredibly easy to use. Antix has the same focus on ease of use so when Toshiba demonstrated TransferJet we immediately could appreciate its value for users as well as the monetizing benefits for service providers.”

As part of the cooperation, Antix will demonstrate how Toshiba’s recently announced TransferJet-based adapters work with the Antix Games Service to enable the fast and easy sharing of mainstream games across platforms and between users in a transparent and secure manner.Toshiba’s own press release to explain about the collaboration was also issued today and emphasizes the point that the combination of Antix Game Service paired with TransferJet technology is a perfect example of how consumers and content publishers can enjoy the benefits simultaneously.

-Ends-

NOTES FOR EDITORS

About Antix Labs, Ltd. (Antix):
Antix enables consumers to download and play their HD quality, certified native games virally on to their STBs, TVs, phones, tablets and PCs. Users can play with their friends on the move and in the home on their digital devices, whether or not they are connected to a network and can distribute games much in the way they can their music, video and pictures. All user payment models are supported and can be localized to optimize monetization for service providers and publishers. A single SKU will work across all supported devices utilizing Antix’ unique Triple Lock Game Security System, improving protection for the consumer from viruses and reducing content piracy. The service is deployed using either Antix’ or 3rd party content stores with associated payment gateways. Antix, founded in 2007 by World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer, Francis Charig, delivers an integrated, next generation TV, STB, mobile and multi-screen service even across highly fragmented networks.

The Antix Game Service has now been mandated by operators, broadcasters and device manufacturers, and Antix works with an increasing number of the world’s leading games publishers. A Game Developer Kit is available free of charge from the Antix website (http://antixlabs.com/developer/support/register.html).For more information, please visit: http://antixlabs.com.

Alternatively please contact:Tim Cole, Marketing & PR Manager, Antix Labs Ltd.tim.cole@antixlabs.com +44 1183 570357

Lotus TV Deploying Antix For Its New Generation High Definition Game Service

Committed to deploying best in class in all classes of media

March 15th 2013, Reading – Rated the most popular foreign-language TV channel in Mainland China, broadcasting via satellite throughout Asia, Lotus TV Macau has announced that it will be launching its new Antix Game Service to continue with its philosophy of providing best-in-class media services. From 2013, Lotus TV will provide engaging games that consumers can play on their TV or STB as well as their PCs, phones and tablets.

Lotus TV management said, "Apple has shown the value of providing an easy-to-use, integrated game service. We are replicating that across many of the deployed non-Apple phones, tablets, PCs and TVs, with a strong focus on consumer needs and wishes. For us, this means providing the highest quality media in an environment making it easy and intuitive to discover, purchase, play and share. Selecting Antix as our platform was an obvious and simple decision; we believe that, in the non-Apple marketplace, Antix is well ahead of the pack in terms of quality of product and service”.

Lotus will integrate a white-labelled version of the Antix Store with its advanced payment services to ensure highest quality user-experience for consumers as well as fulfilment efficiency on behalf of its publishers.

Francis Charig, Founder of Antix said, "We launched our service with an operator in Indonesia and now we’re moving into collaboration with a broadcaster in China. Lotus has recognized that for the next five or more years, on-device gaming utilizing the power of the cloud is the future, and that Antix uniquely gives the company a substantial advantage.”

-Ends-

NOTES FOR EDITORS
About Antix Labs, Ltd. (Antix):
Antix enables consumers to download and play their HD quality, certified native games virally on to their STBs, TVs, phones, tablets and PCs. Users can play with their friends on the move and in the home on their digital devices, whether or not they are connected to a network and can distribute games much in the way they can their music, video and pictures. All user payment models are supported and can be localized to optimize monetization for service providers and publishers. A single SKU will work across all supported devices utilizing Antix’ unique Triple Lock Game Security System, improving protection for the consumer from viruses and reducing content piracy. The service is deployed using either Antix’ or 3rd party content stores with associated payment gateways. Antix, founded in 2007 by World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer, Francis Charig, delivers an integrated, next generation TV, STB, mobile and multi-screen service even across highly fragmented networks. The Antix Game Service has now been mandated by operators, broadcasters and device manufacturers, and Antix works with an increasing number of the world’s leading games publishers. A Game Developer Kit is available free of charge from the Antix website (http://antixlabs.com/developer/support/register.html).

For more information, please visit: http://antixlabs.com.
Alternatively please contact:
Tim Cole, Marketing & PR Manager, Antix Labs Ltd.
tim.cole@antixlabs.com +44 1183 570357

TIGA student gains 3 month work placement

One of the benefits of being a TIGA Student member is the opportunity to take part in web chats with TIGA board members and other leading industry types.

Read all about it
Recently, one such student was a chap called Jamie Read. And he got involved on a web chat with our CEO Oli Christie. And as Oli was really impressed with Jamie’s questions and probing, he offered him the chance to come into Neon Play for two week’s work experience.

Get stuck in
Jamie loved his time working in the heart of a successful(ish) mobile games studio and he wasn’t just making cups of coffee and loafing around on Facebook. He was actually getting stuck into creating 3D models for a big game we’re currently working on - real stuff he could put into his portfolio.

You do impress me much
And Jamie impressed us sufficiently enough to get an extension to his work placement into a fully paid three month trial, which could lead to a full time job.

Get off your butt!
So it’s proof that if you do want to get into the industry, you need to go that extra mile. And become a TIGA student member is probably the best way to do that, plus doing all you can to open doors with the web chats being a good starting place.

Rent a quote
Jamie Read, sitting on a comfy leather chair at his desk commented, "It’s been a dream of mine to get into the games industry and speaking to industry heavyweights on these TIGA web chats taught me loads and has ultimately led me to being offered a three month paid placement. I’m loving being at Neon Play and I’m learning so much every day, working on a live project that is looking incredible.”

Oli Christie, CEO of Neon Play commented, "It was great to meet Jamie on the web chat and he seemed like someone who was really keen to get into the games industry. So it was great to be able to offer him some work experience and due to his talent and dedication, we’re delighted to offer him a proper placement. I really hope it leads to a full-time job here at Neon Play.”

Richard Wilson, CEO of TIGA commented, "TIGA students is all about unlocking a career in the games industry. At TIGA we want to give students an opportunity to learn from leading industry figures, keep up-to-date with industry developments and network at relevant TIGA events. I’m delighted that TIGA students has been so helpful for Jamie Read and for Neon Play. I hope that more students who are serious about a career in the games industry will join the TIGA Student network and make the most of the services that are available.”

Whitepaper “Defining The Ideal Game Service for CISNOs” published by Antix Labs

The primary consumer-facing business of Cable, IPTV, and Satellite Network Operators (CISNOs) is the distribution of TV, movies, and music. They also generate revenues from advertising and other related activities. The financial success of these activities relies on keeping the interest, attention, and loyalty of consumers as well as on controlling ongoing costs of delivery of the services. The same criteria apply to delivery of game services.

Many CISNOs see distribution of video games, both for entertainment and education, as an important and attractive way to increase consumer engagement, reduce subscriber churn, and generate revenue. While CISNOs have offered game services for more than a decade, many of these services are dated and often less mature than their main video/music business. The prospect of launching new game services and revamping old ones presents many challenges.

This whitepaper written by Jeff Moles presents an analysis of these challenges, considers why and how some approaches fail, and enumerates the characteristics of an Ideal Game Service that is practical to deliver while emphasizing both revenue generation and consumer loyalty

Francis Charig, Founder of Antix, stated, "Feedback from the industry analysts and executives who read this paper before official publication have commended Jeff for writing down with clarity the reality of the problems faced by CISNOs, the opportunities and the ways of delivering a competitive service.”

Ends-

NOTES FOR EDITORS

About Antix Labs, Ltd. (Antix):Antix enables consumers to download and play their HD quality, certified native games virally on to their STBs, TVs, phones, tablets and PCs. Users can play with their friends on the move and in the home on their digital devices, whether or not they are connected to a network and can distribute games much in the way they can their music, video and pictures. All user payment models are supported and can be localized to optimize monetization for service providers and publishers. A single SKU will work across all supported devices utilizing Antix’ unique Triple Lock Game Security System, improving protection for the consumer from viruses and reducing content- PRESS RELEASE -piracy. The service is deployed using either Antix’ or 3rd party content stores with associated payment gateways.Antix, founded in 2007 by World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer, Francis Charig, delivers an integrated, nextgeneration TV, STB, mobile and multi-screen service even across highly fragmented networks. The Antix GameService has now been mandated by operators, broadcasters and device manufacturers, and Antix works with anincreasing number of the world’s leading games publishers. A Game Developer Kit is available free of charge fromthe Antix website (http://antixlabs.com/developer/support/register.html).

For more information, please visit: http://antixlabs.com.

Alternatively please contact:Tim Cole, Marketing & PR Manager, Antix Labs Ltd.tim.cole@antixlabs.com+44 1183 570357

Multi-screen Backgammon Game Development Demonstrates Power of Antix Approach

An Engineering student at Robinson College, University of Cambridge, took just weeks to develop Backgammon for Antix using the standard Antix tool chain – the Antix Game Development Kit (GDK). A single binary of the game can be played on phones, tablets, TVs, STBs, PCs and other devices utilizing the unique capabilities of each device. That single binary can be beamed across different devices so that both the game and game state can be shared socially and virally between users. The GDK can be downloaded free by Antix registered developers and is fully integrated with the Eclipse and Visual Studio IDEs.

The developer, Alex Biondini commented, "As someone who has had no prior experience of writing games, it was made easy for me that I didn’t have to worry about the chipset or OS without any effect on performance. I was able to create just a single binary that could be sent from one user to another virally, would resize the game for different screen sizes to give the best visual effect, and would support all manner of input devices such as mobiles and IR controls for TVs and touch for phones and tablets. Few developers will struggle with Antix because the development environment is so orthogonal and familiar to developers of C and C++.”

Francis Charig, Antix’ Founder said, "We encouraged Alex because we wanted to see if those who are new to gaming can take advantage of the capabilities we uniquely provide. If bright undergraduates like Alex can start building pervasive, multiplayer games, then the studios with all their experience developing the AAA titles will have no obstacles with which to contend.”

-Ends-

NOTES FOR EDITORS

About Antix Labs, Ltd. (Antix):Antix enables consumers to download and play their HD quality, certified native games virally on to their STBs, TVs, phones, tablets and PCs. Users can play with their friends on the move and in the home on their digital devices, whether or not they are connected to a network and can distribute games much in the way they can their music, video and pictures. All user payment models are supported and can be localized to optimize monetization for service providers and publishers. A single SKU will work across all supported devices utilizing Antix’ unique Triple Lock Game Security System, improving protection for the consumer from viruses and reducing content piracy. The service is deployed using either Antix’ or 3rd party content stores with associated payment gateways. Antix, founded in 2007 by World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer, Francis Charig, delivers an integrated, next- PRESS RELEASE -generation TV, STB, mobile and multi-screen service even across highly fragmented networks. The Antix Game Service has now been mandated by operators, broadcasters and device manufacturers, and Antix works with an increasing number of the world’s leading games publishers. A Game Developer Kit is available free of charge from the Antix website (http://antixlabs.com/developer/support/register.html).

For more information, please visit: http://antixlabs.com.Alternatively please contact:Tim Cole, Marketing & PR Manager, Antix Labs Ltd.tim.cole@antixlabs.com +44 1183 570357

Do you have an idea for the next ‘Deus Ex: Human Revolution’, ‘Pandemic’ or ‘Splice’? Get £10K To Make it Happen!

Develop in Brighton in partnership with the Wellcome Trust brings a Live Pitch event to this year’s conference. Apply for Development Funding and Pitch Your Game at the Develop in Brighton Conference 2013.

Do you have an idea for the next ‘Deus Ex: Human Revolution’, ‘Pandemic’ or ‘Splice’? Developers are invited to apply for the chance to receive up to £10,000 each to develop a high-impact pitch for their game to help secure a distribution platform and funding. The ideas for your game need to draw on or be inspired by contemporary or historical biological or medical science in an innovative and accessible way. The games can be developed for any mass-appeal genre, platform or business model. Those who are successful will go on to pitch their developed game ideas to a panel of publishers and funders at a live event at Develop in Brighton on Wednesday 10 July 2013. Panellists joining the Wellcome Trust include Sony XDev and crowd-funding platform Indiegogo. Participating developers will be invited to receive additional pitch training ahead of the live event.

More information and details of how to apply are here: http://bit.ly/Zqvzj1 The deadline for entries is 26th April.

GrowthAccelerator in partnership with TIGA - Grow your business to twice its size!

1- 7pm Speakers followed by networking drinks

Venue: Grant Thornton, 30 Finsbury Square London EC2A 1AG

The first in a series of TIGA’s Commercial Skills Seminars:

Grow Your Games Studio to Twice Its Size – What Are The Next Steps?

Sponsored by

Attend our seminar on Tues 30 April to hear from experts, learn from industry case studies and network with other games studios.

TIGA, in partnership with GrowthAccelerator, is hosting the first of a series of commercial skills seminars. ‘Grow Your Games Studio to Twice its Size’ is an afternoon seminar for CEOs, Studio Heads and business owners in the games industry who are ambitious and looking for the next steps required to grow their businesses including where and how you can access finance and other services to support this growth.

About GrowthAccelerator
Achieving 20% growth year on year is the hallmark of high growth businesses.
GrowthAccelerator is designed to support a wide variety of businesses reach that figure. It doesn’t matter what stage of growth you’re at. As long as you can complete the following check-list, we can help you:

Are you determined to grow?
Is your company registered in England?
Do you employ fewer than 250 people?
Is your turnover under £40m?

What the event will cover:

Key aspects which play a role in creating high growth companies and explore how you can apply this to your own business
Raising the right source of finance, at the right stage of growth for your business – a range of methods will be covered from equity finance to banks and Kickstarter.
Panel discussion and a chance to ask all experts questions
Learnings from our successful industry case study, Bossa Studios
Networking
How GrowthAccelerator can support you in your high growth ambitions

Case study speaker:
Roberta Lucca, Co-Founder, Bossa Studios
Bossa grew from 4 people based in a tiny office inside a Circus School in Shoreditch to 30 people and 5 games launched, a BAFTA and a Develop award. All in only 2.5 years. We initially went bootstrapping with our personal savings, then with work for hire projects, and gained investment (as an acquisition deal) after a few months from being founded.

James Brooksby, CEO, Born Ready Games: James is a games industry veteran of nearly 20 years andwith that brings significant experience in running and guiding gamedevelopment studios and producing games. James was in near the start of acompany called Simis (employee 12) that eventually grew to be KujuEntertainment, a company with around 350 staff. James produced a high numberof high quality games in his career including Firewarrior, Geometry WarsGalaxies, Dark Messiah of Might and Magic and Burn Zombie Burn. He has beenin increasingly senior management positions to be eventually in charge ofthe development and growth of full games studios. Most recently he founded aground breaking studio, doublesix games, a new division of Kuju, which wassolely focused on digitally distributed games on multiple platforms usinginnovative marketing and sales techniques, before leading a managementbuy-out of part of doublesix to form Born Ready Games who just successfullyreleased Strike Suit Zero.

Born Ready Games had been building the space combat game Strike Suit Zerobut before its release the team decided to launch a kickstarter to fund themthrough its final months. There was the option of releasing the game as was,but if extra funds could be found, the team knew the game could be so muchbetter. In October of 2012 the Kickstarter campaign was launched and 15 dayslater smashed through the $100,000 target and went on to raise around$180,000 in total. Born Ready learnt much from this campaign and have beenoffering advice to other studios. Since the launch of Strike Suit Zero, BornReady have moved on to produce further content for the game and are nowseeking further investment to build its future follow-up games.

Expert speakers

Andy Tait, Partner, Pembridge Partnerships Ltd
Andy Tait has more than 20 years commercial and corporate development experience having co-founded and served on the boards of both private and publicly listed companies in the UK and USA. He is a specialist in digital media, entertainment content, software technology and IP licensing. In addition, corporate planning and strategy, fundraising and business development.

Pembridge Partnership Ltd provides finance and advice to startup and early stage mobile, internet, creative and technology firms.

Janette Pallas, Regional Manager, Government & Infrastructure Advisory, Grant Thornton
Janette Pallas has wide ranging experience of working with the business community and universities, advising on knowledge transfer, accessing finance and tackling skills and business development issues. She has extensive experience advising and coaching entrepreneurs and leaders of growing companies.

Whilst working with university entrepreneurs and supporting disabled entrepreneurs she was awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion in 2008. In 2005, she was awarded ‘Specialist Adviser of the Year’ by the Institute of Business Advisers for her work supporting small businesses. When based at the world renowned, St John's Innovation Centre in Cambridge, she successfully managed the EEDA funded "Access to Finance" and "Coaching for High Growth" programmes in the Eastern region between 2009-2012.

With a background in ICT she has worked extensively with High-tech businesses and a wide variety of business models. Her client base has been as diverse as Children's nurseries, a fruit farm, digital media businesses and a foundry. As a regional director for the GrowthAccelerator service she enjoys working with High-Growth companies to identify the best forms of coaching, training and funding to help accelerate the growth within the business and achieve the growth ambitions.

Jennie Bishop, Tax manager, Creative sector tax relief specialist (video games development)
Following the introduction of the creative sector tax relief, Jennie will be working with video games developers to maximise their opportunities to reduce corporation tax liabilities or obtain cash credits through the new tax legislation. In particular she will work with companies to ensure their operations are effectively structured so as to take advantage of R&D tax relief as well as creative sector tax relief.

Katy Rabindran, Senior Tax manager, R & D and patent box specialist
Katy coordinates large R&D projects for some of Grant Thornton's largest claims, acting as the main point of contact for these clients. As well as leading Grant Thornton's National R&D team meetings, Katy is a key member of the patent box team.

She has considerable experience in advising clients to maximise R & D claims and has been a leading force in the development of the patent box team.
She regularly speaks at external events on the subjects of computer games tax relief, R&D and patent box, providing technical insight to our clients and the market.

Antix Labs Sponsors “Gaming Connect” Stream at TV Connect 2013

Free to attend game-centric presentations in the Connected Innovation Theatre

Antix Labs is Gold Sponsor of the inaugural Gaming Connect Stream at this year’s TV Connect (formerly IP&TV World Forum), being held from 19th – 21st March at the Olympia Exhibition Center in London, UK. The Gaming Connect Stream is running on the first day in the Connected Innovation Theatre. Antix’ founder Francis Charig will be giving the opening Keynote presentation: "The ideal TV game service - Creating loyalty and usage by meeting the expectations of the consumer". Antix will also be running private demonstrations of the Antix Game Service throughout the event.

TV Connect provides a unique opportunity to meet and network with the global connected entertainment community. No other event offers such a unique opportunity to meet such a diverse range of service providers; whether these are broadcasters, telcos, content providers or OTT players. The event continues to have a truly global reach attracting senior level executives from all 6 continents, with 2012′s event having visitors from 83 countries in attendance.

Throughout the event Antix will be giving private demonstrations of the High Definition Antix Game Service on market-leading TV and STB platforms as well as phones, tablets and PCs. These meetings will be taking place at the Hilton London Olympia and will feature top tier games being sharing between home and mobile devices. Request a demonstration and come and see for yourself why in the last 12 months broadcasters, operators and manufacturers have been striking deals with Antix.

The TV Connect Industry Awards (formerly IP&TV Industry Awards) is now in its seventh year and is being held on the evening of the 20th March. Antix has been nominated in the Special Category Award: "Best New Route to Multiscreen Monetisation". The Awards are a symbol of respect and recognition within the industry.

Antix' founder, Francis Charig, said "Easy-to-use, premium quality games services can be pivotal for service providers seeking to attract and retain consumers. Antix has sponsored Gaming Connect this year because we want to promote to networks that they don’t have to settle for second best and that it is possible to deploy an integrated high definition game service to consumers in the home and on the move."

-Ends-

NOTES FOR EDITORS

About Antix Labs, Ltd. (Antix):

Antix enables consumers to download and play their HD quality, certified native games virally on to their STBs, TVs, phones, tablets and PCs. Users can play with their friends on the move and in the home on their digital devices, whether or not they are connected to a network and can distribute games much in the way they can their music, video and pictures. All user payment models are supported and can be localized to optimize monetization for service providers and publishers. A single SKU will work across all supported devices utilizing Antix’ unique Triple Lock Game Security System, improving protection for the consumer from viruses and reducing content piracy. The service is deployed using either Antix’ or 3rd party content stores with associated payment gateways. Antix, founded in 2007 by World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer, Francis Charig, delivers an integrated, next generation TV, STB, mobile and multi-screen service even across highly fragmented networks. The Antix Game Service has now been mandated by operators, broadcasters and device manufacturers, and Antix works with an increasing number of the world’s leading games publishers. A Game Developer Kit is available free of charge from the Antix website (http://antixlabs.com/developer/support/register.html).

For more information, please visit: http://antixlabs.com.

Alternatively please contact:

Tim Cole, Marketing & PR Manager, Antix Labs Ltd.

tim.cole@antixlabs.com +44 1183 570357

SpeedUp Launches Plants vs. Zombies Running On Antix Game Player

First Major Cross-Platform Title in Indonesia Sets the Standard for Future Game Services

March 6th 2013, Reading – SpeedUp Technologies, headquartered in Jakarta, Indonesia, announces today its public launch and availability of the freemium version of PopCap's wildly successful Plants vs. Zombies title on its SpeedUp Studio Store. This is expected to be the first in an ongoing series of launches of popular Western titles from major publishing partners many of whom have had only limited presence in Indonesia in the past.

SpeedUp Studio content is positioned to provide Indonesia with high-quality, high-definition content that spans music, movies, ebooks, and games, all from established worldwide brands. This is clear move away from low-value, commodity content and toward the high-value content that consumers demand for all their devices, both in the home and on the move.

SpeedUp is using the Antix Game Player to power its deployment of Plants vs. Zombies and has pre-loaded the Antix Game Player onto its tablets, the SpeedUp Pad Slim and Pad PRO 2. SpeedUp’s latest tablets, Pad 7 and SpeedUp Pad 8, will be launched at Mega Bazaar Computer Jakarta on 7th March 2013, offering Antix-formatted games through its SpeedUp Studio content store.

Due to Antix' revolutionary game distribution and delivery technology, consumers will be able to directly share Plants vs. Zombies and a forthcoming list of similarly impressive titles with friends using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, or other convenient methods that require neither mobile data connectivity nor corresponding depletion of precious prepaid data minutes. Of course, consumers will still be able to download the game directly from the store anytime they so desire.

Antix' founder, Francis Charig, said "SpeedUp is opening up channels for western content into the world’s fourth most populous nation and is providing the first iteration of Plants vs. Zombies using a Freemium user payment model all running on the Antix Game Player and service. By having this integrated with operator billing, SpeedUp has taken the Indonesian game market forward dramatically so I think this will be seen as a significant development by those looking to address growth and emerging economies.”

- PRESS RELEASE -
Rahmad Sakti, Director Product and Marketing at PT MLW Telecom ("SpeedUp"), said that "This launch of Plants vs. Zombies is a major win for SpeedUp and its customers as it represents our commitment to delivering high quality games to consumers both when connected to advanced networks in big cities and when they are in more remote areas that lack consistent access to such connectivity. It is only because of the extraordinary Antix service that this SpeedUp is able to offer this kind of quality content, performance, and social interaction."

-Ends-
_{NOTES FOR EDITORS
About Antix Labs, Ltd. (Antix):
Antix enables consumers to download and play their HD quality, certified native games virally on to their STBs, TVs, phones, tablets and PCs. Users can play with their friends on the move and in the home on their digital devices, whether or not they are connected to a network and can distribute games much in the way they can their music, video and pictures. All user payment models are supported and can be localized to optimize monetization for service providers and publishers. A single SKU will work across all supported devices utilizing Antix’ unique Triple Lock Game Security System, improving protection for the consumer from viruses and reducing content piracy. The service is deployed using either Antix’ or 3rd party content stores with associated payment gateways. Antix, founded in 2007 by World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer, Francis Charig, delivers an integrated, next generation TV, STB, mobile and multi-screen service even across highly fragmented networks. The Antix Game Service has now been mandated by operators, broadcasters and device manufacturers, and Antix works with an increasing number of the world’s leading games publishers. A Game Developer Kit is available free of charge from the Antix website (http://antixlabs.com/developer/support/register.html).

About PT MLW Telecom:
PT MLW Telecom is a technology developer company on hardware and software for Consumer Premises Equipment (CPE) for telecommunication markets which own SpeedUp Brand in Indonesia SpeedUp® A trademarks marketed by PT. MLW Telecom representing hardware technology such as Speedup® Broadband (router and modem), SpeedUp ® Pad (Tablet), SpeedUp® TV(Smart TV Device).

SpeedUp Studio® A trademark marketed by PT. MLW Telecom for software specially designed and optimized for SpeedUp®’s devices on Windows 8, Mac OS X and Android OS. An innovation made by PT.MLW Telecom to meet the need of the community. Digital content application such as music, magazines, books, social media and games.

For more information, please visit:
http://antixlabs.com/

Alternatively please contact:
Tim Cole, Marketing & PR Manager, Antix Labs Ltd.
tim.cole@antixlabs.com
+44 118 3570357
www.speedup.co.id
Arius Krypton, PR, PT. MLW Telecom
corpcomm@mlwtelecom.com
(+62821) 528 053 99}

Game Connection America 2013

Since 2001 Game Connection has been the place to be for video games professionals. Each year key players from the games industry gather three times – in Europe, in the US and in Asia – to meet, do business together, connect with new industry professionals and socialize in a lively environment.

Game Connection America 2013 will be held as usual in San Francisco, on March, 25-27, 2013. During the 2012 edition we had 1680 attendees from more than 800 companies, 56 different countries represented, 5527 meetings scheduled, 203 Exhibitors and 215 certified buyers! For more information please visit http://www.game-connection.com/gameconn/content/gameconnection-america

TIGA members receive 100 euros off exhibitor offers - email suzi@tiga.org for discount code.

Careers in Computing, Web and Games Design

Date: Tuesday 2nd April
Time: 10.00-3.30pm Who: Sixth form students (16-18 years)
Where: Bournemouth University (Home to The National Centre for Games Technology)

Career insight event to meet with industry experts and professionals from across the gaming and web design industries. Find out about the various undergraduate courses on offer and what you need to be doing now to improve your chances of university selection.

Supported by lecturers and professionals from the National Centre for Games Technology, you will experience a range of hands on activities, presentations and networking sessions to help you decide if this is the career for you.
For more details and to register please click here Any queries please contact events@inspiringfutures.org.uk

SpeedUp Debuts Latest Tablets Pre-Loaded with Antix Game Player

SpeedUp Technologies has announced in Jakarta, Indonesia that it has adopted game solutions from Antix Labs to augment its SpeedUp Studio content service. Antix provides SpeedUp’s customers with the ability to play and share across tablets, phones, TVs, STBs, PCs and other devices. As part of its increased emphasis on content services, SpeedUp has begun preloading the Antix Game Player (AGP) into its latest tablets, the SpeedUp Pad Pro and SpeedUp Pad Ice, and now offers Antix-formatted games through its SpeedUp Studio content store. Among its initial offerings, the first featured title is Plants vs. Zombies with a pipeline of similar high-quality games to follow. This initiative represents a major move away from low-value, commodity game aggregation services that ultimately disappoint customers and towards high-quality games that engage them.

This combination of the SpeedUp Studio content hub and the on-device Antix Game Player provides consumers with a unique and seamless game experience. Publishers around the world are seeking to deploy seamless games and Antix uniquely provides a solution across fragmented networks both in the home and on the move. In addition to traditional store downloads, Antix-formatted game files can be shared directly between friends' devices by "beaming" over off-network wireless technologies including Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct, a capability that is in high-demand in Indonesia and other emerging and growth markets where networks often struggle to satisfy consumer bandwidth demands.

Rahmad Sakti, Director Product and Marketing at PT MLW Telecom ("SpeedUp"), said that
"The Indonesian telecommunication networks, like many in Southeast Asia, are faced with structural challenges, making them neither consistently fast enough nor reliable enough to meet the insatiable demands of consumers to discover and download games. The Antix Game Player relieves the frustration caused by these challenges, making every coffee shop meeting between friends into an opportunity to get new games. No other service or technology on the planet provides this level of integration across devices. While other companies continue to struggle with fragmentation and network dependencies, SpeedUp and Antix together are delivering the right solution at exactly the right time."

Antix’s Francis Charig said that
"Comprehensive game services in growth and emerging markets must take into account local infrastructure and behavioural issues to satisfy the local demographic and their service providers. Antix is unique in offering a service that does this- PRESS RELEASE -while simultaneously protecting the rights and revenues of the Publishers."-

Ends-

NOTES FOR EDITORS
About Antix Labs, Ltd. (Antix):Antix enables consumers to download and play their HD quality, certified native games virally on to their STBs, TVs, phones, tablets and PCs. Users can play with their friends on the move and in the home on their digital devices, whether or not they are connected to a network and can distribute games much in the way they can their music, video and pictures. All user payment models are supported and can be localized to optimize monetization for service providers and publishers. A single SKU will work across all supported devices utilizing Antix’ unique Triple Lock Game Security System, improving protection for the consumer from viruses and reducing content piracy. The service is deployed using either Antix’ or 3rd party content stores with associated payment gateways. Antix, founded in 2007 by World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer, Francis Charig, delivers an integrated, next generation TV, STB, mobile and multi-screen service even across highly fragmented networks. The Antix Game Service has now been mandated by operators, broadcasters and device manufacturers, and Antix works with an increasing number of the world’s leading games publishers. A Game Developer Kit is available free of charge from the Antix website (http://antixlabs.com/developer/support/register.html)

For more information, please visit: http://antixlabs.com.Alternatively please contact:Tim Cole, Marketing & PR Manager, Antix Labs Ltd.tim.cole@antixlabs.com +44 1183 570357

Microsoft UK - Windows Gaming Awareness Event 26/03/13

Date: March 26th 2013
Time: 9am – 5 pm
Location:Birmingham City University Faculty of Technology, Engineering and the  Environment
Millennium Point, Curzon Street, B4 7XG

With the release of Microsoft’s most daring OS ever – Microsoft Windows 8. This revolutionary OS is considered to be a major milestones for Microsoft’s in regards to the shift from in-the-box computing to cloud computing. Adding to it, Windows 8 is one of the 3 key elements in Microsoft vision on what a total Eco-system should be like – an Eco-System that starts with PCs and moves to smart phones (Windows 8 Mobile) and personal tablets (Windows 8 Tablet).Understanding Windows 8 Games development in the curriulaMicrosoft UK is pleased to announce the launch an awareness seminars aiming to introduce the latest technology released by Microsoft and the curricula resources and 3rd party frameworks available to be used within your teaching, learning of games development.We will highlight the new changes PC users should expect from games developed in Windows 8, the new cool features available and the new integrated services in the OS and partner frameworks.You will hear from academics already using these frameworks within the currciula and gain an understanding of how these and Windows 8 are ideal for teaching game development to students.

Draft Agenda
8.30 - 9.00 Registration
9.00 - 9.20  Introduction to the day - Lee Stott Microsoft
09.20 – 10.00  The Opportunity of Windows 8 - Lee Stott Microsoft
10.00 -11.00 The Opportunity of Widows Phone 8 - Adam Giles Nokia
11.00 – 11.15 Morning Break
11.15 – 11.45 Getting to Grips with Frameworks Seminar 1
11.45 - 12.15 Getting to Grips with Frameworks Seminar 2 Scirra Construct2 Andrew Wilson, Birmigham City University
12.15 – 13.15 Lunch
13.15 - 14.15 Getting to grips with Frameworks Seminar 3 MonoGame and XNA Rob Miles, University of Hull
14.15– 15.15 Getting to grips with Frameworks Seminar 4 GameMaker Jacob Habgood, Sheffield Hallam University
15.15 – 15.45 Getting to grips with Frameworks Seminar 5 C++/DX David Fletcher Rapid2D.com
15.45 - 16.00 Afternoon Break
16.00 – 16.30 Overview of available resources.
16.30 - 17.00 Partnering and case studies
End

Click here to book

Successful Business in the Creative Industries

An Arts and Video Games Perspective by Ron Ashtiani, CEO, Atomhawk Design

14th March
18:30 - 20:30
Emmanuel College
St Andrews Street
Cambridge
CB2 3AP

This event is organised by Cambridge Game Creators Network
Please register for free at http://bit.ly/cg14mar2013

Matmi messes with minds in 3D rollercoaster game app, The Smiler, for UK-based Alton Towers Resort

View the twisted gamified Augmented Reality app at http://www.the-smiler.com/the-game/

Award winning development team, Matmi, and TBWAManchester in the UK have been mixing their minds to bring a 3D experiential rollercoaster game to iOS and Android for the theme park Alton Towers' new world first coaster, The Smiler, due to open in May 2013.

Players face becoming smiling advocates as they plunge unwittingly into this immersive and action-packed rollercoaster game that melds gameplay, instant win competitions, virtual and location-based Augmented Reality into a full physical and digital ride simulation.

Take control of The Smiler ride cars and the minds of 16 riders as you steer them round the twisted metal of the track. Players must attempt to give The Smiler guests the ride of their lives by perfecting the inversions, twists and loops. The game will serve up Smiler tokens to enable users to upgrade and add new elements to the world-beating rollercoaster. To fully complete the game, players must dare to set foot into Alton Towers Resort’s infamous X-Sector, using The Smiler Scanner on specific images to bring to life the hidden secrets of the park and unlock unexpected upgrades.

Jeff Coghlan, CEO at Matmi, says he’s delighted with the way the game spans virtual and physical environments:

"Matmi has been in the business of putting smiles on people’s faces for years. The Smiler app is our first Augmented Reality gamified app and we’ve had so much fun building it. Working closely with the Alton Towers Resort team, we have been able to recreate the thrilling experience of the coaster which players can ride for real in May.

"Our aim is to engage users in a new theme park experience as well as promoting the new ride. Mix in some Matmi magic and I hope we’ve created an app that’s a fun and mind-bending game to play in its own right.”

Built in Unity3D and released across Android and iOS for mobiles and tablets, the game can be downloaded free from the App Store and Google Play from 27th February. The Smiler is a new world-first rollercoaster opening at the Alton Towers Resort in May.

For more details visit www.the-smiler.com.
For more information please contact: Michelle Hill, Matmi, hello@matmi.com or +44 1625 560771.
Helle Jakobsen, TBWA Manchester, helle.jakobsen@tbwamanchester.co.uk , +44 161 908 8208
Liz West at the Alton Towers Resort press office on +44 1538 704015, or email liz.west@alton-towers.com.

ENDS

About Matmi
Based in Cheshire in the UK, Matmi is an award winning digital production studio with an international reputation. We conceive and create magical experiences across multiple digital platforms, with a specialism in branded games and app production. As well as publishing our own entertainment products such as Monster Pinball and Ho Ho Ho Yellow Snow, we collaborate with global brands and agencies including EMI, Idiot Films/Pocket Warwick for Warwick Davis, Iron Maiden, MAC Cosmetics, Mars/Twix, Sapient Nitro, Sony, TBWA and United Airlines to bring ideas to life and engage consumers in new and innovative ways Founder and CEO, Jeff Coghlan,has over 25 years experience in the games and digital marketplace and was appointed to the board of Creative England in 2012. Jeff has long-standing relationships with Apple, Adobe, Microsoft and Unity 3D, and is often called on to share his visions of the digital future at conferences including GSummit San Francisco, TedX, Develop and TIGA events. Find out more about Matmi at www.matmi.com. Enjoy!

NeuroGaming Conference and Expo

May 1-2, 2013
San Francisco
YetiZen Game Innovation Lab

We are at the dawn of the neurogaming age, on the cusp of making the impossible possible. What will happen at NeuroGaming 2013 has never been done before, and you are invited to come and play an important role.

Neurogaming 2013 Conference and Expo is the where your mind and body meet game play. Neurogame developers are using the latest emotional, cognitive, sensory and behavioral technologies to create radically compelling experiences to engage and entertain gamers worldwide.

Hear from over 50 companies involved in neurogaming
Try out the coolest neurogaming technologiesBe amazed from a over a dozen mind blowing panels
Find out how neurogame design works

You'll experience everything from brain-controlled games to true augmented virtual reality experiences and even cognitive enhancing devices that send mild electrical pulses to your brain to improve concentration during game play, and so much more.

For more details and to register please click here
Any queries please contact zack@neurogamingconf.com

Aurora exceeds 10 million visits in PlayStation®Home

Digital publisher nDreams is pleased to announce that Aurora, one of the first free-to-play console games, has now had more than ten million visits since it launched. The floating archipelago was released in March 2011 in the PlayStation Home virtual world, which is exclusive to the PlayStation®3 console. Aurora continues to expand and evolve, and the latest major update to Aurora (version 1.7) will launch next month.

Announcing the milestone, nDreams CEO, Patrick O’Luanaigh said
"We’re incredibly proud of Aurora and the players who have helped make this such a successful virtual space. We don’t shout about ourselves very often, but nDreams continues to grow with a clear focus - to remain one of the leading publishers in PlayStation Home whilst becoming known for exciting and unique tablet games. We’re on track to launch a number of tablet based titles this year that we hope will demonstrate our distinctive approach to free-to-play development. We’d like to publically thank Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) for their continuing support on PlayStation Home, a highly underrated platform with a large, smart and passionate community, and we hope to continue our strong relationship with SCE moving forwards alongside our growth into tablet gaming.”

As well as virtual clothing and locomotions, recent PlayStation Home launches have included larger games such as Xi: Continuum, F.U.B.A.R and Blueprint: Home. nDreams also create a range of apartments and clubhouses, like the forthcoming "Carla’s Coffee Shop”.

Over 80% of nDreams revenue comes from publishing their own original IP. As well as PlayStation Home and tablet, nDreams also develop for the Xbox Avatar Marketplace.

Why not try Aurora out for yourself – head into PlayStation Home and you’ll find Aurora on the navigator menu. You can also sign up for our newsletter at our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ndreamers) to see behind the scenes at nDreams and get the first look at our new games.

Contact info:
Joe Dale, Digital Product Manager 01252 518452
joed@ndreams.com
Website: www.ndreams.com
Twitter: @ndreamers and @patrickol
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ndreamers
YouTube: www.youtube.com/ndreamers

About nDreams
nDreams are a rapidly growing digital games developer/publisher, set up in 2007 by Patrick O'Luanaigh, the former Creative Director of Eidos, with a focus on quality and innovation. nDreams has recently completed a transition from work-for-hire development to publishing, and currently over 80% of their revenue comes from publishing their own original intellectual property. nDreams recently won the Inspire Award for online innovation, were nominated for two 2012 Develop Awards, and were finalists in both the Inspire 11 awards and the Smarta 100, (one of only five companies in the UK to be nominated in their technology category). nDreams were also featured in the Guardian Tech Media Invest and were nominated for the Kemp Little award for business innovation. nDreams has developed and published a huge range of games, spaces, apartments and items in PlayStation Home, and are one of the most experienced PlayStation Home developers and publishers in the world. They also develop for Xbox Avatar Marketplace and are working on their first iPad and Android tablet games. The Aurora launch video can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeZkta8PY7I "PlayStation®Home” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. "nDreams” is a registered trademark of nDreams Ltd.

Tenshi Announce Game Developer Bootcamp, with Unreal Engine & TIGA

VENUE:    Grant Thornton, 30 Finsbury Square, EC2P 2YU
DATE: 12th and 13th March 2013
TIME:         9am – 6pm TIGA
PROMO:   TIGA members email suzi@tiga.org to get the discount code
COST:       146.25 (ex VAT)

DAY ONE – SELLING YOUR GAME, TO PARTNERS & DIRECT TO CONSUMER

Morning

1. State of the Gaming Nation – introduction and overview of the market for developer products and services: Ian Baverstock 09:00 – 09:30

2. Marketing for developers – how to get your company noticed and drive installs of your game: Matt Woodley 09:30 – 10:15

Tea break 10:15 – 10:30

3. Business Development – who and how, partnering with publishers to fund your game: Ian Baverstock 10.30 – 11:15

4. Games-as-a-Service – Oscar Clark (Applifier)a dive into the commercial and creative implications of GaaS 11:15 – 12:00

Lunch 12:00 – 13:00

Afternoon

5. The Pitch – A panel on pitching, volunteers welcome! Ed Daly, Ian Baverstock, Matt Woodley 13:00 – 14:00

6. Free to Play – EU CEO of Marvelous Entertainment Harry Holmwood on lessons for Western developers from Japan in mobile F2P (14:00 – 15:00)

Tea break: 15:00 – 15:15

6. Games tax relief – Grant Thornton on the new tax relief proposals, existing breaks for small developers and the Growth Accelerator Program; ? (15:15 – 16:00)

7. Mentoring Sessions – sessions to apply the day’s content to delegate business and practical advice on next steps (16:00 – 17:30) Tenshi Team

DAY TWO – STRATEGY FOR GROWTH AND INVESTMENT

Morning

1. Strategy – how to develop a competitive and investable strategy for a new generation games developer: Jonathan Newth. (09:30 – 10:30)

2. The Law – Sheridan’s Alex Chapman on intellectual property, publishing deals and other must-know legal information 10:30 – 11:30

Tea break: 11:30 – 11:45

3. Investment – who is investing in games developers, and how to structure and close a deal Jonathan Newth 11:45 – 12:45

Lunch: 12:45 – 13:45

Afternoon

4. Public funding – accessing grants from UK and EU, what is out there and how to get it Matt Sansam 13:45 – 14:45

5. Unreal Engine – Epic games on opportunities for start-ups with Unreal Mike Gamble 14:45 – 15:30

Tea break: 15:30 – 15:45

6. Mentoring Sessions – sessions to apply the day’s content to delegate business and practical advice on next steps 15:45 – 17:00 Tenshi Team

REGISTER at http://uk.amiando.com/PUNKKOG.html,

Any queries please contact enquiries@tenshi.co.uk Sponsored by: Unreal Engine Supported by: TIGA and Grant Thornton

TIGA GameDev Night Guildford

6.00 - 9.30pm

Please note that our location for the TIGA GameDev Night has changed:
Venue:
Stevens & Bolton LLP
Wey House
Farnham Rd, Guildford, Surrey GU1 4YD

Directions:
From Guildford main line station, Stevens & Bolton LLP (Wey House) can be seen from the main station exit, to your right
Take the pedestrian subway under the one-way system, bear right in front of Wey House and you will come to the main entrance on your left

Our next TIGA GameDev Night takes place in Guildford on 13 March at Stevens & Bolton LLP, 2 minutes from Guildford train station. As well as the usual free beers & snacks and plenty of time for networking, we have short talks from:

Adam Langridge, Wonderstruck
Wonderstruck is a new team, formed in April 2012 as a peer-studio of Turbulenz. Announcing Polycraft, a HTML5 island-survival game from new Guildford based developer Wonderstruck.

Denes Nagymathe & Amr Din, Reflections A Ubisoft Studio
A Ubisoft Studio Reflections, a Ubisoft studio, is a video games development company based in Newcastle, UK. Collaborating with Ubisoft’s international creative teams on projects such as the ground-breaking new open-world action adventure ‘Watch Dogs’ and the latest instalment in the world’s No.1 dance game franchise ‘Just Dance 4′, Reflections’ objective is to combine technical expertise and flair for innovation to create and contribute to successful and memorable games, and to cement its reputation as an industry leading studio within the UK and the world.

This event is free for all developers (TIGA members and non-members)

Sponsor:

Partner:

TIGA members receive 10% discount off Tenshi Two Day Bootcamp

Tenshi Two Day Bootcamp powered by Unreal Engine

A Two Day BOOTCAMP of intense sessions and mentoring to prepare new studios for success in the modern games industry. The program is aimed at businesses that are:

Early stage, or even pre-launch
Looking to explore new markets or new business models
Developing commercial knowhow and business development skills

We recommend 2 attendees per company but welcome individual CEOs. The program will include sessions on subjects including business models & publishing deals; direct to consumer & digital marketing; strategy & investment.

The event will challenge the attendees to test their own strategy and discuss specific challenges. They will be given an opportunity to refine their games pitch and to explore their leadership style. In addition to providing an opportunity to learn from industry experts attendees will meet like-minded games professionals and potential future businesses partners.

The Tenshi team contributing includes partners Ian Baverstock, Jonathan Newth, Ed Daly, Matt Woodley & Matt Sansam who between them have started, bought and sold games businesses, have worked for start-ups and the world’s largest games companies. Speakers will include games lawyers, publisher acquisition experts, digital marketeers and investors. Guest speakers will include Mike Gamble, European Territory Manager, Epic Games and a representative of Grant Thornton.

VENUE: Grant Thornton, 30 Finsbury Square, EC2P 2YU
DATE: 12th and 13th March 2013
TIME: 9am – 6pm
COST: £162.50 (ex VAT)

Tiga have negotiated a rate for all members, so please email suzi@tiga.org to get your code and to take advantage of this rate of just £146.25 (exc VAT) To register for this event click here, and if you have any queries please contact enquiries@tenshi.co.uk

Thumbstar and Nomad Games announce mobile game deal to publish and distribute Games Workshop’s® Talisman® board game globally for iOS and Android tablet devices

Liverpool, UK – 12th February 2013 - Mobile games service provider and publisher, Thumbstar Games today announced a deal with Nomad Games, the esteemed developer, to bring Games Workshop’s fantastic Talisman board game to mobile game consumers worldwide with Android and iOS tablet devices.

Talisman the board game is 30 years young this year and Nomad Games is thrilled to have been given the opportunity to transport the exciting fantasy world of Talisman onto PC, and now tablets, faithfully recreating one of the best loved board games. Game Workshop’s Talisman board game is world renowned and much loved by its dedicated audience and Thumbstar Games are also thrilled to be partnered with such a thriving global brand.

While multiplayer gameplay will be available in upcoming editions, Talisman Prologue HD focuses on creating narrative depth through its single-player campaigns. The story unfolds as the player rolls dice to move around the outer, middle, and inner regions of the board and each space will require the player to draw a card or resolve a special effect, leading your hero to complete quests, encounter monsters, discover friendly followers, and gather treasure.

The date for the global launch of Talisman Prologue HD for iOS and Android tablet devices is set to be announced shortly.

COO Martin Kitney said, "Thumbstar has secured a new and exciting opportunity. We’re thrilled to be working with Nomad Games and Games Workshop in bringing Talisman to a whole new audience. This title is perfectly matched for play on tablet devices and is a fantastic game and universe in a popular genre.”

Don Whiteford of Nomad Games added, "We are delighted to be working with Thumbstar, a company that gives us instant and noteworthy access to channels, service providers, OEM partners and territories, all driven by first-class publishing services. Talisman is a great brand and we are confident that Thumbstar is the right partner for us and Games Workshop.”

Games Workshop also commented, ""Nomad have already done a fantastic job with Talisman Prologue on PC, and this complimentary release on iOS and Android devices will be a natural fit for Talisman." said Jon Gillard, Head of Licensing.

Download the Talisman EPK here: http://bit.ly/WGdwIK

^{Ends

About Thumbstar Games

Thumbstar
is a mobile games service provider representing more than 150 developers and
providing in excess of 3500 titles through channels into 130 markets globally,
including the UK and Europe, S.E. Asia, the Americas, the Middle East and
Australasia. Thumbstar originally started out in 2008 as an
aggregator / publisher of mobile games for J2Me, Windows Mobile, RIM BlackBerry
and Symbian. Since then Thumbstar has also moved into mobile games publishing
for iOS and Android and expanded its business offering to become a digital developer, distributor and publisher of
mobile entertainment lifestyle applications, wallpapers and themes.

About Talisman®

Talisman is a classic board game with a fantasy theme. As one of a
variety of characters, which includes warriors, rogues and magicians, the
player embarks on a perilous adventure to find and claim the Crown of Command,
a magical artifact with the power to destroy any rival and make the bearer the
ruler of the kingdom. It’s a game of skill and strategy combined with the luck
of dice and cards.

About Nomad Games

The studio was
formed in 2011 by a small team of veteran developers who are passionate about
Talisman and have dedicated themselves to self-funded development of the title.
First the team worked hard to secure an exclusive videogame license with Games
Workshop, developing an early iPad version that clinched the deal. Now based in
the sleepy village of Lymm in Cheshire, the Nomads hope to get people even more involved in development of the next game,
and bring some of that Talisman magic to a much wider audience. Check them out
at: www.nomadgames.co.uk

About Games Workshop®

Games Workshop® Group PLC (LSE:GAW.L) is based in Nottingham, UK. Games
Workshop designs, manufactures, retails, and distributes its range of
Warhammer® and Warhammer® 40,000® games, miniature soldiers, novels and model
kits through more than 400 of its own Hobby centres, the Internet and
independent retail channels in more than 50 countries worldwide. Further
details on the company can be obtained at www.games-workshop.com

Talisman © Games Workshop Limited 1983,
1985, 1994, 2007. Talisman: Prologue © Games Workshop Limited 2013. Games
Workshop, Talisman, Talisman: Prologue, the foregoing marks’ respective logos
and all associated marks, logos, characters, products and illustrations from
the Talisman game are either ®, TM and/or © Games Workshop Limited 1983–2013,
variably registered in the UK and other countries around the world. This
edition published under license to Nomad Games Ltd. "Nomad Games” is the
registered trademark Nomad Games Limited. All other trademarks or registered
trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

CONTACT

Martin Kitney

Tel
+44 (0) 845 126 1360

Mobile
+44 (0) 7595 021 504

Email
martin.kitney@thumbstar.com

Gareth Edmondson

Tel
+44 (0) 845 126 1360

Mobile
+44 (0) 7767 472 969

Email
gareth.edmondson@thumbstar.com}

UK@GDC 2013: Showcase & Lunch

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI)

25 March 2013, San Francisco, United States

Every spring San Francisco hosts GDC – The Game Developers Conference, the world’s largest and longest running professionals-only game industry event.

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) invites UK game industry pioneers to apply to participate in UK@GDC Showcase & Lunch. Ideal participants are indie game studios, middleware, tool, or servicecompanies who are seeking to develop their US business strategy.

Only 40 Participants will be selected toshowcase their business tokey decision makers from leading game Portals, Publishers, Distributors, Investors and Media, with the purpose of exploring market opportunities and crafting strategic relationships.

Apply now to join UK@GDC 2013: Showcase & Lunch! Deadline to apply is 1 March 2013.
For more information please click here.

TIGA GameHackDays: Fun, Prizes and Learning

Adobe, Microsoft, Nokia and Twilio on board as sponsors

TIGA, the trade association representing the games industry, is staging GameHackDays full of fun, prizes and learning. GameHackDays will see teams of entrants compete to design and develop an original game across this weekend. Taking place at Modern Jago in Shoreditch on 8th, 9th and 10th of February 2013, the event will provide a brilliant showcase for aspiring or independent game creators.

Michael Hu, Sr. Gaming Product Marketing Manager, Adobe Systems, Inc. said:
"Adobe Gaming focuses on helping game developers and publishers build, optimize, monetize and deliver games for the widest possible audience online and on mobile. We are happy to continue supporting this mission in the UK by sponsoring and speaking at the TIGA GameHackDays event this weekend. These events always produce some of the most innovative and creative content and we are excited to see what will be on display.”

Dr Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO, said:
"TIGA is focused on helping developers, large and small, to fulfil their potential TIGA’s GameHackDays will provide great opportunities for developers to learn new skills and win some great prizes. TIGA is delighted to be staging the GameHackDays at Modern Jago, courtesy of Microsoft. I would like to thank all our partners for making such generous prizes available for the winners.”

Andrew Webber, Audience Marketing Lead for Indie Game App Builders, Microsoft, said:
"With the fastest growing app store ever and, since launch at the end of October, already seeing game apps being downloaded in the 100,000’s now is the time to jump onboard and develop your next game app for Windows 8 or Windows Phone or both. The Microsoft team are here to help with resources, enthusiasm, passion for game apps and help with promoting. Good luck and look forward to seeing your game apps in the Windows Stores”

Syd Lawrence, Develop Evangelist, Twilio;
"Oh man, I'm so looking forward to GameHackDays, I want to see what awesome games the developers can come up with over such a short period of time. As a big gamer myself, and a developer, it just makes sense to be involved in GameHackDays.” Riaz Ahmed, Developer Evangelist, Nokia UK & Ireland said: "Gaming in 2013, is dynamic, immersive and fun. Whether at home or on the go, gamers want access to the best games across all platforms and all devices. The Developer Experience team at Nokia along with Microsoft is committed to giving developers the tools, services and resources to help game developers bring their ideas to life on the Windows Phone 8 ecosystem. With our Nokia Lumia smartphones combined with Microsoft’s gaming heritage, we are bringing incredible gaming experiences to our customers, across our entire portfolio of smartphones on a daily basis."

"We’ve seen a number of exceptional gaming titles come out of the UK, which is why Nokia is excited to be sponsoring GameHackDays as we really want to nurture talent and support the gaming industry in the UK".

Ends

NOTES FOR EDITORS

List of all the prizes

20 prizes are available across two categories:
6 Kinect devices from Microsoft
3 Windows Phone 8 devices from Nokia
5 copies of Adobe Creative suite 6 Design & Web Premium
5 Nokia Premium developer program tokens
Premium placement slot on the Windows 8 Store

GameHack Event Categories
Teams can enter one of the following challenges:

Best Flash Game – gaming.adobe.com. Each member of the winning team will win 1 copy of Adobe Creative Suite 6 Design & Web Premium (max of 5 people in the team).Please note that games must be Stage 3D based. The game must be built using ActionScript 3 targeting Adobe Flash Player® in a desktop browser or Adobe AIR® on a mobile device or desktop computer. The game can be in 2D or 3D but must use Stage3D, Adobe's fully hardware-accelerated architecture for Flash Player and Adobe AIR.

Best Windows 8 GameThe url for SDK and resources are: http://dev.windows.com and http://dev.windowsphone.com

Best Mobile GameNokia will give away a Windows phone 8 device to best mobile platform game

About TIGA

TIGA is the trade association representing the UK’s games industry. The majority of our members are either independent games developers or in-house publisher owned developers. We also have games publishers, outsourcing companies, technology businesses and universities amongst our membership. Since 2010, TIGA has won 14 business awards and has been nominated a finalist for 16 other awards.

TIGA's vision is to make the UK the best place in the world to do games business. We focus on three sets of activities: political representation, generating media coverage and developing services that enhance the competitiveness of our members. This means that TIGA members are effectively represented in the corridors of power, their voice is heard in the media and they receive benefits that make a material difference to their businesses, including a reduction in costs and improved commercial opportunities.

For further information, please contact Dr Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO on: 07875 939 643, or email: richard.wilson@tiga.org.

TIGA GameDev Night Leamington Spa

6.00 - 8.30pm

Venue:
Episode Hotel
64 Upper Holly Walk
Leamington Spa CV32 4JL

Our next TIGA GameDev Night takes place in Leamington Spa!

Come along for free beers, food and meet some new people!

Confirmed speakers:
Chris White MP will open the event
Deputy Executive of Warwick District Council
David Fullick & Dan Griffiths, Monster & Monster
Representative from Blitz Games Studios

The event is free for all TIGA members to attend and only £20 for non-member affiliates.

Sponsor:

TIGA members receive FREE entry to Gadget Show Live PROFESSIONAL

Date: 2nd April 2013
Where: Birmingham NEC

The Gadget Show Live PROFESSIONAL is a dedicated day for trade buyers to explore The Gadget Show Live and meet with key technology based companies in a business focused environment. Over 250 technology suppliers and manufacturers will be coming together to showcase the latest products and services suitable for a trade and retail audience.

The Game Zone at The Gadget Show Live is always impressive – The Gadget Show Live Christmas saw gaming giants Nintendo, PlayStation and Xbox all competing against each other for gaming supremacy. The Game Zone is also host to the Gaming Stage where you can see the best new games being demonstrated. The Gadget Show Live PROFESSIONAL is often chosen as the platform on which to launch new products into the UK market – past shows have seen the Wii U launch, 50 Cent releasing his headphone range and the launch of the LG 84 inch Ultra HD TV.

There will be a free programme of informative seminars and presentations providing details about the latest technology developments in the gaming sector. Gadget Show Live PROFESSIONAL is a unique opportunity for you to touch, test and compare the very latest in tech products and games within a business focussed environment.

Register for FREE tickets (£15 on the door) Go to www.gadgetshowpro.com for more information

TIGA members receive 10% off to Springboard to China

Springboard to China
@SiliconDragon
20Feb London
Google Campus, London, 4-5 Bonhill St, EC2A 4BX

Email suzi@tiga.org to get your discount code
Enquiries: Gareth M: +44 777 625 6420

TIGA members receive 20% discount to TV Connect 19-23 March 2013

TV Connect returns on 19 – 21 March 2013 at Earls Court Olympia, reuniting the world’s biggest gaming, telco and high rising OTT community as it addresses the future of connect entertainment.

Formerly IP&TV World Forum, the conference and exhibition has evolved to include three dedicated programme tracks, reflecting the nature of the converging industry: Experience, Monetise and Deliver. Featuring over 260 industry leaders from across the globe, contributors include AT&T, BBC, Electronic Arts, HBO, HTTV, Huawei, Dune HD, Digital TV Group, Discovery Networks, Open IPTV Forum, SCTE, Motorola, Telefonica, Time Warner Cable, Universal Electronics, Xstream and Zappware; it’s the leading event in connected entertainment.

For more information and to register for delegate passes visit: www.tvconnectevent.com
To get your TIGA discount code please email suzi@tiga.org

TIGA GameDev Night Shoreditch

6.00 - 9.30pm

Venue:
Queen of Hoxton
1-5 Curtain Rd
London EC2A 3JX

Our next TIGA GameDev Night takes place in Shoreditch!

Come along for free beers, food and meet some new people!

We also have talks from Reflections, a Ubisoft Studio who are kindly supporting the event as well indie developer, Stephen Chan from Squid Ink Games.

Squid Ink is a tiny independent games studio based in London. We make all sorts of gamey-things, from tech experiments and hackathon projects. All in our spare time, just because we enjoy making and playing games.

The event is free for all TIGA members to attend and only £20 for non-member affiliates.

Sponsor:

Ed Vaizey Visits Silicon Spa and Kwalee

Minister for Culture, Communications & Creative Industries Ed Vaizey Comes To Silicon Spa

The Minister for Culture, Communications & Creative Industries Ed Vaizey visits Silicon Spa today accompanied by the local conservative MP Chris White. They will be visiting Warwickshire College, Blitz, Playground Games and Kwalee.

Kwalee invited both Ed and Chris over to the offices and were on hand with their camera's to capture the moment. Ed and Chris were treated to coffee, cakes and a guided tour of our humble offices here in Leamington Spa where they met some of the Kwalee artists and programmers.

The reason for Ed Vaizey's visit is to speak today at the Ministerial Roundtable meeting at the Trident Centre in Warwick and the subject matter is very close to Kwalee's heart. They will be discussing "Silicon Spa: Creating a global brand for video games in Leamington Spa". Our own CEO David Darling and CMO Bruce Everiss will be attending the meeting to represent Kwalee and the mobile gaming sector. You can keep up to date with the developments by keeping an eye on their respective Twitter accounts.

@Brucekwalee
@Daviddarlinguk

Kwalee is a company based in Leamington Spa that develop and publish social multiplayer games for iPhone and other mobile devices.Founded by David Darling CBE, co-founder of Codemasters, with decades of experience at the top level of the video game industry and contributions to many #1 games on numerous platforms in his CV. Kwalee is different. We seek to excite and entertain our customers with innovative new products that provide special experiences.Our ethos is based around a set of core values that put the customer first and which harness the creative skills of our staff to the maximum in order to do so. Kwalee is always very actively looking for those special people who want to join us in our exciting journey.

For more information on Kwalee, check out kwalee.com Like on facebook.com/kwaleeteam and follow @kwalee on Twitter

Ed Vaizey Visits Silicon Spa and Kwalee

Trade: Exporting to the world Platform Doha 2013

15 - 19 April 2013

GameDevelopers
ExpoThe Ritz-Carlton Doha, Qatar

Qatar is one of the wealthiest nations in the world per capita and is developing a clear strategy for future growth as the hub of key industries including gaming, content creation, Transmedia and communications in the Arabic world.Al Jazeera the global Arab world broadcaster is based in Doha and clearly demonstrates that not only is Qatar serious about this industry but they already have a proven track record.

The Qatar Foundation funds a wide range of activity from the development of new industries in Qatar to global humanitarian projects alongside working within Qatar’s 2030 vision of building a knowledge based economy and further establishing Qatar as the gateway to the MENA region.What are the long term prospects?The Arab world is already a significant market for all forms of gaming but we believe there is the opportunity for vast expansion particularly in the fields of making games, content, language and graphics more suitable for the Arab world.

At a simple level this could just be about translation but at a higher level changing graphics to reflect local physical environments, dress and in certain games genre - who wins.There is also considerable interest in developing games to provide educational and learning content.

Who should consider attending?

Anyone who is in the Game design, development, transmedia or content creation business looking to:
• Exhibit and demonstrate their product in a large and wealthy market.
• Secure development funding for new games concepts.
• Secure support in terms of money and local expertise to change existing products or develop new games for the Arab and wider Muslim market.

How do I register?

For more information and to register your interest, please contact:Lindsay West T: 01482 825121E: Lindsay@garthwest.com

For further information regarding UKTI subsidies, please contact your local International Trade Adviser or:David LilleyT: 01482 485233E: d.lilley@uktiyorkshire.co.uk

Mission Details

Mon 15th April Depart Manchester
Tues 16thApril Morning - free Afternoon - visit stands/set-up Evening - Reception at British Embassy (TBC)
Wed 17th April 9am – 6pm Expo Conference Royal Tour 10am - 10:30am 7pm – 9pm Gala Dinner
Thurs 18th April Tour Of Doha Including : Qatar Foundation, Qatar Science and Technology Park, The Souk Waqif & The Museum of Islamic Art.
Fri 19th April Return to the UK

PackagesExhibitor - £4,100 inc. economy flight
This includes a 2x2m stand* complete with a built in screen for show reels and game demonstration. All you need to provide is your logo, marketing message and bring a laptop and memory stick with visual information with you. It also includes four nights accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis and a ticket for the Gala Dinner. *(bespoke stand sizes are also available)

Closing date for stands is 28th February as they need to be printed and sent to Qatar - the price is so competitive because Qatar wants a recyclable exhibition.Exhibiting companies may be eligible for £1,000 subsidy from UK Trade & Investment (UKTI).

Visitor - £2,100 inc. economy flight
This comprises access to the seminars and exhibition, and four night’s accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis and a ticket for the Gala Dinner.Visiting companies may be eligible for £500 subsidy from UKTI.

For more information about the wide range of UKTI support to help you succeed in a new market, please contact:UKTI YorkshireT: 0300 365 1000E: info@uktiyorkshire.co.ukW: www.ukti.gov.uk

TIGA members receive 15% of Mobile World Congress 2013 tickets

MOBILE WORLD CONGRESS
25-28 FEB 2013

The mobile ecosystem is expanding at lightning speed, with endless innovation and new applications of mobile technology. From contactless payments and augmented reality to embedded devices and connected cities – mobile technology is changing the landscape.The impact mobile will have on the world is limitless.

Join us in Barcelona for Mobile World Congress 2013 as together we explore the New Mobile Horizon. Even the landscape of Mobile World Congress will look different in 2013. While the Mobile World Capital Barcelona remains our host, we’re moving to a state-of-the-art new facility, Fira Gran Via. Learn more about our exciting new venue here. Depending on the type of pass you select, attendees can take advantage of the many components that make up this industry-leading event:

A world-class thought-leadership conference featuring visionary keynotes and panel discussionsA cutting-edge product and technology exhibition featuring 1,500 exhibitorsThe world’s best venue for seeking industry opportunities, making deals, and networkingApp Planet, the Centre of the Mobile Apps Universe, where the mobile app community gathers to learn, network and engage with innovatorsmPowered Brands, where marketers, advertisers and global brands explore the possibilities in mobile marketingAnd the Global Mobile Awards programme, where we recognise advancements and achievements in the industry.

For more info or to book: rware@gsma.com
Please email suzi@tiga.org to get your discount code

Nordic Game Conference

Nordic Game offers all members of TIGA a nice discount on conference passes for this year’s event, 22‐24 May, in Malmø, Sweden.

Until the Heavy Bird deadline on 28 February, members of TIGA can combine this with a special organisation discount and save 3830 SEK on a main conference pass!

This is how you do it:

Hurry up, go to www.nordicgame.com, enter the conference registration, check the "Membership discount” box, choose TIGA from the drop down menu, and then enter the secret code. To get the TIGA member discount code please email suzi@tiga.org

Membership discounts are valid only for Nordic Game 2013 Conference tickets and may be combined with Early Bird discounts.

Deadlines for early bird offers:

Until 28 February, Heavy Bird+ discount 3120 SEK (incl 25%VAT)

Until 10 April, Early Bird+ discount 4360 SEK (incl 25% VAT)

Until 21 May, Ordinary Bird+ discount 4880 SEK (incl 25% VAT)

Until 24 May, Late Bird + discount 5560 SEK (incl 25% VAT)

Nordic Game 2013: Celebration Time!

Nordic Game 2013 will celebrate its tenth edition on 22-24 May in Malmö, Sweden. Registration is now open for the most relevant games industry conference in Europe. Get ready to celebrate, NG13 style!

This is what you get:

Tim Schafer will be here!

We are working hard to create the strongest conference program ever, and we’re immensely proud to present Tim Schafer as the opening keynote speaker. Tim will be backed up by a string of global as well as local heroes, including talks by Richard Lemarchand (Uncharted), Julie Uhrman (CEO of OUYA), Mattias Nygren (LittleBigPlanet Vita), and many more.

Introducing Unite Nordic

It is a pleasure to announce Unite Nordic, 21-22 May, at Slagthuset in Malmö: A two-day event created by Unity, and the perfect way to sharpen those Unity skills and prepare for the future.

Pitch & Match returns with a great offer

The Pitch & Match B2B system premiered at last year’s conference with great success. Buy your pass now and experience how the perfect combination of a targeted audience, an online meeting system, and a personal matchmaker makes the difference.

Nordic Fast Track

A brand new track in the conference program, the Nordic Fast Track is the fastest connection between Nordic developers and the conference audience. Sessions will be short, sweet and straight to the point. Watch out for more info very soon.

…and much, much more

Nordic Game Indie Night + Live Pitching Session + Exhibition Floor + Nordic Game Play Area + Nordic Game Awards 2013 + Development Support Grant Ceremony + Gala Dinner + the renowned Nordic Party + You, of course.

Registration is now open

Go to www.nordicgame.com and sign up today. For sponsorship questions, please contact robert@nordicgame.com.

Unite Nordic and Nordic Game 2013 will be held on 21-24 May in the "Slagthuset” venue in Malmö, Sweden, just 21 minutes by train from Copenhagen Airport.

Nordic Game 2011 Sponsors and Partners: Autodesk, Unity, City of Malmø, Region Skåne, Media Evolution, EGDF, KreaNord, EGCA.

Media Partners: GamesIndustry.biz, EDGE Magazine, Develop, PixelTV.

Please email suzi@tiga.org to get your discount code.

TIGA members receive 15% discount at Mobile World Congress 2013

The mobile ecosystem is expanding at lightning speed, with endless innovation and new applications of mobile technology.

From contactless payments and augmented reality to embedded devices and connected cities – mobile technology is changing the landscape. The impact mobile will have on the world is limitless. Join us in Barcelona for Mobile World Congress 2013 as together we explore the New Mobile Horizon.

Even the landscape of Mobile World Congress will look different in 2013. While the Mobile World Capital Barcelona remains our host, we’re moving to a state-of-the-art new facility, Fira Gran Via.

Depending on the type of pass you select, attendees can take advantage of the many components that make up this industry-leading event:

A world-class thought-leadership conference featuring visionary keynotes and panel discussions
A cutting-edge product and technology exhibition featuring 1,500 exhibitors
The world’s best venue for seeking industry opportunities, making deals, and networking
App Planet, the Centre of the Mobile Apps Universe, where the mobile app community gathers to learn, network and engage with innovators
mPowered Brands, where marketers, advertisers and global brands explore the possibilities in mobile marketing
And the Global Mobile Awards programme, where we recognise advancements and achievements in the industy

Enquiries please email Rachel Ware - rware@gsma.com

Email suzi@tiga.org to get your discount code.

LAUNCH presents: Microsoft, The Cloud + Apps Gaming

28 Feb
Birmingham Science Park
17:30

This February, we kick-off with our first meet-up focused around the Cloud + Gaming with LAUNCH Presents: Microsoft

The term "cloud gaming” is usually associated with distribution scenarios for games, such as progressive download and video streaming on-demand. But the cloud offers game developers and studios a rich set of opportunities for enhancing game experiences and monetisation.

In the multi-player, multi-game, multi-platform, multi-device world, the cloud provides coherence, seamless experiences and the data driven insight required to drive engagement and revenue generation.

From AAA titles to app store download, the game now spans the app and the cloud. Microsoft would like to share its perspective on this opportunity for large studios to indie app builders.

5:30 - 6:00 Registration and networking
6:00 - 7:00 Keynote from Rob Fraser, Microsoft CTO of the Cloud, including a perspective from other industry analysts and experts on the future of Cloud + Apps gaming in the UK.
7:00 - 7:30 Studio showcases
7:30 - 8:30 Pizza and networking

Exhibitors from, Unity, Azure, BizSpark, Developer tools, Win Phone 8 App development, and more.
Click to book: http://launchpresentsmicrosoft.eventbrite.co.uk/

Video Games Tax Break Seminar 7 Feb 2013 - University of Abertay, Dundee

....are YOU ready for the new video games tax breaks?

Tax breaks for the video games sector and wider creative sector (which also includes animation and television production) will come into effect from April 2013. This tax relief will lessen the financial risk of producing new games and enable games studios to invest in more staff. Reduced financial risk will also make it easier for games developers who are fresh out of university to start their own companies.

The new tax breaks will ensure that the UK continues to remain a world leader in the high technology video games development industry but with some bloggers asking if the new tax relief ‘cultural test’ will lead to ‘Grand Theft Coventry’ - are you ready for these new changes? Steve Cartwright and Dougy Agnew from Henderson Loggie’s Video Games Group will take you through the qualifications for the tax breaks, the cultural test and some case study examples.

7 Feb 2013
Venue: Hannah Maclure Centre – University of Abertay Dundee.
1730: Registration and welcome drinks.
1800: Welcome from Professor Louis Natanson, University of Abertay Dundee.
1805: Steve Cartwright, Head of Henderson Loggie’s Video Games Group and Dougy Agnew, Tax Partner discuss the new video games tax breaks.
1830: Panel Q&A

* Professor Louis Natanson, University of Abertay Dundee
* Colin Anderson, Managing Director, Denki
* Steve Cartwright, Head of Henderson Loggie’s Video Games Group
* Dougy Agnew, Tax Partner, Henderson Loggie.

1845: Buffet and drinks.

Exhibition: You will also have the chance to view the paintings of prolific Dundee artist Vincent Rattray, who was influenced by cubism, surrealism and expressionism in his images of Dundee's people and buildings.

Cost: FREE to attend. Henderson Loggie Chartered Accountants is a leading service provider to the video games sector providing; audit, accounts, tax, VAT, payroll, business planning and start-up advice to video games developers.

to book: Fiona Boyle at Henderson Loggie - fcb@hendersonloggie.co.uk

TIGA members receive 20% discount to Mobile Games Forum

Attend the No.1 event in mobile games...for less!
Event details Dates: 23rd & 24th January 2013 Venue: Dexter House, London

It’s that time again – business exchanges and networking galore at Europe’s number 1 event for mobile games! Back to celebrate it’s 10th year in style, the Mobile Games Forum (MGF) will have more networking time and interaction alongside an abundance of new speakers presenting on the hottest topics in mobile gaming.

What do women in the games industry think? Are females characters portrayed irresponsibly in games?
How do you increase your user acquisition rates? Who has made leaps and bounds in capitalising on user insights, and how did they do it?
How are big studios like EA and Disney Interactive planning to spend their budgets for mobile in 2013?

These are just a few of the topics we’ll be covering at this 2-day gathering of the greatest minds in mobile gaming – take a look at this brand spanking new agenda.

But that is not all! 2013 will see the 10th anniversary show of MGF co-located with 2 other events - the Social Games & Virtual Goods Forum and, brand new for 2013, a special workshop dedicated to Mobile Social Gambling.

The Social Games & Virtual Goods forum will once again uncover trends in the social games economy, and as an attendee of the half day workshop on Mobile Social Gambling, you will learn about the intersection between games and gambling, making games for entertainment and discover what else is shaping this landscape, right now.

So, as an attendee of MGF, you get to be at 3 events, over 2 days, all in 1 location. Plus, don’t forget the legendary network party, a must attend event for any mobile games industry player! Sponsorship and exhibition opportunities are also available - every package can be tailor-made for you.

Get in touch now if you want to benefit from this increased exposure, or give me a shout if you want to find out more about ways to get involved.

TIGA Exclusive Discount As a member of TIGA we are offering you the chance to book onto this event with 20% discount off the full ticket price.

To secure your place, email suzi@tiga.org for your discount code.

Follow the trends OsneyMedia Get in touch events@osneymedia.com
+44 (0) 20 7336 4600

Everyplay - Ask the Developers

We are hosting a webinar on Tuesday 22nd offering developers a chance to ask questions directly to our development team about the recording and sharing of gameplay video using the Everyplay SDK.

Places are limited, to book please use this link
http://everyplay0113.eventbrite.co.uk/

Oscar Clark

oscar@applifier.com

@athanateus

@everyplaydev

www.everyplay.com

blog.everyplay.com

TIGA members receive £200 off current ticket price - Cloud Gaming Europe February 21-22nd

Develop a plan of attack for player engagement and monetization on the cloud

Publishers, cloud platforms and telecoms come together to talk partnerships and monetisation in the new era of gaming!·

Recognise publisher’s position on cloud gaming: Practical insight on how publishers intend to monetise the cloud and engage new players, and realistic time frames
Telecoms as a bridge to new players: Understand telecoms role in the new gaming ecosystem and infrastructure requirements for taking premium games content on to the cloud
Devise a profitable and timely cloud gaming strategy: Improve player engagement and maximise your games’ reach and profits now, and for the future - addressed by leading publishers and cloud platforms
Grab new players and improve scalability: Get a run-down on the partnerships and strategies needed to improve market penetration and to build a mass user database

Players across the games industry see the cloud differently. But, most agree on one point: Cloud gaming is important, and it is becoming increasingly important!

Cloud gaming is the next big development for the games industry. Though market forecasts vary from $148bln to $55bln by 2014 – cloud gaming is undeniably growing fast!

But grabbing a slice of the pie is no mean feat! Well defined business models, marketing strategies, the technology's full potential and ideas around what players actually want on the cloud have yet to be refined.

At Video Game Intelligence we believe the future of Cloud Gaming hinges on effective partnerships and honest appraisals of both the technology out there and publisher's next moves. And that's exactly what the Cloud Gaming Summit is all about!

http://www.videogamesintelligence.com/cloud-gaming-europe/index.php

Enquiries: lwhite@fcbusinessintelligence.com

Please email suzi@tiga.org to get the discount code for TIGA members.

TIGA Mobile and Tablet Games Event 2013

Modern Jago
Club Row
Arnold Circus
London E2 7ES

Timings: 10am – 5pm followed by networking drinks

Cost:
FREE for TIGA Members
£10+VAT for non-member developers
£40+VAT for non-member affiliates

Each ticket includes refreshments throughout the day, lunch and beers at the networking event.

Sponsor:

Background
28 million new devices were activated globally over Christmas week, 1.76bn apps downloaded worldwide and over half of the devices activated were tablets (Flurry, 2012). Mobile and tablet games is still a major topic for 2013 so register for our revamped TIGA Mobile & Tablet Games event on 31 Jan.

Speakers and discussion throughout the day will focus on the below topics:

Analytics and Profitability

Lessons learned: Monetization – which platforms do our speakers see as most profitable?
Data analysis: consumer behaviour in freemium and mobile game loyalty

Marketing and PR

Fresh take on strategies for marketing your game that have worked for games studios on tight budgets
Building relations with journalists and handy PR advice

Originality in your game

Creating games with character
Demos and talks by developers of some of the most original games of 2012

Distribution and platforms

What can mobile publishers offer game developers?
Case studies of successful self-publishing of mobile and tablet games
Opportunities and challenges on iOS, Android, Windows Phone, BlackBerry, Nook, Kindle Fire
Discussion about HTML5 on mobile

Games UnPanel – A new addition to the event

We want to involve you, our attendees, to make the panel really relevant to you. What topics should we discuss for our panel session?

Give us your suggestions on the day and we’ll give you the chance to sit on our panel and voice your opinion! A 1 minute to talk about your background and your viewpoint & then it’s question time from the rest of the audience! Our only rule – keep it short and keep it mobile & tablet game-related!

Our line-up of speakers:

Barry Meade and Mark Hamilton, Fireproof Games and creators of ‘The Room’, Voted App Store Best of 2012 Game of the Year.

Paul Croft, Co Founder and Director of Games at Mediatonic

(Creators of the smash hit franchise Amateur Surgeon, Robot Unicorn Attack and Superbia.)

Paul has been designing, developing and producing online games for the past 10 years. Since co-founding Mediatonic 7 years ago he has helped grow the firm to a team of 60 with offices in Soho and Brighton.

Mediatonic design and operate digital games that connect millions of players together every day. We are focused on building large-scale Freemium games, Virtual Worlds, and Cross-platform franchises. Blue-chip companies such as Time Warner, Disney and Microsoft depend on our technology and experience to create scalable content and global communities of game players. Together with our partners in Europe, North America and Asia, we’re working on the next generation of digital games.

Luke Whittaker, Co Founder and Creative Director of State of Play Games
Luke Whittaker is Co-Founder and Creative Director of State of Play Games, who create lovingly crafted games & animations. State of Play developed and published the award winning hand-crafted puzzle adventure game Lume for PC, Mac, iOS and Android and Headspin: Storybook for iOS platforms, one of Apple’s ‘Best iPad Apps of 2010’.

State of Play have also created hit games for clients including MTV, Miniclip, BBC, ESPN, Fremantle, Mind Candy and Shockwave, and animations for the likes of Oxfam, BBC, Christian Aid and Macmillan.

Jeff Coghlan, CEO, Matmi
Recent games released by Matmi include Monster Pinball HD and PocketWarwick.

As a digital strategist, my opinions – not always popular or mainstream – have been sought by clients and major advertising agencies. I have been invited to be a guest speaker at many prestigious events to discuss a variety of topics; ranging from the evolution of casual gaming, tech convergence, gamification to the emergence of IPTV.

Some of the more recent speaker engagements include: The Develop Conference (2009, 2010, 2012), GSummit (Gamification) in San Francisco (2012) Elmwood’s Digital Picnic (2008), Brandhouse Digital Sparks (2010), a round table with Brand-e.biz (the branded entertainment specialist site) on "Why Brands Play Games”, and more recently I did a talk at TEDx Liverpool (2012) on the convergence of mobile technology and what that means for the creative digital industry. I am also regularly on panel discussions run by MoMoMcr, Manchester Digital and TIGA. The uptake of mobile devices and the oncoming technology of IPTV suggests we are heading towards exciting times within the digital industry, and I for one am looking forward to seeing the next stage in this industries evolution.

Yann Seznec, Founder and Director, Lucky Frame
Yann is an artist, musician and founder of Edinburgh creative studio Lucky Frame. Their work focuses on physical interaction, physical, accessible art and music, games, and instruments. Yann has performed at the Royal Opera House London, as well as in Paris, Berlin, Tokyo, and more, and his art projects have been shown in international galleries around the world. He founded Lucky Frame when his Wii Loop Machine software hack gained attention on the internet, resulting in a (failed) appearance on Dragons' Den. More recently his company has attracted awards and investment from the British Council, Creative Scotland, Channel 4, and their game Bad Hotel was awarded a Scottish BAFTA for Best Game in 2012.

Wave Trip is a musical arcade game for iPad and iPhone (universal). You control a mysterious and wonderful geometric astronaut as she travels through worlds of unimaginable beauty and danger, saving her friends through the medium of awesome tunes. All of the levels can be remixed and edited, and players can create their own levels and share them with the world. Since every object in Wave Trip has musical characteristics, creating a level is just like writing a piece of music - just easier (and with more creepy enemies).

Richard Firminger, Managing Director, Flurry Analytics
As Managing Director of Europe, Richard leads the company’s UK office as well as advertiser sales and publisher relationships across Europe. Prior to Flurry, Richard led the digital media sales team for Amazon in Europe. Prior to Amazon, Richard was Commercial Director for Northern Europe for Yahoo!, UK MD for Enpocket (sold to Nokia to become Nokia Media Business in 2006), UK Deputy MD & BD Director for AdLink (a direct response media sales organization, sold to HiMedia in 2009) and the first UK Commercial Director for DoubleClick, subsequently sold to AdLink in 2001. Prior to DoubleClick, Richard spent nearly 10 years in B2B publishing in tech press on titles such as Computing and Personal Computer World and during this time he launched Information Week and Computer Reseller News in the UK for CMP Media.

Simon Byron, Director or PR, Premier
Simon has been in the videogames industry since they were called computer games, mobile phones were things off of Star Trek, and tablets are what you took when you were poorly or you wanted to cuddle strangers. An award-winning journalist, PR professional, author and broadcaster, his passion for games and enthusiasm for the ever-changing media landscape has made him one of the most successful PRs in the business. He heads up the games division at Premier, a creative communications agency working with the entertainment, arts and culture industries.

Laurent Maguire, Founder of Rodeo Games
Laurent is a Co founder at Rodeo Games. Setup in 2010, Rodeo was a small team of AAA devs who wanted to make a high quality mobile game using touch controls. Rodeo released the first instalment of their turn based strategy game Hunters in 2011 and then the follow up was released in 2012 along with an android version. We're currently working on our 4th game Warhammer Quest in partnership with Games Workshop, which is due for release this spring.

Alex Ryley, Managing Director, Mutant Labs
Mutant Labs is a tight-knit team of developers and designers who share a passion for Games, Apps and other digital wizardry. The latest game is Half Inch Heist.

Nizar Romdan, Director of Ecosystem, Media Processing Division
Nizar is the Director of Ecosystem within the Media Processing Division at ARM. Nizar leads a team that works with the graphics ecosystem like game studios and game engine and middleware providers so they make the best use of the ARM GPUs and CPUs as well as helping them promoting their games to OEMs and Silicon Providers. Nizar has been working for ARM for 7 years and prior to that worked for STMicroelectronics. Nizar holds a masters degree in microelectronics.

Henry Hoffman , Project Lead, Mush
Henry Hoffman worked as Project Lead on the bestselling Xbox LIVE game Mush for Windows Phone. He's now teamed up with indie rockstar Dan Da Rocha and is working on HTML5 games for a plethora of exciting platforms.

Final speakers to be announced shortly. Any questions, please contact nisha@tiga.org.

Sign up for TIGA GameDev Night in Guildford

6.00pm - 8.30pm

TIGA GameDev in nights are back! Our first meet-up of the year in Leamington Spa is on the 13th March!

Confirmed speakers:
Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO
Representative from Reflections, A Ubisoft Studio on the theme of Indie Spirit in a Triple A studio

Register your place quickly to avoid disappointment!

Games Industry Analytics Forum Hosted by TIGA

Time: From 5pm to 6pm
Date: Tuesday 29th January.
Venue: Offices of Arnold and Porter. http://www.tower42.com/ 25 Old Broad Street London EC2N 1HQ

The GIAF has been set up to provide an informal environment for Analytics practitioners in the Games Industry to share experiences, understand and develop best practice and advocate the power of analytics across the Games Industry as a whole.

The agenda is as follows:
5:00 Welcome Mark Robinson, COO, GamesAnalytics
5:05 ‘Common Mistakes When Looking At Freemium Metrics’ Stan Beremski, Product Lead at Natural Motion
5:25 ‘What Analytics in The Games Industry has to Learn from other Sectors’ Vince Darley, Director of BI and Analytics at King.com
5:45 Discussion on the ‘State of the Art’ in F2P Analytics mediated by Mark Robinson
6:00 Close

Followed by networking drinks (Venue http://www.designmynight.com/london/bars/the-drift-liverpool-street)

We hope that this event will be a regular 6 monthly occurrence that provides an exciting, thought-provoking and valuable networking opportunity. Please join us in this first meeting and be part of the growing focus on Analytics.

If you have any questions with regards to the event please contact Vanessa@tiga.org

Venue details: http://www.arnoldporter.com/offices.cfm?u=London&action=view&id=3

Microsoft Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8 Apps/Games development

Cambridge Game Creators (CGC) in conjunction with Games Eden will host a Microsoft presentation on the 18th January 2013. In this presentation, Microsoft Technical Evangelist, Lee Stott, will provide a high level overview of Microsoft's new platforms, Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8.

Subjects covered in this presentation are:

Introducing Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8
A new App platform from the Windows family
Supported application models Native, Managed, and Frameworks
Getting started with Windows Phone 8 App development
Getting started with Windows 8 App development

In addition to these subjects, attendees will have an opportunity to learn and discuss other subjects of interest including support for existing Windows developers.

CGC is hosting this event with special thanks to Andrew Webber, Marketing Lead for Indy Game Developers at Microsoft UK; Jagex Ltd, for providing the venue; and Greedy Goblin Games, for supporting CGC's communications;

Date: 18 January 2013
Time: 17:30 - 20:00
Venue: Jagex Ltd. - 220, Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0WA
Agenda: 17:30 Doors open 18:00 Presentation begins 19:00 Q&A 19:30 Networking opportunity and drinks for celebrating CGC's growth to more than 110 members 20:00 End

End

About Cambridge Game Creators: Cambridge Game Creators (CGC) is the most active community of professionals and hobbyists who create, use, or just like simulations, computer graphics, and games. Creative and technical minds of all disciplines with an interest in interactive graphics, simulations, games, or virtual worlds come together to share thoughts, network, and above all have fun. If you are a Writer, an Artist, a Modeler, Game Designer, Animator, Graphic Designer, Sound Maker, Producer, work in other roles in the games industry, or even if you are a Scientist or an Engineer who makes use of simulations/visualisations, then YOU ARE WELCOME TO JOIN CGC. CGC is supported by Greedy Goblin Games (http://www.greedygoblinsoftware.co.uk/) and ARM Ltd (http://www.arm.com/).

TIGA GameHackDays@Modern Jago

until Sunday 10th February 2013

Love hacking and making something new? Join us to create a game during our weekend of TIGA GameHackDays! Thanks to our main partners Microsoft and Adobe also to Twilio and Nokia for being our supporting partners.

Sponsored by

Supporting Partners

Overnight GameJams and hackathons are awesome but can leave you feeling like a zombie out from lack of sleep. Fortunately, the good people at Microsoft are letting us take over Modern Jago during the day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday!

By running the event over 3 days it means you can code your heart out, whilst having enough time to play games in our games room and meet a bunch of great people (and maybe win some prizes on the way!).

Warrior, Wizard or Elf? Choose your path!

For GameHackers – for those that just want to get their head down and code/hack and create a game. You can spend every minute doing that!

For Learning Enthusiasts – we are bringing in resources from the games industry in the form of developers, coders, artists, audio specialists and game marketing experts. There’ll be pop-up sessions where you can ask these guys any questions you like.

For those that want some relaxation time fun during our GameHackDays - there is a cool Games Room, separate to the main hack areas, where you can let loose! We’ll be running a mini-tournament for those with the time and inclination – high score wins!

Themes and Prizes for GameHacks created over the weekend:

Flexibility is key here, and you’re open to create whatever is of interest to you and your team. However, there will be prizes on offer for the following:

Best Flash Game – gaming.adobe.com. Each member of the winning team will win 1 copy of Adobe Creative Suite 6 Design & Web Premium (max of 5 people in the team).

Please note that games must be Stage 3D based. The game must be built using ActionScript 3 targeting Adobe Flash Player® in a desktop browser or Adobe AIR® on a mobile device or desktop computer. The game can be in 2D or 3D but must use Stage3D, Adobe's fully hardware-accelerated architecture for Flash Player and Adobe AIR.

You can demo your hacks at the end of 3 days to a panel of games industry bods who love and create games themselves, and be rewarded and recognised for your hard work throughout the event!

FAQs:

When is the event taking place?
Daytime on Friday 8^th, Saturday 9^th and Sunday 10^th February

What are the event timings?
Friday (2pm – 8pm), Saturday (9am – 9pm) and Sunday (9am – 9pm)

What is Modern Jago?
Modern Jago is a limited-time space in the heart of Shoreditch, away from the crowds where digital innovators and creative individuals can be inspired, play, learn, create and share craft and passion.

What will happen in the week leading up to the event?
We’ll be running online chats with our event partners, Adobe and Microsoft to answer any pre-HackDay questions at lunchtime for attendees who want to drop-in and ask questions. It'll be an informal way of getting to grips with SDK and API documentation/libraries. We'll also provide a place in which you can get to know who else is attending and start forming teams before the event starts.

How much time do I/my team have to actually code?
Officially, a full 24 hours, with much needed rest between each day!

Will snacks and food be provided?
Yes, all snacks, meals and drinks will be provided, but feel free to bring anything of your own!

What’s the structure of the event?

Day 1: Friday 8 Feb 2013

3 hours of hack time on Friday
2.30pm Arrival
3.00pm Team formation, creative thinking, ideas time
5.00pm Hack time begins!
Dinner will be provided
8.00pm Hack time ends!

Day 2: Saturday 9 Feb 2013

12 hours of hack time on Saturday
8.30am Arrival and breakfast
9.00am Hack time begins!
Lunch and dinner will be provided
9.00pm Hack time ends!

Day 3: Sunday 10 Feb 2013

9 hours of hacking time on Sunday
8.30am Arrival and breakfast
9.00am Hack time begins!
Lunch will be provided
6.00pm Hack time ends!
Break - Light dinner snacks will be provided
6.15pm Demos begin
7.45pm Judging panel
8.15pm Winners announced
8.30pm End of event

Total GameHack time across all 3 days: 24 hours

Travelling to Modern Jago – How to find us

Entrance: Fortunately, there aren’t any neon signs (good for residents, intriguing for guests), but it’s not too hard to find. Look for green double doors on Club Row, very close to Arnold Circus. The intercom is clearly marked ‘Jago’. Just press the button and say ‘hello’.

By Tube: The nearest tube stations are Liverpool Street and Old Street, with Shoreditch High Street Overground station very nearby. From Liverpool Street – head north up Bishopsgate, then east along Bethnal Green Road for two hundred yards, turning left on Club Row. From Old Street – head east along Old Street until you come across to Shoreditch High Street. Turn right on to Shoreditch High Street and then first left on to Calvert Avenue. Carry on until you reach Arnold Circus. Circle around until you find Club Row.

From London Waterloo (25mins): Take Jubilee Line to Canada Water. Then change for the East London line to Shoreditch High Street. Cross Bethnal Green Road, turning left on Club Row.

From Paddington (30mins): Take the Hammersmith & City Line to Kings Cross. Change at Kings Cross for the Northern Line, leave the train at Old Street. Directions from Old Street as above.

By Taxi: Ask for the junction of Club Row and Arnold Circus.

Car parking: NCP, 35 Great Eastern Street, London EC2A 3ER (no parking at the venue, but you can drop off at the entrance).

About the charity we’re supporting, SpecialEffect, www.specialeffect.org

TIGA GameDev Night Dundee

6.00pm - 9.30pm

TIGA GameDev in nights are back! Our first meet-up of the year takes place on Weds 23 Jan in Dundee at Duke's Corner (13 Brown Street, DD1 5EF) from 6.00pm onwards.

Our keynote speaker is from Reflections, a Ubisoft Studio: Denes Nagymathe, Head of Innovation. Denes will talk about 'The Indie Spirit in a AAA Studio'.

We’re also excited to announce that Charlie Czerkawski, Founding Partner/Designer at Guerilla Tea will give a talk and demo on their game ‘Fangs Out’.

Join us for free beers, foodand to meet some new people! As ever, a special thanks to Autodesk for sponsoring the event and also a big thanks to Reflections, a Ubisoft Studio.

About Reflections, A Ubisoft Studio
Reflections, a Ubisoft studio, is a video games development company based in Newcastle, UK. Collaborating with Ubisoft's international creative teams on projects such as the ground-breaking new open-world action adventure 'Watch Dogs' and the latest instalment in the world's No.1 dance game franchise 'Just Dance 4', Reflections' objective is to combine technical expertise and flair for innovation to create and contribute to successful and memorable games, and to cement its reputation as an industry leading studio within the UK and the world.

About Guerilla Tea
Guerilla Tea want to integrate our areas of study and interest with innovative game design and development on the mobile platform. We plan to maintain an effective balance of contract work and development of our own games to allow Guerilla Tea to grow in a sustained and stable manner.

Guerilla Tea is the brainchild of four Professional Masters graduates of the University of Abertay in Dundee, the UK's video game development hub. We met quite by chance, as a team working on a University project. Our course deliberately brings together game developers with different areas of expertise. In our case, this mix of a coder, artist, designer and producer formulated the very special blend that we call Guerilla Tea! TIGA GameDev nights are back! Our first meet-up of the year takes place on Weds 23 Jan in Dundee at Duke's Corner (13 Brown Street, DD1 5EF) from 6.00pm onwards.

Location:
Duke's Corner
13 Brown Street
Dundee
DD1 5EF

Sponsor:

Partner:

DNA Association launches London 2013 Event

The DNA Association announced that it will be holding a special DNA London Seminar 2013, the day before the EAG International in January next year.

The event will be a unique opportunity, presenting the Digital Out-of-Home Entertainment (DOE) sector to industry executives, developers and those interested in knowing more about this emerging sector. To be held on the 21st January 2013 – the one-day DNA London Seminar 2013 program is being finalized, the DNA Association holding a registration only seminar, the day before the EAG International Expo, and already there has been an enthusiastic take-up of the invitation to speak at what will be an influential gathering.

The seminar will feature a keynote from industry visionary Randy White of White Hutchinson Leisure & Learning Group, followed by sessions on Interactive dark-ride and 4D/5D experiences, with sector leaders Alterface, Triotech, de Pinxi, and Simworx offering their perspectives on those fast growing markets. In a session focused on augmented reality applications in leisure facilities, industry pioneer Total Immersion will present thought provoking observations on trends driving this sector.

The DNA London event will also include a session on developing apps for parks and other leisure facilities, presented by Dogfi.sh Mobile, Hide & Seek, and Lo-Q. The application of innovative interactive animated characters, and motion controlled VR games in leisure facilities will be discussed by Animalive. Interactive games in the hospitality market will be discussed by prominent intelligent surface systems developer Mindstorm Entertainment.

New applications of and opportunities for mixed-reality games in leisure facilities will be highlighted by Six to Start, a leading developer of alternate reality games. Along with these sessions, planning is underway for other presentations, including one on next-generation developments impacting the amusement,

The seminar will accommodate only 100 registered attendees, open to those from the amusement, attraction, and other facets of the digital entertainment sector – supported by a number of sponsors, associations, and seminar partners.

This event will all take place in a special conference area within the EXCel London venue. The DNA event is supported by the UK Trade and Industries (UKTI) who will be sponsoring the refreshments at a seminar concluding industry mixer that evening.

Attendees to the DNA London Seminar 2013 will also be invited to the EAG International Expo opening night party the following evening which is planned to be a major highlight of the show. Ticketing – The DNA London Seminar 2013 will take place at London’s ExCeL London international exhibition and convention center, on the 21st January 2013 – along with an extensive speaker session starting from 9:30am till 5:30pm and an evening mixer, attendance including an invitation to EAG International Expo opening night party the following day.

One Day Seminar Admission Fees :
£99 - (from Nov. 30 to Dec. 15) – Early Bird £140 - (from Dec. 16 to Jan. 19) TIGA members eligible for early bird
£180 - (from Jan. 20) (*Certain trade association and partnership discounts are available)

For all details on the seminar registration – and the DNA Association – contact : Kevin Williams (KWP / DNA Association) : kwp@thestingerreport.com +44 7785 254 729

GDC Play

Once again, The Game Developers Conference® (GDC) and TIGA announce a special for TIGA members to participate at GDC Play 2013. Reserve your kiosk or meeting room at GDC Play by January 7th and receive an additional 10% off our already discounted Early Bird rates.

For details and rates on GDC Play opportunities, please click to http://www.jointhegamenetwork.com/event/gdc/gdcplay.html. Contact Brenner Fuller at brenner.fuller@ubm.com with questions or to make your reservation.

Feedback that we received on GDC Play 2012 was overwhelmingly positive. Here's just one of many testimonials we received from GDC Play 2012 participants:
"GDC Play, in my book, was a certified success.” – Kurt Bieg, Founder, Simple Machine, LLC

View a video clip of GDC Play 2012 by clicking to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zX-R3xhQH4).

Building on the success of GDC Play 2012, here's just a short list of some of what you can expect for 2013: - The GDC Play exhibit hall will be located immediately adjacent to GDC's main exhibit hall to improve visibility and traffic flow.

*** Note: GDC Play is the only business networking/exhibit event serving indie game studios produced by, and co-located with, GDC 2013 at San Francisco's Moscone Center.
***
- Improvements to the Business Matchmaking application will make scheduling meetings easier and more robust. Request meetings with, and respond to meeting requests from, VIPs that we recruit for GDC Play, i.e. publishers, distributors, investors and agents, any of our over 300 GDC 2013 exhibitors, and All-Access pass holders (business decision makers who may present you with unintended opportunity).

- Pre-event access to the press list which includes hundreds of representatives from over 250 Top Media Outlets from print, broadcast, online and social media.

- Implementing programs to maximize attendance, and engagement between VIPs and GDC Play exhibitors, at our GDC Play VIP Reception.

- Internet connectivity will be improved and we will offer more affordable options for wired connections.

Click to http://gdconf.com/events/gdcplay.html for additional information on GDC Play 2013. If you have any questions, need additional information or to reserve a kiosk or meeting room, please contact bRENNER directly at 603-856-0674.

About time

About Time is based on an award-winning quiz game. It’s fast and infectious, with no waiting your turn as everyone plays in every round. Choose a great historical figure – Napoleon, Joan of Arc, Cleopatra or Beethoven – and march onto the stage of history! You’ve got 30 seconds to beat your opponents by guessing the year of an event. There are no wrong answers as you only have to guess closer than the other players.

Like history itself, the About Time board is littered with pitfalls and surprises. You can catch the Plague, be held up by Highwaymen or be challenged to a Duel and see your fortunes rise and fall... About Time questions come in six categories – Heroes & Villains, The Arts, Everyday Life, Innovation, Word & Thought and State & Nation. From Ancient Greece to the Eurovision Song Contest, if it made the headlines, we have it covered. All you need is curiosity, fast fingers and a love of timeless fun!

The Board Game About Time board game has won consistently great reviews through its various editions since it was launched on Dragons’ Den in 2007. In 2008 the game was sold through major high street shops and independent stores, and a special picture edition featuring Guardian front pages was launched with The Guardian newspaper. The game achieved high street success in the UK and was picked up by the CEO of Barnes & Noble in 2009.

It was a major hit in Germany and is also sold in Australia. In 2011 it won the Bizzie Baby Gold Award from parents, who called it ‘fantastic’.

Publisher: Nellyvision Ltd
Developer: Nellyvision Ltd
Category: Board
Formats: Nook HD, Ipad, Android
Availability: Early December
No players: 1, multiplayer to follower
Best for 8+

Circa Circa launched About Time board game on Dragons’ Den Christmas special in 2007. Although the Dragons turned down the chance to plough £50,000 into the company, the inventors were able to launch it in Hamleys and Borders. About Time, which has sold tens of thousands in the UK, Germany and USA, started as a bit of home-made fun with some old chronology books in a North London flat and progressed over two years to a finished product. The inventors, - journalist Joe Gill, vet and filmmaker IainMcGill, designer and artist Michele Rosaus and education consultant Matt Gould – wanted to be sure that it was a truly entertaining, balanced and beautiful product, with elements of luck, knowledge and high stakes to satisfy the vital components of all great board games. The pay off was so many punters and reviewers agreeing they had created a genuinely great game. Contact: joe@playabouttime.com

Nellyvision was formed after the Second Life makers Linden Lab closed down in the UK in 2010. Two games industry veterans, Elaine Green and Gabriel Lee, set out with the intention of straddling the difficult area between 'media' and games. Since then they have worked on many amazing things for many amazing people; Augmented Reality for SIGGRAPH Chair Rebecca Strzelec, CUDA and maths madness with point clouds for Digicave, Iris Connect's new multi camera video app and iOS news casting for the masses for NewsFlare - amongst many others. Several games have also come out of this spate of activity and as 2012 moves into 2013 About Time will be the first of a slick new games catalog for the company. This will include a range of educational games, along with good old fashioned shoot-em-ups Contact: elaine@nellyvision.com

Get Your Game Hack On

http://modernjago.co.uk/2012/11/get-your-game-hack-on/

Everyone loves games, right? Reason enough for our new series of free game design and game hack workshops. Why not come along? Upcoming sessions are below.

Hit the link on each one to book your space.

SATURDAY 8th DECEMBER
Principles of Game Design, 1pm – 4pm - An introduction to the principles of game design. Working in small groups, workshop members will design and create an analogue prototype game.

SUNDAY 9 DECEMBER
Video Game Hacking, 1pm – 4pm - Workshop members will hack classic video games to create their own custom modifications of the game. This will involve editing code and changing graphic files. No previous coding experience required.

Hardware Happy Hour, 4pm – 5:30pm - Using makey makey and arduino, workshop members will create custom video game controllers, and novel forms of interaction.

THURSDAY 13th DECEMBER
Principles of Game Design, 1pm – 4pm – An introduction to the principles of game design. Working in small groups, workshop members will design and create an analogue prototype game.

Hacking & Hardware Happy Hour, 4pm – 5:30pm - Using makey makey and arduino, workshop members will create custom video game controllers, or hack classic video games to create their own custom modifications of the game.

SUNDAY 16 DECEMBER
Build Your Game from/with Scratch!, 1pm – 4pm - Workshop members will work in small groups and on their own to create simple video games, using the graphical programming language ‘Scratch.’ No prior programming experience is required, but it is encouraged that those interested attend one of the two earlier workshops.

Hardware Happy Hour, 4pm – 5.30pm - Using makey makey and arduino, workshop members will create custom video game controllers, and novel forms of interaction

“Cloud in the gaming industry now and in the future – what is the opportunity for game developers?”

Please register here: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/event/4912311857

"Cloud in the gaming industry now and in the future – what is the opportunity for game developers?” Develop a concept with our cloud gaming experts.

Talk and briefing at Modern Jago venue in Shoreditch
Wednesday 12th December at 6.30pm with beer and bagels.

Gaming is set to change massively over the next five years, and Cloud gaming is at the forefront of this. James Binns, Managing Director of Network N Ltd and Rob Fraser - Chief Technology Officer of Cloud Services for Microsoft UK, will lead this discussion.

They will share their background and expertise in the industry and their opinions on cloud gaming now and in the future, with the expectation of inspiring lively debate and encouraging new thinking about cloud gaming. Cloud gaming is set to have a significant impact on the games industry, with analysts projecting potential revenues of 6% of the market by 2017. With this in mind our speakers will discuss the context of the rise of cloud gaming and the impact of digital distribution and highlight the opportunities for developers, as well as setting a cloud gaming creative brief of their own for developers to respond to.

Do you have vision, creativity and want to feel inspired? If so, James will be setting the brief at Modern Jago on Wednesday 12th December, and is looking for creative responses for new app concepts using Cloud gaming. Entry will be simple and straightforward, and will initially involve the sharing of ideas with the ultimate aim of building the app. James will lead the discussion with his personal views on the current utilization of Cloud in the UK games industry, as well as elaborating on the areas where he feels there are opportunities for the industry with Cloud, and the potential pitfalls. He will also share examples of best practice in business models, game mechanics, user profiles and distribution mechanics.

Rob will then cover Microsoft’s Cloud proposition and share his thoughts on what opportunities are available on each platform. The brief will then be set and guests will have the opportunity to ask any burning questions. March’s issue of Develop magazine will contain a supplement on Cloud Gaming, the best concepts will be showcased within this issue. This brief is the second instalment of The Modern Jago Awards – briefs will be set over 5 separate talks between November and February. The aim is to encourage creative collaboration and sharing of ideas.

Microsoft will be providing support / workshops at Modern Jago once briefs have been set. In February there will be an Awards event to celebrate the best outputs from Modern Jago. Modern Jago is at Rochelle School & Club Row, Arnold Circus, London E2 7ES

The Eclectic Delights Bundle: Pay What You Want for 9 Properly Indie Games

The Eclectic Delights Bundle: Pay What You Want for 9 Properly Indie Games Having obsessively researched the wild and wonderful world of indie gaming, Bundle In A Box returns and is proud to present the Eclectic Delights bundle.

It’s a fine assortment of 9 delightful, truly indie offerings everyone can enjoy for the most reasonable price of "pay-what-you-want” over at http://www.bundle-in-a-box.com/.

The bundle, a Kyttaro Games (http://www.kyttarogames.com/) effort to promote indie developers and quality games, is launching this Tuesday the 4th of December 2012, will last for 14 days and offer all games as DRM-free downloads (but not exclusively so; most games are also available on Desura and/or Steam ). The Eclectic Delights bundle is all about … … selecting the best and most intriguing games across all genres .

Gamers will get to enjoy a rich compilation of both successful and less known games, that have all made it through the painful, slightly silly, but always thorough Bundle In A Box selection process. … fantastic indie games. Paying anything above $0.99 will get you:
-elegant RTS War of the Human Tanks (Windows/Desura)
-Lovecraftian yet cute platformer Eversion (Windows/Mac/Steam)
-gloriously pixelated adventure/strategy Delve Deeper (Windows/Steam)
-Russian horror offering Fibrillation (Windows /Desura)
-point-and-click mystery Shadows of the Vatican, Act: I (Windows/Desura)

and even more games. Beating the average price will allow gamers to enjoy four more excellent games:
-award winning platformer Adventures of Shuggy (Windows/Steam/Desura)
-surreal horror game The 4th Wall (Windows)
-FMV rhythm-action-fighter Stay Dead (Windows/Mac/Desura)
-retro-tastique, hilarious maze-‘em-up Flibble (Windows)
… directly supporting upcoming game developers.

For every 100 bundles sold $10 will be added to our Indie Dev Grant and the whole sum will be awarded to a developer selected by vote; no strings will be attached as to how the grant will be used. … charity. 5% of all revenues will be shared with the Hellenic Centre for Mental Health and Treatment of Child and Family. … all sorts of extras. What’s more, for every 1000 bundles sold new extras will be unlocked for everyone who grabbed the Eclectic Delights offer.

Unlockable extras include:
-The complete and formerly unreleased soundtrack of forthcoming mobile game Droidscape: Basilica
-The Adventures of Shuggy soundtrack
-Sound of the Human Tanks: the War of the Human Tanks OST
-The Adventures of Shuggy digital comic-book
-The Shadows of the Cathedral soundtrack

As an added bonus, all who purchase the bundle will get access to exclusive content for Droidcape: Basilica (http://www.kyttarogames.com/?page_id=384); KyttaroGames’ own upcoming game for iOS and Android.

And now for a selection of handy links:
Bundle In A Box site: http://bundle-in-a-box.com/
Eclectic Delights Presskit: http://kyttarogames.com/press/sheet.php?p=bundle_in_a_box_eclectic_delights The BIAB Blog: http://blog.bundle-in-a-box.com/
Contact email: info@bundle-in-a-box.com

Digital Content Monetisation London - TIGA members receive 20% discount

Digital Content Monetisation London
www.dcm-eu.com

TIGA members enjoy 20% discount; claim the discount - email suzi@tiga.org.

DCM Europe is the continent’s only event dedicated to monetizing digital content within the media and entertainment industry. Each year at DCM Europe we bring together over 300 senior experts across the region in TV, film, sports, music, publishing, gaming and mobile.

Speakers including:
•James Carson, Head of Digital Marketing, Bauer Media
•Stephan Garandet, VP Digital Operations, Universal Music Group
•Ian Sayers Chief Architect for Digital & Mobile, Barclays
•Will Mills, Director of Music & Content, Shazam
•Kiaran Saunders, VP Commercial Director, Nickelodeon UK
•Stacey Seltzer, Head of Smart TV, LG •Senior Representative, TV Nova
•Daniel Danker, General Manager of Programmes and On Demand, BBC
•Darwyn Palenzuela, CTO, Smart Gaming group
•Richard Hicks, Head of Mobile, ITV
•Gareth Reakes, CTO, We7
•Suresh Sudera, Head of Games, Vodafone Group
•Eudald Domenech, CEO, InOut TV
•Nicholas Lovell, Founder, GamesBrief
•Dan Brilot, Media Consulting Director, YouGov plc
•Ben Whitelaw, Community Editor, The Times
•Hussein Chahine, CEO, Yazino
•Celia Francis, CEO, WeeWorld
•Ian Mullins, CEO, YamgoTV
•Denise Parkinson, Entertainment Partnerships, Yahoo!
•Clive Dickens, COO, Absolute Radio

Day One - Mobile and Tablet Summit

Day Two - Start-Up Showcase, DCM2 Talks, Drinks Reception

Day Three - Multi Screens, Social Media and Film Screening in the afternoon

For more information on the conference email charmailto:charlotte.walkling@clarionevents.com

Year 0 Launched on Kickstarter

Nottingham based Games Developer Legendary Games has just launched a Kickstarter project to fund Year 0, a Post Apocalyptic themed, browser-based, multiplayer, strategy game.

layers will battle for survival and to mould the new world in their image. Not only do they need to scavenge for food and material to rebuild their world, they must also form alliances and fight the other survivors for scarce resources and territory.

Ewan Lamont the CEO of Legendary Games said
"The game will be truly innovative using brand new HTML5 technology that will allow it to be accessed from any browser equipped device and embedded in any browser carrying platform. Players playing on the facebook version of the game on their pc will be able to play directly with and against players using the app on their mobile phone. The project URL: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/playlegendary/year-0-the-war-is-over-the-battle-for-survival-has?ref=email

The game has been supported by the Abertay University prototype fund who provided enough finding to make the demonstration version. Legendary Games is now using Kickstarter to fund the final development of the game.

Ewan Lamont added
"Nottingham is a hotbed of creativity and is already hosted several successful Kickstarter projects. We are hoping to join their ranks with some truly unique rewards for backers including taking part in a film shoot at a Nuclear war Bunker "

--ENDS--

Notes to editors:
Please find a press pack here where pictures and information can be downloaded: http://legendary-games.com/press/ E-mail: ewan@legendary-games.com Antenna, Beck St, Nottingham NG1 1EQ Phone: +44 (0) 794 157 0024 Legendary Games Limited is a company limited by shares in the United Kingdom Company Number: 7450668 VAT Number: 109 1147 42

Ikinema - sponsor of CG Society's CGChallenge XXVII: Ten competition.

Ikinema is a sponsor of CG Society's CGChallenge XXVII: Ten competition.

Prize: Action software + 1 year Maintenance Win our software in the Open Category section for Best Character, Visual Effects, and Animation.

for more information, and to download a trial to participate visit http://www.ikinema.com/?mod=news&show=18

IKINEMA STUDENT GIVE AWAY
We have 5 free student licenses to give away. First 5 students to register receive a copy of Action Student software. Email sales@ikinema.com, quote November Student Offer in the subject line.

IKINEMA ACTION SOFTWARE OFFER
Action Software Free Annual Maintenance with every Action software purchase, + 20% off first license. Save at least £445 Email sales@ikinema.com

TIGA swoops to win top award for Public Affairs

TIGA, the trade association representing the UK video games industry, has won a prestigious award for its battle to secure the introduction of Games Tax Relief.

TIGA won the In-House Public Affairs Award 2012 in the annual PRCA Awards, seeing off competition from the Airport Operators Association and Queen’s University Belfast.More than 60 judges were involved in the short-listing process. The winners were announced at an Award ceremony that was held last night in central London.

Dr Richard Wilson, CEO of TIGA, said:
"To win ‘Public Affairs Award 2012’ from the PRCA in recognition of our campaign for Games Tax Relief is fantastic news. It is a great tribute to be recognised by our peers in the PR and Public Affairs arena that TIGA conceived and executed a first class campaign for our members and for the wider industry. I’d like to thank my team, TIGA’s members and those politicians who supported our campaign and enabled TIGA to secure Games Tax Relief. TIGA will continue to strive to strengthen the UK games industry and to help developers and digital publishers to succeed.”

Jason Kingsley OBE, TIGA Chairman and CEO and Creative Director at Rebellion, said:
"I’m delighted that TIGA has won this highly respected award. I’d like to thank the TIGA team and all of our members for supporting our campaign for Games Tax Relief, which is now set to be introduced in April 2013. TIGA will aim to ensure that Games Tax Relief is implemented effectively and helps small and large studios alike.”

Notes to editors:
About TIGA:

TIGA's vision is to make the UK the best place in the world to do games business. We focus on three sets of activities: political representation, generating media coverage and developing services that enhance the competitiveness of our members. This means that TIGA members are effectively represented in the corridors of power, their voice is heard in the media and they receive benefits that make a material difference to their businesses, including a reduction in costs and improved commercial opportunities.

For further information, please contact Dr Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO on: 07875 939 643, or email: richard.wilson@tiga.org.

TIGA members enjoy 15% discount at iGaming Asia Congress 12-14 March, Macau

iGaming Asia Congress 2013 12th - 14th Mar 2013
Grand Hyatt, City of Dreams, Macau

TIGA members enjoy 15% discount; claim the discount - email suzi@tiga.org.

The iGaming Asia Congress (iGA) is quite literally the only place where the whole iGaming community in Asia gets together to network and learn about new opportunities in each market from those actually on the ground and doing business here; it is a must-attend event for anyone with interests in Asia Pacific.

New topics for 2013 including:

Full day focus on social gambling and gaming
Targeting Chinese speaking customers, in Asia and in Europe
Developments in China’s lottery games and Internet licensing rules
Localising live dealer for different markets
Negotiating the special aspects of in-play betting in Asia
Setting up and managing call centres
Software and developer selection and management

For further information about this event please contact Beacon Events: Tel: +852 2219 0111
Email: info@beaconevents.com
Website: http://www.iGamingAsiaCongress.com/2013/iGamingAsia2013/en/Home/index.jsp?utm_source=Ext&utm_medium=Event_Listing&utm_campaign=TIGA_Online_Event_Calendar_13-11-2012

Cloud Gaming Europe – February 21-22 2013.

Develop a plan of attack for player engagement and monetization on the cloud

Publishers, cloud platforms and telecoms come together to talk partnerships and monetisation in the new era of gaming!

Recognise publisher’s position on cloud gaming: Practical insight on how publishers intend to monetise the cloud and engage new players, and realistic time frames

Telecoms as a bridge to new players: Understand telecoms role in the new gaming ecosystem and infrastructure requirements for taking premium games content on to the cloud

Devise a profitable and timely cloud gaming strategy: Improve player engagement and maximise your games’ reach and profits now, and for the future

Grab new players and improve scalability: Get a run-down on the partnerships and strategies needed to improve market penetration and to build a mass user database

Venue: Thistle Hotel - Marble Arch, London
For more details please visit our site: http://www.videogamesintelligence.com/cloud-gaming-europe/

MIRROR WORLDS FASHION & GAMES LAB

December 3, 4 & 5, 2012
Ghent, Belgium

CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS!
How can the fashion and games industry find mutual economic benefit in their working practices in order to remain relevant in a connected world?

-How can games and game mechanics be implemented in branding and marketing?
-Which applications can you mobilize to build solid and lasting customer relations?
-How does fashion appear in the various game genres that are currently available in the market?
-Pushing back frontiers and ‘thinking out of the box’ are encouraged.
-The final result is a plan for an innovative project.

WHAT?
The LAB induces collaborationbetween talented professionals from the different segments of the fashion and game industries to explore new, untrodden paths. The days are spent on idea generation, co-creation, collaboration and inspirational interventions. The participants are offered a unique opportunity to explore and experiment their way to a innovative concept. Incentives and examples stimulate them to bring forward their own ideas and develop them together with others. Feedback and coaching are supplied by mentors and at peer-to-peer meetings.Day 1 - Gathering and mapping insight with the aim of revealing touchpointsDay 2 - Creating Strategies and SolutionsDay 3 - Packaging solutions for handover (presentations) WHO CAN COME? Fashion industry entrepreneurs, game developers and game designers

WHY?
Bringing them together in a 3-day LAB to explore common (economical) interests soon provokes cross-fertilization and the realization of new concepts. Games, after all, can be used to launch new fashion collections. They can be used for innovative marketing strategies, as well as for creating loyalty and engagement with customers and fans of fashion brands. Conversely a fashion designer can give his creativity free rein in the digital world, without having to take physical requirements and limitations or cost of fabric into account.

FACILITATOR & MENTORS:

Katz Kiely - Senior Innovation, Communications and Social Business Strategist. Worked with digital agencies and fashion, focusing particularly on brands. Strategist, storyteller, creative, entrepreneur, planner, connector, collaborator & writer.
Katie Bell - Director for Biz Dev at STARDOLL. Trend spotter, entrepreneur, digital strategist. Working with big brands by integrating brands into the digital dressing-up phenomena.
Peter Hill - 3D Design and Technology Manager for the Fashion Digital Studio, London College of Fashion. Working at the digital studio, focusing specifically on gaming at the LFC featuring body scanning, digital design, rapid prototyping, software design, avatar creation and large format digital textile printing.
Paul Tyler - Handling Ideas - Founder. Working with creatives to map out and visualize concepts, stories, formats, services and campaigns.

Fee: 350,- (ex VAT)
A few seats are available for students only, at a discount rate of 90,- euro (ex VAT)

Deadline for registration: November 16, 2012
Send an email with your cv and motivation (in English!) to info@iDROPS.be

A 2nd Fashion & Games LAB, the Follow Up, will take place in London, during the London Fashion Week
(15-19 February 2013) www.iDROPS.be

Partners: iDROPS, the Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN, UK), the London College of Fashion (UK), Enterprise Knowledge Network and Shareplay (Denmark).

University of Lincoln Computing Society GameJam

University of Lincoln Computing Society GameJam
Date: March 9th - 10th.
Venue: University of Lincoln, MHT Building, Computer Lab A, B, C
Contact Number: 07543484030
Email: president@ulcs.co.uk for more details or to register

24 hour coding/creation marathon style event
Teams from 1 - 5
Games must be made on the day
Games must make use of the theme/s
Open to all undergraduate students (from participating universities)
Capacity - 110 Computer Spaces (possible for additional laptop spaces depending on numbers)
Several prizes up for grabs

TIGA Pounces to Win ‘Trade Body of the Year

TIGA, the trade association representing the UK games industry, has won ‘Trade Body of the Year’ in the prestigious Public Affairs News’ Awards.

TIGA fought off tough competition from three other well-resourced and well-organised trade bodies: the Airport Operators Association, Animation UK and the Energy Networks Association.

Dr Richard Wilson, CEO of TIGA, said:
"To win ‘Trade Body of the Year’ in recognition of our campaign for Games Tax Relief is a great honour. It’s terrific that TIGA’s achievement has been recognised in the Public Affairs News’ Awards. I’d like to thank my team, TIGA’s members and those MPs and MSPs who supported our campaign and made this achievement possible. TIGA will continue to focus on strengthening the UK games industry and enabling developers and digital publishers to achieve their potential.”

Jason Kingsley OBE, TIGA Chairman and CEO and Creative Director at Rebellion, said:
"I’m really pleased that TIGA has won the Award of ‘Trade Body of the Year’ on account of our Games Tax Relief campaign. Games Tax Relief will make a real impact on the UK games industry. TIGA will continue to focus on enabling developers and digital publishers to grow successful businesses.”

Notes to editors:

About TIGA:

TIGA is the trade association representing the UK’s games industry. The majority of our members are either independent games developers or in-house publisher owned developers. We also have games publishers, outsourcing companies, technology businesses and universities amongst our membership. Since 2010, TIGA has won 13 business awards and has been nominated a finalist for 16 other awards.

TIGA's vision is to make the UK the best place in the world to do games business. We focus on three sets of activities: political representation, generating media coverage and developing services that enhance the competitiveness of our members. This means that TIGA members are effectively represented in the corridors of power, their voice is heard in the media and they receive benefits that make a material difference to their businesses, including a reduction in costs and improved commercial opportunities.

For information about the Public Affairs News Awards, please see: http://www.publicaffairsnews.com/panawards/shortlist

For further information, please contact Dr Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO on: 07875 939 643, or email: richard.wilson@tiga.org.

Finalists have also been announced for the annual Mochis Award Show, which honors the best games from the past year in 10 different categories. Movies have the Oscars, Flash games have the Mochis. Che

24 March 2013
Julia Morgan Ballroom
465 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94104

"THE REPORTS OF MY DEATH ARE GREATLY EXAGGERATED”- Mark Twain, 1897 & Flash Games, 2013

Don’t believe the hype, Flash games are not only alive and well...they are evolving. The walls separating gaming platforms continue to crumble down, as game creators are able to expand their game IP from one platform to another more easily than ever before. Game creation is evolving.

Yesterday, there were platform-specific game developers, from Flash to mobile to online. Today, there are just game developers making great content for as many platforms and devices as possible. Being an indie game developer or small development team has never been more exciting.

Game creators with roots in Flash are branching out to new platforms, opening up new opportunities and revenue streams. Often the first (and arguably the easiest) platform for game creation, Flash is playing a huge role in this gaming evolution with a large community of indie game developers, small studios, and gaming portals that spread games across the Internet at lightning speed.

Join us for a one-day conference dedicated to fostering the growth and success of today’s game creators and publishers. This conference will bring together leaders and pioneers in the ever-evolving Flash game space to share industry insights and strategies on successful game design, development, and monetization.

Finalists have also been announced for the annual Mochis Award Show, which honors the best games from the past year in 10 different categories. Movies have the Oscars, Flash games have the Mochis. Check out the finalists!

Click to register for early bird tickets http://fgs5.eventbrite.com/
Contact: Colin Cupp [colin@mochimedia.com]

Fusion Games Summit: Inform, Educate and Play?

BBC Academy & The Univerity of Salford

Fusion Games Summit: Inform, Educate and Play?

27th & 28th November 2012, University of Salford, MediaCityUK

The Event

The Fusion Games Summit is an innovative one and a half day event, designed to explore and inspire the links and potential fusions between broadcast media and video gameplay. The event will bring together leading members of the video game industry, the foremost thinkers on gaming, and departments (such as Children’s, Learning and R&D) and funders from across the BBC.

The Audience

The event will host between 150 to 200 delegates, exhibitors and students, open to those interested in exploring the future of gaming and broadcast media, and the potential synthesis of media forms and audiences.

Structure

The summit will be launched at 430pm on 27th November, with a drinks reception and networking opportunity in the Egg space at the University of Salford MediaCityUK building. Throughout the two days, the Egg space will feature a number of key exhibitors, including BBC departments, major and local games companies, and work from the University of Salford. The 28th will begin with a keynote address from games industry innovator Ian Livingstone, and then split into two parallel streams, featuring panels, presentations and discussions around key themes, such as…Kids & Games, Games & Learning, Games Funding, The Future of Games & Broadcasting, Game Interfaces, Game Cultures… and much more

All exhibitor enquires to: Laura Owen, University of Salford Events Manager

Email: l.owen@salford.ac.uk Tel: 0161 295 2313

All other enquires to: Prof. Garry Crawford,

Email: g.crawford@salford.ac.uk Tel: 0161 295 6557 Twitter: @CultSociologist

Event details and delegate tickets available online at:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/academy/news/view/academy_fusion_gaming_summit_2012

Antix Games Live with TelkomStore Indonesia

Following from the July 2012 announcement of collaboration between Antix Labs and PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia ("Telkom”), the TelkomStore now includes the Antix Game Player ("AGP”) for download and an initial selection of Antix-formatted games available to its Indonesian mobile consumers through Telkomsel (GSM) and Flexi (CDMA). Integration and deployment work continues to expand these services to Telkom's Speedy (ADSL), USeeTV (OTT TV), IPTV, and Telin (mobile, international) consumers.

While consumers can still opt for the traditional download-from-the-store model, AGP enables consumers to share conveniently and freely Antix-formatted games off-network directly between dissimilar devices. While game files themselves can be socially discovered and shared between friends using Wi-Fi Direct to Bluetooth, payments remain separately and securely processed through the consumer's mobile SIM account. Social distribution of games in this way is the natural and logical extension of the way photos, music, and videos are shared through social networks like Facebook and Twitter.

Francis Charig of Antix said,
"Consumers want to play truly socially, in other words with their friends and family whether or not they're connected to a network. This capability is now live to consumers in Indonesia with a rollout to an ever expanding range of devices”.

Achmad Sugiarto, Executive General Manager of Telkom's Multimedia Division, said
"With this exciting support for Antix now underway, Telkom plans to expand the new game service by incrementally adding in-demand game titles, support for more device models, and new social, multi-device gaming features that consumers can only get through the Telkom Group”.

Together, Telkom and Antix Labs continue to push the boundaries for consumers who increasingly want faster and more convenient access to content, even during busy network times and when outside of network coverage areas.

– Ends –

NOTES FOR EDITORS

About Antix Labs, Ltd.
(Antix):Antix has developed the Antix Game Player incorporating a consumer-focused distribution file format and service that makes games even more viral than music and video whilst still protecting the rights and the revenues of the developers. It enables consumers to copy, share, challenge and play with others not only via a service provider’s network but also off-network by means of wireless technologies such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct. Antix connects consumers across feature phones and smartphones, tablets, TVs, set top boxes, PCs and other devices even when a provider’s network is inaccessible, intermittent, slow or full as is the reality in home and on mobile across most of the world. The company offers the Game Player, corresponding tools, certification mechanism, optional white-label store and an optional game warehouse necessary to deploy a complete service offering. The Antix Game Service is being used as a core gaming component by major operators, broadcasters, device manufacturers and retailers across the globe. Headquartered in the Reading Enterprise Centre in Reading, England and with offices in America and Asia, Antix was founded by Francis Charig, a World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer.

For more information, please visit: http://antixlabs.com/.Alternatively please contact:Tim Cole, Head of PR, Antix Labs Ltd.tim.cole@antixlabs.com

Show of talent as The Voice of Germany - the official video game - is produced and co-developed by UK based, Wired Productions

The Voice of Germany, which will be launched on November 8th, 2012, is the official game version of the extremely successful music show of the same name, the second season of which has been broadcast since October 18th on ProSieben and since October 19th on SAT.1. bitcomposer Games and flashpoint AG are going to release this music and party game in two different editions.

In addition to the stand-alone edition, priced at €39.95, there will be a premium value bundle, including two quality Logitech microphones, at a price of €59.95. This singing and party game is being produced and co-developed by UK based independent games production company and publisher, Wired Productions. Wired is no stranger to singing and party games; their portfolio includes, among others, the hugely popular and successful We-Sing™ series on Nintendo Wii, which has also been successfully distributed by flashpoint AG in Germany.

Wired worked on The Voice of Germany with long-term collaborators - the France based studio - Le Cortex, who are also experts in the area of music games. According to Jason Harman, Operations and Production Director with Wired, the outstanding factor was not just the extra complexity that comes with a significant TV license, but rather, "creating an experience that is oriented as closely as possible to the show. Here, it is about the voices of the singers, not about colorful animations. This allows the player to experience the show as it is in reality.”

Frédéric Sommer, the Project Director at Le Cortex, comments,
"We believe that we have managed to create a product that reflects the spirit of the show.”

This has been achieved with the help of the KaraEngine™, which was developed especially for The Voice of Germany. The KaraEngine™, which is set to redefine technical standards in the singing game genre, drastically minimizes annoying latency times, thus guaranteeing a smooth playing experience. The Voice of Germany also distinguishes itself through the unique quality of its track listing: 30 top-notch titles by international artists, all of which have achieved top ten chart positions, offer a balanced mix of German and English language tracks. Moreover, this is the first time that most of the songs have been part of a music and singing game.

KEY FEATURES

Game based on the TV show! Officially licensed game version of the popular and wildly successful TV show "The Voice of Germany!”
30 popular & up to date songs with a balanced mix of German and English titles of varying difficulty levels. · Every track a real hit: Among others, "Born This Way” by Lady Gaga, "Satellite” by Lena, and "Do You Like What You See” by "TVoG” winner Ivy Quainoo.
TV Show Mode: Experience the TV show up close, and master the various levels of the show (blind audition, coaching, duel, live shows).
Singing is fun—especially with others! Sing together with up to eight friends in two teams at one time, or go up against them in intense battles. Six different multiplayer modes make this possible.
Immediate feedback: Thanks to modern technology, the game has an extremely high transfer rate between the microphone and the screen, providing for the lowest latency ever.
Easy-to-use menus for quick access to the songs.

The Voice of Germany will be launched on November 8th, 2012, exclusively for Nintendo Wii™, and will be distributed in the German speaking market exclusively by flashpoint.

For further information about Wired Productions please email: press@wiredproductions.com

Plants vs. Zombies will be the first PopCap title to utilize 'share & play' multi-screen distribution format October 23rd 2012, Seattle: Antix today announced a partnership with PopCap G

Plants vs. Zombies will be the first PopCap title to utilize 'share & play' multi-screen distribution format

Antix today announced a partnership with PopCap Games to bring its titles to the Antix Game Player – a new distribution format where consumers can share the games they own across any connected device. The first title to be launched as part of this deal is the global hit Plants vs. Zombies™ during Q4 2012.

With consumers already being able to share photos, music and videos with their friends and family, they also expect to be able play games on any of their connected devices, including TVs, set top boxes, tablets, smartphones, feature phones, and PCs. Antix provides a solution for sharing games across all of these classes of device, in the home and on the move.

Using the Antix game distribution format, consumers can share games virally, challenge and play off-network as well as on-network.Gameplay and distribution is seamless, managing the fragmentation of device types, screen resolutions, input methods, operating systems and chipsets. Antix enables this in a way that protects PopCap’s IP rights and revenues.

With Antix, consumers can buy a game on one device – such as a TV – copy to another Antix registered device, share over the cloud or beam off network, for example, to a phone or tablet. For multiplayer games, consumers can then challenge and play with a third party. User payment models supported include freemium, subscription, rental and ad-based.

The Antix Game Player has been selected by operators, broadcasters and manufacturers.Known for its quirky, one-of-a-kind blend of art, humor, polish and attention to detail, PopCap has been a mainstay of casual, mobile and social gaming for more than a decade. More than a billion people around the world have played PopCap’s video games, including the award-winning, blockbuster franchises Plants vs. Zombies, Bejeweled®, Zuma®, Peggle® and Bookworm®. The breadth of PopCap’s audience is similarly impressive, as its games appeal equally to both genders and all ages.

Francis Charig, Chief Executive of Antix Labs said:
"The Antix Game Player merges home and mobile devices and brings a sense of immediacy to consumers who can share and play with their friends when in close proximity. They can also take advantage of the cloud but Antix games are playable even when there is no network availability or networks are too slow, too full or too intermittent. We are delighted to collaborate with PopCap given the suitability of PopCap's game portfolio with the delivery of a 'share & play' experience for consumers.”

Evan Spytma, Regional Director of Australia and SE Asia for PopCap commented:
"Seamless gaming is a rapidly evolving consumer expectation that PopCap aspires to surpass. Leveraging the Antix Game Player enables us to construct a seamless cross-platform and immediate proximity gaming experience for millions of consumers globally.”

– Ends –

NOTES FOR EDITORS
About PopCap
PopCap Games is the leading global developer, publisher and operator of casual video games: fun, easy-to-learn, captivating games that appeal to all ages across PC, mobile, social and other platforms. Based in Seattle, Washington, PopCap was founded in 2000, was acquired by Electronic Arts in 2011, and has a worldwide staff of more than 600 people in Seattle, San Francisco, Vancouver, B.C., Dublin, Seoul, Shanghai and Tokyo. PopCap's games have been downloaded over 1.5 billion times by consumers worldwide, and its flagship franchise, Bejeweled®, has sold more than 50 million units.# # #Plants vs. Zombies, Bejeweled, Zuma, Peggle, Bookworm and PopCap are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc.

About Antix Labs, Ltd. Antix):
Antix has developed the Antix Game Player incorporating a consumer-focused distribution file format and service that makes games even more viral than music and video whilst still protecting the rights and the revenues of the developers. It enables consumers to copy, share, challenge and play with others not only via a service provider’s network but also off-network by means of wireless technologies such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct. Antix connects consumers across feature phones and smartphones, tablets, TVs, set top boxes, PCs and other devices even when a provider’s network is inaccessible, intermittent, slow or full as is the reality in home and on mobile across most of the world. The company offers the Game Player, corresponding tools, certification mechanism, optional white-label store and an optional game warehouse necessary to deploy a complete service offering. The Antix Game Service is being used as a core gaming component by major operators, broadcasters, device manufacturers and retailers across the globe. Headquartered in the Reading Enterprise Centre in Reading, England and with offices in America and Asia, Antix was founded by Francis Charig, a World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer.For more information, please visit: http://antixlabs.com/.Alternatively please contact:Tim Cole, Head of PR, Antix Labs Ltd.tim.cole@antixlabs.com +44 118 3570357

Invitation to join in Export Week – be part of getting the UK exporting

Last November the Prime Minister and I launched a major initiative to boost the number of Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) that export. We set a target of getting 100,000 more British SMEs exporting over the next 5 years.

In the 10 months since, we have seen much in the way of good news. However, as you will know only too well, recent economic figures have not been encouraging. I said last year that the challenge to grow exports is a long-term one – a marathon and not a sprint – and we must keep at it.

I have been enormously impressed by the way that many firms have already seized this challenge. This is very encouraging, but it is crucial that we maintain the momentum behind this effort which is why I intend to use the week beginning November 12th to launch Export Week 2012.

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), working with its partner organisations in Scotland and Wales, will be hosting over 100 events through that week right across the country. I would like to invite you to come along and be part of any of our wide ranging series of regional events.

These will include High Value Opportunities (HVO) seminars, international finance and trade workshops, training on international marketing and utilising websites, the opportunity to meet the experts and a week-long regional road show, consisting of commercial staff from over 50 countries.

If you would like to attend or find out about any of these exciting events, please go to www.exportweek.ukti.gov.uk where you will find all the events listed to date and information on exactly what is happening near you, this site can also be accessed from your mobile phone .

Stephen Green

Social PLAY – 4th – 5th December 2012 – Bloomsbury Hotel, London, UK

Bloomsbury Hotel, London, UK

With three targeted content focuses, SocialPLAY will give you all the necessary insights to bring the world of gaming to your business. Join, network and learn with a global community of developers, brands and licensors. Explore the vast potential of the social, casual and mobile games space across two days of innovative content. Investigate the very latest strategies with our international speaker faculty and enjoy engaging networking opportunities with them throughout the conference.

www.terrapinn.com/socialplay

Michaelmas Networking Event 2012 'The Hunger Games'

Networking event specifically aimed at the video games industry. Featuring a panel of leading games publishers and developers chaired by Mick Morris of Oxford-based Audiomotion, this session sets out to examine the state of play in the gaming market and asks:

Is the day of the blockbuster title passing?
Can self-publishers in the UK reach out and grab this new disruptive opportunity?
Is the gamification of consumer products one of the greatest opportunities yet to come?
What do games companies need to help them grow in this new era of self-publishing?

When           Monday, 12 November 2012
Where          The Saïd Business School, Park End Street, Oxford, OX1 1HP
Agenda        6.00pm Registration & drinks - 6.30pm presentation start - 9.00pm Finish
RSVP           Call Alison Soanes on +44 (0)1865 799902 or email alison.j.soanes@uk.gt.com

Please advise us of any special dietary requirements We look forward to welcoming you on 12 November and please do feel free to pass this invitation on to a colleague, as we look forward to welcoming them as well.

Games for Health Europe 5 & 6th November 2012 Amsterdam, The Netherlands

A doctor walks into a game conference. This is not the beginning of a joke. It is the premise of a wonderful project called Games for Health Europe, aiming to bring medical professional, game designers, business executives, angels, visionaries and dreamers together under one roof. It also has a pretty cherry on top:
The Future of Health Award; win €200,000 for your health game!

Keynote Speakers
To see what sort of people you’ll meet at the Games for Health Europe 2012 conference, take a look at our first confirmed keynote speakers:
Bill Crounse MD, Microsoft’s Worldwide Health Senior Director.
Ben Sawyer Co-Founder if the Serious Games initiative for Health Boston.
Martin de Ronde Co-Founder of Guerrilla Games, makers of Killzone.

LIMITED HEALTH GAMES WORKSHOP HOSTED BY BEN SAWYER
This year we’re offering something special for the practically minded among you: Game designer Ben Sawyer (whose name is basically synonymous with serious games) will host a small pre-conference workshop on recent developments in the serious health game development world. Space is limited and priority will be given to early conference registrants.

FUTURE OF HEALTH AWARD: WIN €200,000 IN 5 MINUTES!
Develop your own dream health game simply by convincing a jury with a 5-minute elevator pitch. We are proudly bringing back our game-changing, gamer-friendly, health-game promoting – well – game. Together with leading insurer CZ, we will grant you the ability to heal the world playfully – if your idea is good enough!

CHECK US OUT
As a non-profit foundation dedicated to healthcare and well being, we are always looking for new friends to offer suggestions, propose new activities or just chat about your favourite jogging app. Check us out on our online hanging places and drop a line if you want to get more involved with Games for Health Europe.

Go to www.GamesforHealthEurope.org for more details
GET A 10% DISCOUNT email suzi@tiga.org to get your discount code

TIGA members receive 20% discount to Mobile Games Forum 2013

The No.1 event for mobile gaming is back to celebrate its 10th anniversary in style
23 and 24 January 2013,Dexter House, Tower Hill, London, EC3N 4QN

For the past 10 years the Mobile Games Forum (MGF) has been the go-to event for movers and shakers in everything mobile games. Through its networking, case-study and panel driven agenda, this event continually brings together a global faculty of award winning organisations, leaders and pioneers from the industry, providing you with practical insights and invaluable advice.

This is absolutely the Number 1 event for B2B and commercial exchanges. Having just the right sized event allows you to meet and network with the right people. MGF offers the perfect setting to catch a drink with potential collaborators and forge new, rewarding partnerships.Like last year, MGF will be co-located with the Social Games & Virtual Goods Forum.

This is a 1 day event which explores the rapidly evolving, social games landscape in all it’s glory.NEW for 2013, alongside MGF and the Social Games & Virtual Goods Forum, you will also be able to attend a half day workshop strictly dedicated to all things Social Gambling. With increasing growth and interest in this area, you would be wise to drop in and find out the latest in this space.3 events, 2 days, 1 fab venue and the infamous networking drinks reception, to top it all off.

At Mobile Games Forum 2013 you will hear from the following speakers:
Hesham Al-Jehani, Product Manager Mobile, comScore Europe
Ed Bainbridge, Head of Digital Experiences EMEA, Disney Interactive
Peter Parmenter, Director of Worldwide OEM, EA
Jason Morse, Mobile Ads Product Management, Google
Teemu Huuhtanen, Head of M&A, Rovio Mobile Ltd
Chris Hanage, General Manager Europe, Papaya Mobile
Pete Novotny, Senior User Acquisition Manager, W3i
Mike Hawkins, Director of Marketing, Marvelous AQL
Roberta Luca, Co-Founder, CMO & Board Member, Bossa Studios
Struan Robertson, Product Director, Natural Motion
Steve Collins, CTO, SWRVE
Julien Donguy, Developer Relations, Scoreloop
Richard Firminger, General Manager, Flurry
Peter Warman, CEO, Newzoo
Jim Ying, SVP Publishing, 6Waves LOLApps
Igor Pusenjak, President & Founder, Lima Sky* Subject to final confirmation
Kyoko Matsushita, VP Developer Relations, GREE International/OpenFeint
Paul Bowen, VP & General Manager Europe, Tapjoy
Greg Robinson, COO, Connect2Media
Henry Oh, Senior Manager Corporate Business Development, NGmoco* Subject to final confirmation
Eros Resmini, SVP Marketing & Developer Relations, GREE International* Subject to final confirmation
Michael Schade, CEO & Co-Founder, Fishlabs
Oli Christie, CEO & Founder, Neon Play
Will Kassoy, CEO, AdColony
Georgina Mackenzie, CEO & Founder, Toytek* Subject to final confirmation
Ben Templeton, Creative Director, Thought Den
Shum Singh, Managing Director & Founder, Agnitio Capital
Gina Jackson, CEO, Women in Games Jobs
Ella Romanos, CEO, Remode
Robin Lacey, Creative Director, PLA Studios
Berenice Kalan, Marketing Consultant, Mobile Partnership Agency
Oscar Clark, Head of Developer Relations, Papaya Mobile
Lizi Attwood, Senior Programmer, Blast Furnace (an Activision Studio)
Volker Hirsch, Director, Global Head of Business Development – Games, RIM
Alex Hall, Content Marketing Manager, Mobile Division, Samsung Electronics* Subject to final confirmation
Ian Harper, Managing Director, Future Games of London

FOR MORE INFO PLEASE EMAIL events@osneymedia.com
EMAIL suzi@tiga.org to get your TIGA member discount code

TIGA Comments on Digital Consumer Rights

TIGA, the trade association representing the UK games industry, said today that the Government was right to want to ensure that consumers’ rights were protected when purchasing digital goods, but warned these must be considered carefully alongside the impact the changes would have on the UK’s digital businesses.

TIGA made the comments as part of its response to the Government’s consultation document Enhancing Consumer Confidence by Clarifying Consumer Law. Consultation on the supply of goods, services and digital content.

Dr Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO, said:
"TIGA aims to strengthen the UK video games sector and to ensure that the industry supports the wider economic recovery. We therefore need to ensure that while consumers purchasing digital goods are properly protected, digital businesses are not burdened with potentially damaging regulations. Digital consumer rights, including remedies, must be appropriate and proportionate to the problem.”

Patrick O'Luanaigh, CEO of nDreams and TIGA board member, said that developers/digital publishers should have the flexibility to provide a range of remedies in response to valid complaints from consumers. He said:

"The complexities of the supply chain for digital products can make the kind of refunds normally associated with physical goods difficult or impossible for digital manufacturers to control. Developers/digital publishers might not be able to offer refunds/price reductions if they use a platform's payment system, such as Apple, PlayStation Network or Microsoft Xbox LIVE Arcade. On systems like these, only the platform owners have the ability to provide refunds. As an alternative, in these circumstances, manufacturers could provide a repair within a set time limit by means of an update, or some kind of benefit (price reduction, in-game currency, money off a future purchase), assuming that the complaint is legitimate.”

Key elements of TIGA’s response to the Government:·

The Government should make clear what legal rights the consumer has in digital transactions.
Consumer rights legislation needs to allow for device incompatibility e.g. in the Android space there are hundreds of different devices which can be running lots of different versions of the Android operating system.
While developers and digital publishers strive to eliminate glitches, some games are released with bugs and so debugging takes place on a continuous basis.
A draconian requirement to eliminate all bugs from games could damage game businesses by restricting their ability to innovate and to operate rapidly.
If consumers make a legitimate complaint within 30 days of purchase about a digital product then studios/platforms could offer a refund provided that they can also disable the relevant game. If this is not possible, then studios/platforms could agree to a repair within a set time limit with an update, or some kind of benefit (price reduction, in-game currency, money off a future purchase), assuming that the complaint is legitimate.

The Government’s proposals

The Government is proposing that the consumer should have the following rights in relation to digital content: the digital content must meet any description given
the digital content must be of satisfactory quality, meaning it should meet a reasonable person's expectations taking account of all relevant circumstances
the digital content must match any trial version or demo
the trader must have the right to supply the digital content and should not put the consumer in a position where the consumer is breaching copyright of the digital content

If digital content does not comply with the rights listed above, and bearing in mind the nature of digital content compared with physical goods, the Government are considering whether the following statutory remedies should apply.

The consumer returns and / or deletes the digital content and has access to a refund within 30 days of purchase or some similar short period.
the trader must repair or replace the content with a version that does comply with the rights.
if repair or replacement are impossible, a consumer opting to keep faulty digital content gets a reduction in price to reflect the fault.
if repair or replacement are impossible, a consumer returning or deleting the digital content gets a refund.

Notes to editors:

About TIGA:
TIGA is the trade association representing the UK’s games industry. The majority of our members are either independent games developers or in-house publisher owned developers. We also have games publishers, outsourcing companies, technology businesses and universities amongst our membership. Since 2010, TIGA has won 12 business awards and has been nominated a finalist for 16 other awards. In 2010 TIGA won two business awards including ‘Trade Association of the Year’ from the Trade Association Forum. In 2011, TIGA won eight business awards including ‘Trade Association of the Year’ from the Trade Association Forum, ‘Outstanding Organisation’ from the Chartered Management Institute and two Global Business Excellence Awards, including ‘Outstanding Marketing Campaign’.

Richard Wilson won the ‘Leadership Award’ from the Trade Association Forum and the ‘Outstanding Leader’ award from the Chartered Management Institute. In 2012, Richard Wilson wonthe IoD’s East of England Director of the Year Award and TIGA won a Global Business Excellence Award for running an Outstanding PR Campaign. TIGA is an Investors in People organisation, accredited to Bronze Level. TIGA's vision is to make the UK the best place in the world to do games business. We focus on three sets of activities: political representation, generating media coverage and developing services that enhance the competitiveness of our members. This means that TIGA members are effectively represented in the corridors of power, their voice is heard in the media and they receive benefits that make a material difference to their businesses, including a reduction in costs and improved commercial opportunities.

For further information, please contact Dr Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO on: 07875 939 643, or email: richard.wilson@tiga.org.

Raising Finance

Time: 12.00pm - 2.40pm including lunch

Location: Panmure Gordon & Co., One New Change London EC4M 9AF
One New Change is located on Cheapside – closest tube stations are St Paul’s (1 min), Mansion House 3 mins) and Bank (4 mins).

Our event will focus on raising finance in the games industry – Kickstarter, business angels, venture capital and even flotations on the stock exchange. We’ll cover it all and are pleased that Panmure Gordon will be hosting our event at their offices.

Please note that the investment session is a closed event and not open to press.

The Speakers

Keynote speaker: Ben Gunstone, Stainless Games
Topic: Our successful Kickstarter raise & what other options are out there for developers looking for finance Ben Gunstone has extensive Industry experience in a production and management with the beginnings of his career traceable back to time spent at Nintendo UK and SCI during the mid-nineties. With his strong background in QA and customer support, Gunstone quickly moved into a producer role within the SCI infrastructure. Ben then spent a few years at Sega Europe involved in the acquisition, and overseeing development of, a number of external projects. Ben has been a producer on numerous licensed and IP titles including The Italian Job (PSOne) and The Great Escape as well as some massive SEGA IP products including OutRun2, Virtua Tennis and SEGA Rally. Since joining Stainless in 2006 as Production Director, Ben has been responsible for ensuring the timely delivery of all projects Stainless have worked on including the award-winning Duels of the Planeswalker series.

Company Profile: Stainless Games is an independent 70-strong development studio based on the Isle of Wight. After coming to prominence creating the Carmageddon series of games, Stainless has become well known in recent years as a successful developer of download games, including Magic: The Gathering and RISK: Factions, both #1 titles. The studio has created published titles for blue-chip clients such as EA, SEGA, Microsoft, Disney and Hasbro. 2012 saw Stainless re-establishing Carmageddon as a top IP with a pioneering UK-based Kickstarter campaign and the self-published release on iOS of the original Carmageddon, which itself went straight to #1 in many territories. Future plans include further work for top industry clients, and self-publishing a brand new Carmageddon title in 2013.

Keynote speaker: Dominic Morley, Managing Director, Panmure Gordon & Co
Topic: Status of the market & growing a company using the market

Dominic has 25 years’ experience of UK capital markets, initially joining Panmure Gordon in 1994 after periods at Hambros Bank from 1988 as an assistant fund manager and Ashurst Morris Crisp from 1990. He has worked on numerous IPOs, secondary fund-raisings, acquisitions, take-overs and private placings, including in the leisure and technology sectors.

Keynote speaker: Paul Heydon, Partner, London Venture Partners
Paul is a Partner at London Venture Partners, which is investing in game companies at the seed stage and MD at Avista Partners advising game companies on M&A and fundraising. Paul has 13+years experience as a banker advising game companies including: Ubisoft, Atari, PlayJam, Criterion Software Group, Lionhead, IO Interactive & Unity Technologies on over $1bn of funding & M&A deals globally. Paul previously worked at Unity Capital, Commerzbank and ING Barings.

Keynote speaker: Matt Sansam, Partner, Tenshi Consulting
Topic: ‘grant and public funding experience’

Matt Sansam has 18 years’ experience in the games industry and is a partner in Tenshi Consulting and a programme manager for the UK Government's Technology Strategy Board. Sansam specialises in full service deployment, project delivery and programme management and has worked with many organisations within games, film & TV, music and publishing on everything from small budget handheld releases to large scale complex projects.

Keynote speaker: Angel Investor - Vincent Scheurer
Topic: Angel Investor - what I'm looking for from a small/medium developer seeking investment (SEIS)
Vincent has a network of contacts that are looking for similar investment opportunities. Vincent Scheurer graduated in law at Oxford University in 1993 and qualified as a barrister in 1994. He started his career in interactive entertainment when he joined UK games publisher Europress as its sole in-house counsel in 1997. Following the acquisition of Europress by Hasbro Interactive in 1999, he helped to build Europe’s leading interactive entertainment team at UK law firm Osborne Clarke, where he represented games industry leaders, international licensors and trade associations. Vincent left Osborne Clarke to form Sarassin LLP in August 2004. Sarassin LLP is a London-based legal and business affairs consultancy for computer games publishers and developers and other organisations involved in the interactive entertainment industry. Sarassin LLP specialises in advising on and negotiating the full range of commercial agreements encountered by companies in the mobile, PC, console, casual social and online games industries.

LINSAR and Antix enrich the consumer experience with advanced game service collaboration

British TV brand, LINSAR, is building a consumer service based around increasing support for rich media. A key part of that strategy and development is the inclusion of its game service, provided by Antix Labs. The high quality, casual to premium games will be supported from low cost connected TVs upwards.

Some TVs will be purchased with games preloaded and all will be able to access the LINSAR and Antix Game Store.Antix offers second screen support so that Antix-enabled phones and tablets can be used for easier payment and greater levels of interaction. For example, consumers can interact using their phones and tablets with their televisions, challenge and play a game on the LINSAR TV whether in the same room and not requiring use of the broadband network or over the network if their opponent is in a remote location.

Terry Reed, Owner and Director of LINSAR said,
"Antix meets consumers’ expectations for the next generation of game services and fulfils our need to be offering the very best media to our customers.”

Francis Charig, Chief Executive of Antix stated,
"LINSAR has established a reputation both under its own brand and working with some of the major retail channels in the UK, for high quality televisions and associated service, so Antix will benefit from our close collaboration. Antix is delighted to see how LINSAR’s TVs so manifestly utilize the power of the Antix platform.”

Barry Kick, also owner and Director of LINSAR commented,
"The TV is the hub of the connected home and we’re addressing this with sophisticated but easy to use services across the main areas of customer need, Antix being selected by us as the best in class gaming service.”

Ends

NOTES FOR EDITORS

About Antix Labs, Ltd. (Antix):
Antix has developed the Antix Game Player incorporating a consumer-focused distribution file format and service that makes games even more viral than music and video whilst still protecting the rights and the revenues of the developers. It enables consumers to copy, share, challenge and play with others not only via a service provider’s network but also off-network by means of wireless technologies such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct. Antix connects consumers across feature phones and smartphones, tablets, TVs, set top boxes, PCs and other devices even when a provider’s network is inaccessible, intermittent, slow or full as is the reality in home and on mobile across most of the world. The company offers the Game Player, corresponding tools, certification mechanism, optional white-label store and an optional game warehouse necessary to deploy a complete service offering. The Antix Game Service is being used as a core gaming component by major operators, broadcasters, device manufacturers and retailers across the globe. Headquartered in the Reading Enterprise Centre in Reading, England and with offices in America and Asia, Antix was founded by Francis Charig, its current Chief Executive and a World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer.For more information, please visit: http://antixlabs.com/.Alternatively please contact:
Tim Cole, Head of PR, Antix Labs Ltd.
tim.cole@antixlabs.com
44 118 3570357

About LINSAR
LINSAR is a British company, manufacturing affordable high quality technology. LINSAR products are manufactured in European factories, with simplicity to use at the core of the design.For more information, please visit: http://linsar.com/

The Connected Marketplace deploys Antix Game Service into the living room and around the home

Industry pioneer for on-demand content to offer end-to-end, share and play Antix Game Service

The Connected Marketplace, through its acquisition of BIBC, has been at the forefront of content delivery over IP networks for a decade bringing together key players in Telecoms, Media and Technology. The company offers a combination of leading edge technology, sector ‘know-how’ and premium brand content. Today its clients include an array of the leading consumer electronics manufacturers.

As part of its drive to remain at the forefront of service offerings, The Connected Marketplace is now collaborating with Antix Labs, the Reading-based entertainment provider offering the Antix ‘share & play’ game service to operators, broadcasters, manufacturers and other service providers around the world. The Connected Marketplace customers will be able to deploy Antix games to consumers, games that can be played on connected, Antix-enabled devices. Games can be shared across the internet or can be distributed off-network via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct.

"Apple has set expectations in the market that games can be distributed and played between mobile and home devices; its competition struggle because, unlike Apple, they have device fragmentation. This has traditionally stopped users from being able to copy, share, challenge and play. Antix products and services incorporate capabilities that games can be shared and played between users even if playing across different devices with different chipsets and software”, said Brian Phillpotts, Director of The Connected Marketplace.

Francis Charig, Chief Executive of Antix Labs said,
"The Connected Marketplace is working with many of the world’s leading CE manufacturers deploying premium content services and has enormous experience in delivering services into the home. Antix is thrilled that we can be collaborating to enable our services to The Connected Marketplace’s clients around the world.”

– Ends –

NOTES FOR EDITORS

About Antix Labs, Ltd. (Antix):
Antix has developed the Antix Game Player incorporating a consumer-focused distribution file format and service that makes games even more viral than music and video whilst still protecting the rights and the revenues of the developers. It enables consumers to copy, share, challenge and play with others not only via a service provider’s network but also off-network by means of wireless technologies such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct. Antix connects consumers across feature phones and smartphones, tablets, TVs, set top boxes, PCs and other devices even when a provider’s network is inaccessible, intermittent, slow or full as is the reality in home and on mobile across most of the world. The company offers the Game Player, corresponding tools, certification mechanism, optional white-label store and an optional game warehouse necessary to deploy a complete service offering. The Antix Game Service is being used as a core gaming component by major operators, broadcasters, device manufacturers and retailers across the globe. Headquartered in the Reading Enterprise Centre in Reading, England and with offices in America and Asia, Antix was founded by Francis Charig, its current Chief Executive and a World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer.For more information, please visit: http://antixlabs.com/.Alternatively please contact:
Tim Cole, Head of PR, Antix Labs Ltd.
tim.cole@antixlabs.com
+44 118 3570357

About The Connected Marketplace
The Connected Marketplace delivers technology agnostic platform management and cloud based services to a number of leading consumer electronics manufacturers. The Connected Marketplace also owns and operates Box Office 365 on Freesat Channel 907.For more information, please visit: http://www.theconnectedmarketplace.com
Alternatively please contact:
Brian Phillpotts, Director, The Connected Marketplace Limited.
brian.phillpotts@theconnectedmarketplace.com
+44 (0)774 774 5028

The Business of Smartphone and Tablet Gaming 15 November, 2012

The Business of Mobile Gaming

The Smartphone & Tablet Games Summit London is a single day conference focused on the emerging smartphone and tablet games space. As the power and revenue of the industry continues to shift from retail to instant downloadable delivery, the rise of smartphones and tablets has ushered in a true renaissance in gaming. This new breed of gamer represents a massive audience that cuts across age, gender and demographic boundaries.

With the continued rise of the iPhone, iPad, and Android, 2012 will be a defining year for the world of smartphone and tablet games. So what does this mean for the industry as a whole? What is the future of gaming on established and emerging smartphone and tablet platforms? What are the advantages of HTML5 over native apps from both a developer and a consumer perspective? What are the risks and opportunities where mobile, local, social and credit based gaming converge?

No matter the size or scope of your current game efforts, you'll learn successful game design tactics and monetization strategies from experts who will share their collective wisdom on what's working today and where the future of gaming is heading next.Smartphone & Tablet Games Key Trends

The 2012 Smartphone & Tablet Games Summit will touch on a number of key trends including:
Customer Acquisition and Distribution
Facebook and Beyond
Mobile App Metrics for SuccessColliding Worlds
Real & Virtual Currency Gambling
Monetizing Apps in a Saturated Social Environment
Understanding the App Store
Mobile Social Games for the Casual Audience
HTML5: The True "Game” Changer
VC Outlook for Mobile Gaming beyond 2012
Building for Tablets: Keys to Success
Smartphone Games Trends by the Numbers
Engaging Consumers 24/7: Successful Brand Advertising on Mobile
Mobile Card Games

Who Should Attend?
Everyone and anyone interested in emerging technologies that are transforming the way mobile games are produced and consumed. Sharing industry insights and strategies on successful game design, development, distribution and monetization while fostering an interactive environment where attendees can quickly advance their knowledge & practical skills is what The Smartphone and Table Games Summit is all about. Join us at the event and meet industry leaders, swap best practices, get real-time, relevant data and forge new client and partner relationships.

TIGA members get 15% discount. Email suzi@tiga.org to get your discount code

For more info click here

Social Gaming Summit

15 November
London

The third annual London Social Gaming Summit is a conference focused on the intersection of mobile gaming, immersive worlds, real-life brands, and social networking. Given that social games raised a record $807 million in funding last year, it is no surprise that game developers are scrambling to devote more energy than ever to building compelling social interaction and engagement into every game they create.

Likewise, with the mobile app market predicted to top $38 billion by 2015 and the total global spend on virtual goods expected to reach $4.1 billion by 2016, the stakes for mastering the business and technology of successful social and mobile games have never been higher. Social Gaming Summit unites established industry leaders along with emerging start-ups in free-to-play games, real money, and credit based gaming in the social space, virtual goods, and payments infrastructure for one full-day of illuminating keynotes, lively panels, and engaging discussion.

The ins and outs of social mobile game monetization, including incentivized video ads, in-app purchasing, and affiliate-style revenue generation are all part of the discussion. Attendees will learn strategies to drive game value, traffic, and scalability.Connect with Gaming, Gambling, and Social Networking Leaders
The new breed of casual and social gamers represents a massive audience that cuts across all age, gender, and demographic boundaries. Along with the boom in social and mobile, we're also witnessing the convergence of social gaming and gambling, as an increasing number of business models get tied to chance-based game mechanics and real money wagering.

At Social Gaming Summit, you'll hear from a diverse array of business visionaries and pioneers who are driving the industry forward as they share their insights on the current and future state of social gaming. Given that social gaming is the fastest growing sector within the online gaming industry, this is a must-attend event for media owners and anyone involved in the games, mobile, social media and entertainment markets.

TIGA members receive 15% discount. email suzi@tiga.org to get your discount code. For more info click here.

Technology Strategy Board is carrying out a survey on networks, networking and indirectly KTNs.

The Technology Strategy Board, the UK’s innovation agency, is all about driving innovation to help UK businesses grow. Our role is to stimulate technology-enabled innovation in the areas which offer the greatest scope for boosting UK growth and productivity.

We promote, support and invest in technology research, development and commercialisation. We spread knowledge, bringing people together to solve problems or make new advances. We have long recognised the value of helping business access the latest knowledge on markets and technologies, find supply chain partners, and facilitate routes to funding to stimulate UK business innovation. We have invested in Knowledge Transfer Networks for this purpose since our inception in 2007.

But we also recognise that the pace of technological change is rapid and that the way people find information and connections looks different from that in 2007. We want to deploy our resources where it will make the biggest difference and ensure there is no duplication with other organisations. It is, therefore, reviewing the way it supports the services currently provided by the KTNs.

This is where you come in – we want to know what organisations you and your business turn to for advice, knowledge and connections to drive innovation in your business. We would like to know what you are looking for, what organisations you are currently engaged with and why. How do you use the new tools that are available, including the Technology Strategy Board’s own tool _connect? So if you run or work for a private business of any size, please help us shape what we can offer to help your business and take five minutes to fill in the brief survey. http://tiny.cc/5hxhlw is the link to the survey and if you and your members of TIGA were able to respond this would be greatly appreciated.

600k funding available for Digital Innovators

Creative Industries KTN is running a half-dayevent to support the Technology StrategyBoard's funding call - Convergence in a DigitalLandscape making £600K available in October2012 for analytical feedback and metrics toolsfor converged media.

Come along to our Partnering for Innovationevent to find out more about the TechnologyStrategy Board’s fund and how to apply for it,network with potential partners and hearengaging discussions from leading industryfigures on the value of understandingaudience/consumer behaviour, technologiesthat can make useful sense of collected dataand how it can affect commercial results.

Click Link to Register: http://creativeindustriesktn.org/beacons/events/view/43472

G- Star 2012

G-STAR2012, the biggest Korean games show will be the largest one yet.

The eighth annual G-Star will take place at Bexco in Busan, South Korea from 8 November for 4 days. The show has 630 B2B stands and around 1300 B2C stands. Companies on the show include Nexon, NHN, Tencent, Wargaming.net, Blizzard Entertainment, and Nintendo.

If you would like to visit the show or have the Seoul UKTI meet the potential customers on behalf of you at the show, please contact Sunjin Lee to her email sunjin.lee@fco.gov.uk.

TIGA members receive 10% discount on London Games Conference

Digital Discovery and Distribution for Games: What Works and What's Next
Date: Wednesday 21st November 2012 3.
Venue: One Wimpole Street, London 4.
Registration: begins at 3.15pm with the conference commencing at 4.00pm.
TIGA members receive 10% discount. Email suzi@tiga.org to get your discount code please.

http://www.londongamesconference.com/buy-tickets

About the London Games Conference: The London Games Conference is the only event that brings together executives from the games industry, across the disciplines of marketing, sales and media. Now in its fourth year, Intent Media, the team behind leading games industry publications like MCV and Develop, has built LGC into Europe's leading games conference, facing up to the challenges of the interactive industry.

The London Games Conference will commence at 4pm for four hours of incisive keynotes, panel sessions and case studies and will be followed by networking sessions and supper

For details on partner packages and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Lesley Blumson - lesley.blumson@intentmedia.co.uk or call 01992 535647 7.

Contact Hannah.Short@intentmedia.co.uk to book your place - or call her on 01992 535646.

Game Connection Europe 2012

Game Connection Europe 2012

November (28th-30th)
Early Bird discounts ending on September 26th.

Today and until the 26/09 Table package is at € 2,650 (instead of € 2,990) and Booth package at € 4,540 (instead of € 4,990). On top of this, TIGA members benefit from an additional € 100 discount. (only valid on Exhibitor packages).

And additionally UKTI through TIGA is offering a £1,000 grant to eligible developers, digital publishers and service providers. For those willing to book Game Connection America 2013 (March 25th-27th) along with Paris a bundle discount is available: € 100 on Table package and € 200 on Booth package.

For more information, please contact Roufina Guenkova - rguenkova@connection-events.com +33 6 84 21 58 54

ExPlay Game Jam 2012

Are you ready to push yourself to the limit, flex your brain, drop your pants and reach for the sky? The Extended Play game jam is where raw creativity reacts with extreme digital skills to explode and shower the public in face-melting interactive sickness.

The Wellcome Trust, Science Museum and Pervasive Media Studios will be hosting the 2012 ExPlay Games Jam with 120 games enthusuiasts all taking part in a 24 hour games development frenzy over two locations for a chance to win a showcase at this year's ExPlay Festival in Bath.

This October, budding games developers and designers from across the UK are invited to take part in a 24 hour Games Jam at either the Science Museum in London, and The Pervasive Media Studios in Bristol. Open to teams and individuals, the Games Jam will be led by expert bio-medical scientists from the Wellcome Trust, who will reveal a theme at the start of the 24 hour period during which participants will work round the clock to create a brand new, playable game. Completed games will be judged by experts, and winners from each location will be able to showcase their games to the public at the ExPlay Games Festival in Bath in November 2012.

The Games Jam will take place on 5 and 6 October, with the theme, curated by The Wellcome Trust, announced on the morning evening of Friday 5 October and two locations linked by a live audio-visual feed. The Games are organised by ExPlay Festival, hosted by The Science Museum in London and The Pervasive Media Studios in Bristol and curated and funded by The Wellcome Trust.

Game jam info: http://explay.co.uk/gamesjam.php

Sign up for Game Jam: http://explay.co.uk/book-a-place.php

Antix selected as ‘Top 50 Mobile Innovator’ for 2012

Antix is pleased to announce that it has been chosen as a Top 50 Mobile Innovator for 2012 by a judging panel comprising VCs, analysts, entrepreneurs and the Mobile Entertainment ["ME”] team.

Tim Green, editor of ME, wrote that "ME’s Top 50 Mobile Innovators project was established last year to celebrate creative and successful representatives of the market we write about every day.”

Francis Charig, Chief Executive of Antix commented,

"The Antix Game Player enables consumers to share and play socially high quality games across different devices even if their service provider’s network is slow, full or inaccessible and irrespective of platform differences between different Antix-enabled devices. The engineering team deserves this recognition for which I thank Tim Green and all of those on the judging panel involved in selecting Antix.”

Publisher Intent Media wrote [on its ME website, www.mobile-ent.biz],

"Antix wants to bring gamers together across different device types using a smart wrapper. In theory, it could link the mobile gamer, the tablet gamer and the smart TV gamer in one seamless lag-free play session. It may be a familiar idea. Antix rose from the ashes of previous attempts to do this. But now it believes the market and the tech has caught up with the concept. The first deal with Telkomsel and MLW Telecom in Indonesia was done this summer.”

Last week deals were announced including Vestel of Turkey and Haier of China.See: Mobile Entertainment Article

– Ends –

NOTES FOR EDITORS
About Antix Labs, Ltd. (Antix):

Antix has developed the Antix Game Player incorporating a consumer-focused distribution file format and service that makes games even more viral than music and video whilst still protecting the rights and the revenues of the developers. It enables consumers to copy, share, challenge and play with others not only via a service provider’s network but also off-network by means of wireless technologies such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct. Antix connects consumers across feature phones and smartphones, tablets, TVs, set top boxes, PCs and other devices even when a provider’s network is inaccessible, intermittent, slow or full as is the reality in home and on mobile across most of the world. The company offers the Game Player, corresponding tools, certification mechanism, optional white-label store and an optional game warehouse necessary to deploy a complete service offering. The Antix Game Service is being used as a core gaming component by major operators, broadcasters, device manufacturers and retailers across the globe. Headquartered in the Reading Enterprise Centre in Reading, England and with offices in America and Asia, Antix was founded by Francis Charig, its current Chief Executive and a World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer.
Alternatively please contact:Tim Cole, Head of PR, Antix Labs Ltd.tim.cole@antixlabs.com +44 118 3570357

Games for Film Contest

The Games for Film contest is a major competition launched for UK games developers that is looking for new and innovative ways to use computer games to promote films.

£100k Games for Film contest deadline EXTENDED to noon Mon 8 Oct. Full details: http://bit.ly/O19gl1

The games for films contest has been created by the University of Abertay Dundee, D-Media and IC tomorrow in association with Lionsgate UK and the BFI (British Film Institute). The Games for Film contest is a chance for UK games developers to access development funding with up to four grants of £25,000 available. This opportunity offers a chance to work with either Lionsgate on a extensive range of their titles (both theatrical and home entertainment) or to work on one of two specific films still in post-production (Spike Island and Smash and Grab: The Story of the Pink Panthers).

The closing date for the contest is 12 noon Thursday 20 September. The deadline is fast approaching, however, the entry process only requires applicants to answer five questions and provide a two minute YouTube video of the concept.

Full details on the Games for Film contest and information on how to apply : https://connect.innovateuk.org/web/games-for-films-contest/overview

Wired Productions’ upcoming game makes fishing fun for everyone

Independent games production company and publisher, Wired Productions, invites you to cast-off on a fun fishing adventure, with Let’s Fish! Hooked On, the first full-scale fishing game on PlayStation® Vita.

Combining realistic fishing action with fast arcade style game play Let’s Fish! Hooked On comes complete with a full story mode, which aims to make fishing fun for everyone, and bring increased variety to the PlayStation® Vita.

Choosing between four different characters, each with their own story line and unique abilities, players are challenged to improve their skills and become World Champion by competing in a host of progressively difficult tournaments on the World Tour.

Developed by renowned Tokyo based SIMS, whose previous games include SEGA Bass Fishing, Let’s Fish! Hooked On features beautifully illustrated anime style artwork - designed by well-known Japanese artist Poyoyon❤Rock (whose most recent character design artwork was used for the manga series The World God Only Knows).

Leo Zullo, Managing Director of Wired Productions said,
"We’re extremely excited to be working with such a renowned developer, SIMS, on a first of its kind game for PlayStation® Vita. Taking Let’s Fish! Hooked On to gamers worldwide is an integral part of our expansion into console publishing.”

The game is split into four different game modes, World Tour – with its character driven story line, Challenge - quick short-bursts of fishing action and online ranking, Training – to help develop your skills, and Underwater Mode, which lets you view your prized catches, all of which are designed to make use of the PlayStation® Vita’s impressive features.

The intertwining, and often humorous relationship between the games characters, drives the story as you see just how much fun fishing can be using the PlayStation® Vita’s touchscreen and rear touch pad. For more hardcore fishing fans there are nine different kinds of fish to catch – including four different kinds of Bass, Trout and Salmon - and 240 lures to earn across 11 themed outdoor stages, furthermore, the game’s intuitive controls mean it’s fast and fun to play and has more than enough to keep you entertained, whether you know your Rainbow Trout from your King Salmon, or not.

Let’s Fish! Hooked On will be published by Wired Productions, producers of the million-selling We Sing franchise on Wii, and will be available across Europe and the US for the PlayStation® Vita exclusively.

More information including a release date will be announced in the coming weeks. For further information on Let’s Fish! Hooked On please email press@wiredproductions.com

Wired Productions T: +44 (0) 1923 211 238 Ends PlayStation is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Trimax to deploy Antix Game Service-enabled Set Top Boxes

Increasing momentum for consumers’ share and play social game service from Antix

Antix has confirmed its latest deal with respected Chinese company (ODM) Trimax; Trimax will make the Game Service available to its clients around the world.The Antix Game Player provides a seamless and advanced gaming service for consumers to share and play high quality games on home and mobile devices such as TV, STB, tablet, smart phone and feature phone.

It includes a consumer-facing store and payment gateway for global delivery to support its licensees. Antix’s Game Player has been selected by broadcasters, mobile operators, retailers and manufacturers because of its differentiated capabilities allowing consumers to play, share and challenge their friends over the cloud or in immediate proximity on TVs, STBs, phones, tablets and other devices.

Francis Charig, Chief Executive of Antix said,
"Trimax is the latest significant Chinese partner to collaborate with Antix. It is well known for its quality products so we are delighted with the Distribution Agreement which will be a further channel for publishers to gain revenues from high quality Antix games.”

Jerry Chu, President of Trimax said,
"Trimax is dedicated to providing its customers with quality hardware and software solutions. By working with Antix we can deliver a new capability of TV gaming and social gaming that will be increasingly necessary to compete in the global market”.

– Ends –

NOTES FOR EDITORS

About Antix Labs, Ltd.
(Antix):Antix has developed the Antix Game Player incorporating a consumer-focused distribution file format and service that makes games even more viral than music and video whilst still protecting the rights and the revenues of the developers. It enables consumers to copy, share, challenge and play with others not only via a service provider’s network but also off-network by means of wireless technologies such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct. Antix connects consumers across feature phones and smartphones, tablets, TVs, set top boxes, PCs and other devices even when a provider’s network is inaccessible, intermittent, slow or full as is the reality in home and on mobile across most of the world. The company offers the Game Player, corresponding tools, certification mechanism, optional white-label store and an optional game warehouse necessary to deploy a complete service offering. The Antix Game Service is being used as a core gaming component by major operators, broadcasters, device manufacturers and retailers across the globe. Headquartered in the Reading Enterprise Centre in Reading, England and with offices in America and Asia, Antix was founded by Francis Charig, its current Chief Executive and a World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer.Alternatively please contact:Tim Cole, Head of PR, Antix Labs Ltd .tim.cole@antixlabs.com +44 118 3570357

About Shenzhen Trimax Technology Co.，Ltd
(Trimax)Shenzhen Trimax Technology Co., Ltd. (Trimax), is one of the world's premier manufacturers of digital set-top boxes and DVB test equipment, exporting its products around the globe. The company has built a solid reputation as a leading supplier of high quality, feature-rich digital TV set-top boxes and digital video recorders (DVRs), for cable, satellite, and terrestrial, IPTV, and IP-Hybrid broadcasting. Trimax is positioned as a leading brand of set-top boxes in Ukraine helping to support their digital terrestrial switchover. Also working with a strategic partner in UK, Trimax is supplying DTG approved Freeview HD set-top boxes with OTT facilities. The company's headquarters and R&D facilities are based in China, with global partnerships worldwide. For more information, please visit www.trimaxtec.net.

TIGA assists with funding for Game Connection Europe via the UK Trade and Investment Trade Access Programme

TIGA, the trade association representing the UK games industry, is offering grants of £1,000 (via the UKTI Trade Access Programme) to eligible developers, digital publishers and service providers wanting to exhibit at Game Connection Europe. TAP grant is paid on the basis of matching funds ie businesses must make an equivalent contribution to the grant being offered.

Game Connection Europe takes place from November 28 to 30 in Paris and is now in its 12th year. More than 1,600 visitors are expected to attend at Paris Expo - Porte de Versaille, 1 Place Porte de Versailles, 75015 Paris, France.

TIGA will be offering advice and assistance to UK companies wishing to access funding to exhibit atthe event this year. The grant can not be used for travel, accommodation or subsistence. There are a limited amount of funds so eligible companies will be offered on a first come first served basis.

Dr Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO, said:

"TIGA is a network that focusses on enabling games developers and digital publishers to grow, so we are very pleased to be able to offer financial help to videogame businesses for this crucial event in the gaming calendar.

"The TIGA team will be at the show and are looking forward to showcasing UK talent at one of the most popular events in the games industry.”

You can find out more about the event at http://www.game-connection.com/gameconn/content/badgeprices-europe

To request an application form, email vanessa@tiga.org . Once you have submitted your application form we will have an answer on funding within 10 working days.

Who should attend?

Developers – present your games and projects under development looking for financing partners.
Distributors and Publishers – find co-publishing and distribution deals for your project.
Service providers –Showcase your expertise to ease the whole production pipeline such as: -Visualand Animation outsourcing, middlewear and tools, audio, business and legal and so on.

London Games Conference 2012 - Digital Discovery and Distribution for Games: What Works and What's Next

London Games Conference 2012 - Digital Discovery and Distribution for Games: What Works and What's Next

Date: Wednesday 21st November 20123.
Venue: One Wimpole Street, London4.
Registration: begins at 3.15pm with the conference commencing at 4.00pm.5.

About the London Games Conference:
The London Games Conference is the only event that brings together executives from the games industry, across the disciplines of marketing, sales and media.

Now in its fourth year, Intent Media, the team behind leading games industry publications like MCV and Develop, has built LGC into Europe's leading games conference, facing up to the challenges of the interactive industry.

LGC consists of a four-hour conference with plenty of audience interaction, plus extra presentation options during the after-event networking dinner for attendees and exhibitors.Find out more at www.londongamesconference.com

Follow us @londongamesconf #londongamesconf 6.

For details on partner packages and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Lesley Blumson - lesley.blumson@intentmedia.co.uk or call 01992 5356477.

Ticket information - The Early Bird delegate rate is £199 - limited to first 100 tickets (TIGA members will receive a 10% discount on the full ticket price when the Early Bird rate has expired). Contact Hannah.Short@intentmedia.co.uk to book your place - or call her on 01992 535646.

TIGA Students launches to help young people gain a foothold in the videogame industry

TIGA, the trade association representing the UK video games industry, is encouraging students with an interest in pursuing a career in videogaming to join a brand new initiative.

TIGA Students is a fantastic scheme aimed at enabling young people to break into videogames and make themselves known to the gaming sector, be kept up-to-date with the latest industry news and network at events.

It will put students in touch with developers and studio bosses and allow them to showcase their portfolio and skills.

And they will be given hefty discounts on products with the promise of more game-related savings to come.

Students get:

A @member.tiga.org email address for life
Magazine discounts (50% off EDGE and GamesTM)
The facility to add and update a portfolio that will appear on the TIGA website including CV
Access to a TIGA careers guide
Access to a selection of TIGA reports
Fortnightly web chats with a TIGA member or studio (these will be themed depending on the speaker background)
8% off Dell products
Access to selected events

Oli Christie, CEO of Neon Play, said: "If you're a student looking to get into the games industry, this bumper-filled package is a no-brainer.

"Getting into the industry is very tricky so you need to use every tool necessary to help you on the way. Learning and having access to key people is vital, so I would encourage every games student to do this. If they don't, quite frankly they're a bit silly."

Jacqueline Cawston, programmes Director of the Serious Games Institute added: "We welcome any initiative that helps students build contacts in the games industry and develop their profile.

"We know this is a highly competitive market and offers like this give our students an edge.”

TIGA Games Industry Awards 2012

Read more about the awards on our dedicated website: awards.tiga.org

Gaming apps take centre stage at Apps World 2012

Research has proven that users who download games are more likely to pay for content than any other app category. The viral nature of most popular games makes them a highly effective marketing tool, allowing developers to monetise their fan-base and, via ad networks, triple the value of an app over the course of its life.

Mobile gaming apps are to take centre stage at this year’s Apps World event, Earls Court 2, London. The event will dedicate a full day to mobile gaming apps, covering the latest trends in the gaming marketplace, considering the different platforms, how to monetise your app and much more. http://www.apps-world.net/europe/agenda/tracks/gaming-apps

Speakers include;
Shahid Ahmad, Business Development Manager - Strategic Content, Sony PlayStation
Suresh Sudera, Head of Games, Vodafone Group
James Whitmarsh, Product Manager, Mobile EMEA, Turner Broadcasting
Oli Christie, Managing Director, NeonPlay
Elina Arponen, CEO and Founder, Tribe Studios
Jason Avent, Managing Director, Boss Alien

You can currently save £100 on passes with an advance booking discount. To register for your Gaming Apps pass please click here. http://www.apps-world.net/europe/register/price-list

Visit the Apps World exhibition for free!
Apps World will be hosting a free to attend exhibition including over 150 exhibitors and the Apps World Gaming Zone. Secure your free pass by registering here: http://www.apps-world.net/europe/register/free-developer-track-a-exhibition-pass

Tuesday 2nd – Wednesday 3rd October 2012
Earls Court 2 - Warwick Road, London SW5 9TA

European Women in Games Conference

With topics such as HTML5, analytics, motion controlled games, diversity, learning games, mobile distribution and customer care from 18 speakers, panellist and roundtable hosts this year’s Women in Games conference offers the opportunity to learn, network and debate. With leading women from EA, Activision, Microsoft as well as Tiga members nDreams, Remode Studios and GameAnalytics including a keynote from Tiga Board member Ella Romanos, CEO Remode Studios: HTML5 Fad or future, this is a new format for the women in games conference.

http://wigconference2012.eventbrite.co.uk/

Vestel introduces Antix in-home game platform for its Smart TV products

Vestel, with the annual manufacturing capacity for 25 million connected TVs and digital set-top boxes, is offering advanced entertainment services accessible through its instinctive and rich user experience. Services include music and video, and at this week’s IFA show in Berlin, Germany, Vestel is launching its high quality premium and casual games on-device service designed to exploit the high specification of Vestel’s product line from entry-level TVs upwards.

The new Antix Game service is preloaded in Vestel products; deployment of Antix underlines Vestel’s commitment to seamless, multi-screen services, as Antix games are available both in the home and on a range of supporting phones and tablets, able to be exploited both via the cloud and where limited network access is available. Games can be preloaded and shipped with the TV; consumers will have access to a local game store for further purchases. User payment models for the service are flexible and take into account the requirements and trends in different geographies.

Francis Charig, the Chief Executive of Antix Labs said,
"Vestel is one of the companies at the forefront of the multi-screen, entertainment revolution and recognises that seamless games services is a crucial part of its development.”

Hakan Kutlu, Deputy General Manager, Vestel commented,
"Antix enables Vestel to deploy in-the-box and via its store a range of easy-to-discover, high quality games that consumers want to play. Vestel is using Antix to exploit scalable and flexible models that address the infrastructure available to users both as it is today and as it changes in the future”. -Ends-

NOTES FOR EDITORS
About Vestel:

Vestel Group are comprised of 25 companies operating in manufacturing, technology development, marketing, and distribution fields in the consumer electronics, digital technologies, and household appliances. With over €3.5 billion turnover, Vestel is one of the largest TV manufacturers in Europe.

About Antix Labs, Ltd. (Antix):
Antix has developed the Antix Game Player incorporating a consumer-focused distribution file format and service that makes games even more viral than music and video whilst still protecting the rights and the revenues of the developers. It enables consumers to copy, share, challenge and play with others not only via a service provider’s network but also off-network by means of wireless technologies such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct. Antix connects consumers across feature phones and smartphones, tablets, TVs, set top boxes, PCs and other devices even when a provider’s network is inaccessible, intermittent, slow or full as is the reality in home and on mobile across most of the world.

The company offers the Game Player, corresponding tools, certification mechanism, optional white-label store and an optional game warehouse necessary to deploy a complete service offering. The Antix Game Service is being used as a core gaming component by major operators, broadcasters, device manufacturers and retailers across the globe. Headquartered in the Reading Enterprise Centre in Reading, England and with offices in America and Asia, Antix was founded by Francis Charig, its current Chief Executive and a World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer.

For more information, please visit: http://antixlabs.com/. Alternatively please contact: Tim Cole, Marketing, Antix Labs Ltd. tim.cole@antixlabs.com +44 1183 570357

Made in Brighton

Location: Brighton Ballrooms, BN2 1EF
Timings: 0955 - 1800
Contact details: seb@playerresearch.com
Registration link: http://gamesgoneglobal.eventbrite.co.uk/?ebtv=C

DESIGNING A PEOPLE-CENTRED FUTURE

The Designing a People-Centred Future event willexplore the latest developments in User-CentredDesign and generate a vision of the future productsand services which will be developed with digitaltechnologies, and importantly the user, at the heartof the design process. Across the course of twodays we will showcase the best examples of User-Centred Design, foresight future trends and createopportunities for R&D collaboration and commercialconnections between the international participants.

Visit our website to find more information about theevent peoplecentredfuture.wordpress.com

11-12 September 2012
Day 1: 14:00 - 17:00
Day 2: 09:30 - 16:00
(Helsinki Design Week 6-16 September 2012)

Aalto Design Factory, Helsinki, Finland

Abertay Digital Spark Games Conference 2012

The University of Abertay Dundee is thrilled to announce the third Digital Spark conference on 5 and 6 September at its acclaimed National Centre of Excellence for Computer Games Education. Attend this conference and hear from leading developers and legal brains on exploiting, protecting and funding your digital IP. Register here at www.digitalspark.abertay.ac.uk and now to benefit from 30% discount off ticket prices.

This conference will spark off business ideas and business relations over two days of thought-provoking and valuable workshops and conference sessions. If you are from the computer games and digital media industry, academia, currently studying or a legal professional this conference is a must attend.

Speakers include:
·         Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, Scottish Government
·         Sandy Duncan, MD, Yo-Yo Games
·         Colin Anderson, MD, Denki
·         Hogarth Andall, Director of IP and Technology, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe
·         Keith Bergelt, CEO of Open Invention Network
·         Amanda Brock, General Counsel, Canonical
·         Paul Durrant, Director of Business Development, Abertay University
·         Geoff Heath (OBE), Digital, We R Interactive advisor and industry legend
·         Thomas Hoehn, Director of the Intellectual Property Research Centre at Imperial College Business School
·         Mark Engelman, Head of the IP team of barristers at Hardwicke
·         Luke Petre, Makie Labs
·         Ian Baverstock, Tenshi Ventures

The conference is proud to be supported by leading games and interactive trade organisations TIGA and UKIE, as well as Abertay University’s very own National Centre for Excellence in Computer Games Education.

Andy Payne, Chairman of UKIE, said of the conference, "Digital Spark is the place that all delegates can get a vital understanding of how they can protect and promote their valuable IP in a globally connected digital market."

What is included in the standard ticket?
·         Interactive workshops
·         Lunch and refreshments over two days
·         Access to exhibition area and networking
·         Party on evening of 5 September
·         Chance to meet industry experts and ask them questions
·         Chance to meet academics from Abertay and some of the leading students

To keep updated follow us on twitter: @abertayUni #digispark

New game "Fluid Football" out now on iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch

Today Chromativity have launched their new app "Fluid Football" on Apple App Store for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch.

It is a football game in which each level is a set-piece (corner, free kick or throw-in). Intuitive controls allow you to drag and draw to make players run or to kick the ball.

It is free, so please download by clicking here http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/id524972269

Please tell everyone you know about the game. If you like it, then please rate the game and leave a review.

Mobilegamearch Event Helsinki

On Monday August 27th takes place in Helsinki a one-day workshop that EGDF has organized together with Mobile Monday and Mobilegamearch.

The issues revolve around mobile games development

- "HTML5, the solution to fragmentation?" Charles "Chaals" McCathieNevile, Standards Expert at W3C, Wooga and Kuusema

- "Mobile cloud – reconnecting telecom to the mobile value chain?" with Harri Koponen (former CEO of TeliaSonera)

- Executive Vice President at Rovio, MegaFon, Orange and Tequila Mobile - "Investing in mobile games" with NeoGames, Tenshi ventures and IVentureCapital

Admission is free. Registration and further information can be found at http://www.mobilegamearch.eu/events/helsinki2012/

Four £25,000 prizes are available in the Games for Film contest

A major competition to use computer games to promote films launched on Monday 6 August created by the University of Abertay Dundee, D-Media and IC tomorrow in association with Lionsgate UK and the BFI (British Film Institute).

Four £25,000 prizes are available in the Games for Film contest. Two prizes are for games which innovatively promote the upcoming theatrical release of two exciting new British feature films the BFI is offering early access to, Spike Island and Smash and Grab: The Story of the Pink Panthers, both of which were co-financed through the BFI Film Fund and are currently in post-production.

The two Lionsgate UK prizes will prototype how games can be used for a film’s cinematic or home entertainment release. The titles available for development for the Lionsgate prizes could include Dirty Dancing, Great Expectations, The Expendables 2, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3D and many more films.

Full information on all four prizes is available at https://connect.innovateuk.org/web/games-for-films-contest/overview

The deadline for submissions is 20 September 2012. Registration for the Games for Film briefing event is now open.

The event will be next Weds 15th August from 2 - 4pm at the BFI Southbank https://connect.innovateuk.org/web/games-for-films-contest-briefing-event/overview

The Eye: Issue 6

ExPlay festival returns for second year

ExPlay 2012 organisers announce today that the gaming industry festival will take place again this year, this time in the historic Roman city of Bath. Building on the success of the inaugural ExPlay festival that took place in Plymouth in 2011 with keynotes from TIGA CEO Richard Wilson and Lara Croft creator Ian Livingstone, ExPlay 2012 is gearing up to deliver even more this year with an expanded programme of industry talks, games, festival parties and competitions that will take place at the Roman Baths and Bath Assembly Rooms in Bath on 31st October – 2nd November 2012.

This year’s festival will benefit from the support of exclusive media partner Edge ( www.edge-online.com), who will host the Edge games quiz on the closing night on 2 nd November. Richard Keith, Edge Publisher said, "we are immensely proud to be supporting ExPlay 2012, a unique festival that opens up the gaming industry, celebrating new talent and showcasing some of the most exciting work in the UK and beyond that our readers will no doubt take great interest in.”

TIGA has chosen the ExPlay festival to host the ceremony for the inaugural TIGA Games Industry Awards 2012 (http://awards.tiga.org), which will open for entries on 1 st August. Dr Richard Wilson, CEO of TIGA, said: "We feel it is important to celebrate the gaming industry and be inclusive which is why the TIGA awards are open to everyone who works in the sector, regardless of size. Categories will be wide-ranging and all-encompassing and they will be judged by a strong line-up of people pulled from the awards and media partners to ensure an open celebration taking place at this year’s ExPlay festival in Bath.”

ExPlay festival will continue to offer their bespoke training programme, Explay Boot Camp, providing guidance for start-ups and smaller studios on how to take an idea from concept through to an commercially viable game in only six months. Last year’s course has seen 12 companies benefit from the support provided by Eidos, Sony and Adobe, with a showcase of their achievements at this year’s festival being planned. Registration for 2012 Bootcmap is open to companies across the South West and the programme is supported by The Formation Zone ( http://www.formationzone.co.uk) and The Creative Industries iNet ( http://creativeindustriesi.net) managed by Creative England.

Festival Director Korash Sanjideh said, "We are proud to be organizing Explay for the second year running this time in the historically playful city of Bath. The festival will once again help raise the profile of the indie games industry across the UK, shining a light on indie development in the South West, and inviting everyone involved in creative, producing, publishing and playing games from across the UK and beyond to come and join us.

Landmark deal signed by Thumbstar Games

Thumbstar Games has signed a landmark deal with Viva Red Limited and China Telecom to provide developers and publishers access to a vast consumer base.

The TIGA member's deal with Viva Red Limited and the Chinese government's own mobile operator allows game producers to distribute games in China. It will do this via the Chinese government's own mobile operator which is one of the world’s largest mobile phone operators with over 130 million subscribers and a growth rate of three million users per month.

Thumbstar Games (thumbstar.com) has begun distribution negotiations with mobile games developers and publishers for back catalogue and future releases on Java and Smartphone platforms. The deal maintains copyright protection for valuable IPs.

CEO Gareth Edmondson said: "Our direct partnership with Viva Red Limited and China Telecom delivers a secure route to a previously unmapped and unprotected market

"The terms of this landmark deal will enable developers across the globe to leverage existing and future IPs to a content-hungry audience, with the peace of mind that this state-backed partnership can provide the necessary copyright protection to encourage further market growth.

COO Martin Kitney said: "We are actively securing gaming content for Viva Red Limited, and the process of localization and distribution will be through the unique platform of 189gameshop. The service of 189gameshop is jointly supported and maintained by Viva Red Limited and China Telecom, and we look forward to more detailed discussions with all interested parties."

Beta testers wanted

Grindhead Games is looking for three to five people to Beta-test a new mobile and web game it is planning to release.

Craig Beswetherick says students would be ideal testers to play through the game and report any bugs found but they will need their own mobile device, and a laptop. He said: "Ideally I'm looking for a mix of Android and iOS users. I will be able to supply various use cases for users to follow during bug testing and the mobile and web versions of the game. They will be required to play through various scenarios, and try and break the game in any way possible."

Contact Craig at craig@grindheadgames.com. Particiants will get a free copy of the game.#

TIGA Treasurer Launches Forensic Accounting Service

TIGA Treasurer Jeff Meek has launched a forensic accounting service to provide litigation support to lawyers throughout Scotland and companies in the UK Accountant Meek, a partner in leading independent accountancy firm French Duncan, recently graduated with a law degree.

As a member of the Society for Expert Witnesses, he has acted on numerous accounting and commercial matters at the Court of Session and Sheriff Courts for a variety of cases, including audit negligence, fraud, proceeds of crime and criminal investigations, business valuations and divorce and commercial disputes.

He also has experience of Royalty Auditing for developers, licence holders and funders.

Meek said: "Our forensic accounting service has been established in response to a growing demand for litigation support throughout the central belt,” he said.

"It has become evident over recent months that there is a demand for a forensic accounting service from a department able to bring the requisite commercial experience and financial expertise to bear on a range of legal cases.

"Litigation support deploys the full range of skills that I can offer as an accountant and auditor with many years commercial experience as a partner overseeing various fundraising initiatives, management buyouts and with extensive dot.com experience. And as it’s me who stands before the sheriff or judge in court to answer questions concerning financial matters in legal cases, I am directly involved in the delivery of all forensic work undertaken by the department.”

Contact Jeff Meek on 0131 225 6366.

Word from Jason Kingsley OBE

"It is becoming clear that the expected $12 billion value of the mobile games market in 2013 could be a major underestimate”

Welcome all to the newly revampednewsletterTheEye, which we hope you find informative and of great use. With the consultation period for games tax relief still ongoing, it is clearly a time of great hope for the industry.

The Nintendo Wii U is on its way, the Android console Ouya has attracted great interest (and lots of money) via Kickstarter, Sony has tied up a deal with cloud gaming service Gaikai and Microsoft is making waves with its SmartGlass technology

But we are also intrigued at the prospects offered by news that iPad sales have risen 84 per cent year-on-year in the third quarter ending June 30 and the fact Google had to halt new orders forthe16GBNexus7aftermajor demand.

It is becoming clear that the expected $12 billion value of the mobile games market in 2013 could be a major underestimate. And this is good news for UK developers. This country is at the forefront of mobile game development with 134 British games businesses making games for mobile, providing work for nearly 960 highly skilled development staff and contributing £98.5 million to UK GDP.

Last year, these studios released or updated 460 titles and we believe the scope for tablets and smartphones is extremely high, especially in light of the expectationoftheiPhone5and sales of the Samsung Galaxy III breaking 10 million units.

For years, we have seen the potential these devices offer for gaming.

More crucially, we have seen the fresh markets they open up, taking games to people who may otherwise not consider playing. Tablets and smartphones have the potential to widen the gaming market and turn millions more to gaming.

It is hard not to get excited. See you next month. Jason Kingsley, Chairman, TIGA

TIGA Launches new Awards to Celebrate Excellence in the Games Industry

Deadline for Entries is 8 October

TIGA, the trade association representing the UK games industry, has today launched itsindustry awards. The TIGA Awards are designed to celebrate creative and technical excellence and to commend business proficiency in the games industry.

Entry is free for both members and non-members and entrants should go to http://awards.tiga.org for more details.

The TIGA Games Industry 2012 awards ceremony will take place on the evening of 1st November as part of the ExPlay Festival at the Bath Assembly Rooms.

There are 23 award categories in total, in a hybrid system where ‘Games Categories’ are open to the entire industry and ‘Business of Games’ are open for entry exclusively for TIGA members. Categories include three special awards: ‘Game of the Year’, ‘Person of the Year’ and ‘Friend of the Sector’.

The award categories:

Games Categories open to the industry (both TIGA members and non-members can enter):
Action/Adventure
Arcade
Casual
Social
Serious
Student Game
Debut Game
Visual Design
Game Design
Audio Design
Originality
Marketing Campaign
Tools and technology

Five of the above ‘Games Categories’ are specifically designed to recognise the achievements of both small and larger studios:
Action/Adventure
Arcade
Casual
Social
Serious

Business of Games Categories(open to TIGA members only)
Leadership
New Business Idea
Publisher
Service Provider
University
Creative Knowledge
Transfer Start-up

Special Awards
Game of The Year
Person of the Year
Friend of the Sector

Dr Richard Wilson, CEO of TIGA, said:
"TIGA is the organisation for developers and digital publishers. So the TIGA Awards are designed to celebrate creative and technical excellence and to commend business proficiency in the games industry.

"Our ‘Games Categories’ are open to all and free to enter. They provide an opportunity to highlight the current achievements of our industry and to applaud promising start-ups, debut games and students.

"TIGA wants to ensure that the achievements of smaller studios are recognised. For this reason, five of our ‘Games Categories’ will make awards to both small and larger studios.”

"TIGA’s success as an organisation depends on the commitment and expertise of our members. We have therefore introduced ‘Business of Games Categories’ to salute the achievements of our members and to encourage business excellence.

"The TIGA Awards offer a wonderful opportunity to celebrate industry success and we are delighted to be hosting our Awards at the excellent ExPlay festival in Bath.”

Jason Kingsley, TIGA Chairman and CEO and Creative Director at Rebellion, said:

"TIGA was set up by games developers many years ago when there was no representation for our development community. At TIGA we aim to champion and strengthen the UK games industry as a whole. The TIGA Awards celebrate excellence in our ever changing industry and encourage future talent. The ‘Business of Games Categories’ reward TIGA members and recognise high performance businesses.

"TIGA is a not for profit organisation and is committed to supporting organisations and causes that assist young and vulnerable people. Our charity partner for this event is SpecialEffect, which is dedicated to helping ALL young people with disabilities to enjoy computer games.”

Ella Romanos, CEO, Remode Studios, and TIGA board member, said:

"We are lucky to have an incredibly talented set of developers in the UK that continue to make the British games industry grow and grow. It is important that we celebrate and support all our developers and publishers, which is why we are so excited to be hosting the first TIGA Awards at this year’s ExPlay Festival in Bath.”

Korash Sanjideh, ExPlay festival director, said:

"The TIGA Awards will help celebrate and promote the most creative and far-reaching developers and publishers in the UK. It is with great pride that we are looking forward to the awards taking place at the second ExPlay festival in Bath this November.”

Ends
NOTES FOR EDITORS

About TIGA
TIGA is the trade association representing the UK’s games industry. The majority of our members are either independent games developers or in-house publisher owned developers. We also have games publishers, outsourcing companies, technology businesses and universities amongst our membership. TIGA won 10 business awards and was nominated a finalist for 9 other awards during 2010 and 2011. In 2010 TIGA won two business awards including ‘Trade Association of the Year’ from the Trade Association Forum. In 2011, TIGA won eight business awards including ‘Trade Association of the Year’ from the Trade Association Forum, ‘Outstanding Organisation’ from the Chartered Management Institute and two Global Business Excellence Awards, including ‘Outstanding Marketing Campaign’. Richard Wilson won the ‘Leadership Award’ from the Trade Association Forum and the ‘Outstanding Leader’ award from the Chartered Management Institute.

TIGA is an Investors in People organisation. TIGA's vision is to make the UK the best place in the world to do games business. We focus on three sets of activities: political representation, generating media coverage and developing services that enhance the competitiveness of our members. This means that TIGA members are effectively represented in the corridors of power, their voice is heard in the media and they receive benefits that make a material difference to their businesses, including a reduction in costs and improved commercial opportunities.

For further information, please contact Dr Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO on: 07875 939 643, or email richard.wilson@tiga.org.

About Extended Play
Extended Play launched in 2011 as Southwest's first, and only, indie games festival. Following on from the highly the successful 2011 festival in Plymouth, this year’s ExPlay promises to be bigger and better, taking place in Bath on 31 st October – 2 nd November and continuing to offer stimulating debate, support, inspiration and entertainment for the digital interactive industry from gaming developers to producers, publishers and fans. The full programme will be finalised over the coming months.

www.explay.co.uk

Battle of the Platforms - Self-Publishing

Location:
Shoreditch House
Ebor Street
London E1 6AW
followed by drinks & Ping Pong at The Book Club

Timings: 9.30 for 10am start until - 5pm

Afterhours: After discussion & debate comes a chance to let your hair down or release your competitive streak with a game of ping pong and drinks at The Book Club, from 6.00pm onwards.

Come and join us on Weds 19th Sept at Shoreditch House in London to be part of our Battle of the Platforms: Self-Publishing Conference, sponsored by Microsoft.

The format of the day will be split into proponents of different platforms discussing which platform is most important in moving forwards – a day focused for those already self-publishing or considering it.

With so many costs to consider in addition to game development (hiring a team, workspace, equipment and software, licences and marketing), is it realistic to think you can create a cross-platform game from an early stage or should you focus on a particular platform that best suits your game?

Luckily, we have some of the smartest and most innovative studios in the industry presenting their experiences of self-publishing across console, mobile, web, tablet and PC.

Our line-up includes:

Team 17 – Debbie Bestwick, Managing Director

Debbie is a bona-fide industry veteran. Beginning her career at the tender age of 17, Debbie’s first taste of the video-game business was in retail as part of the Microbyte chain. Instrumental in expanding the chain’s reach across the U.K. Debbie was fundamental in winning the prestigious ‘CTW Retailer of the Year Award in 1989’.

One of three founding members of Team17 Software Ltd. in 1990. Debbie started by heading up the Sales and Marketing department, she went on to become responsible for all of the Commercial and Legal aspects of the business - working globally with top tier games distributors, publishers, developers and license partners.

Team17 has released over 70 games across 30 platforms and won numerous industry publishing and developer awards, as well as being the owners of the legendary Worms™ franchise. Pioneering Team17’s leap into digital publishing, 2009 saw Debbie being promoted to CEO and in early 2011 she completed a MBO now being the majority shareholder of the business.

Microsoft - Paul Mackinnon, Innovation

Paul will talk about the Windows 8 opportunities for indie game developers.

Stick Sports – Paul Collins, Managing Director

Set up one of the first advergaming agencies in London back in 2004. Connecting indie flash developers with brands, advertisers and media owners. Clients included Lastminute.com, iwantoneofthose, Paddy Power, Channel 4 and BskyB. Pauls skills are in business management and marketing.

In 2006 - founded Stick Sports – a publishing and development studio specialising in casual sports games. By maintaining a low cost base the business was able to grow and consolidate its position in online and mobile gaming. Doing this by securing and maintaining regional sponsorship and licensing business throughout the world from clients like Pepsi, KFC, UEFA, Intel and Toyota.

I’m not a hard core, old school gamer so I am not too surprised about the massive change the industry has undergone in the last few years. I am excited about its’ future.

SCEE – Shahid Ahmad, Senior Business Development Manager

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE), based in London, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and sales of PlayStation®3, PlayStation®Vita, PlayStation®2, PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) and PlayStation®Network software and hardware in 109 territories across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Oceania. SCEE also develops, publishes, markets and distributes entertainment software for these formats, and manages the third party licensing programs for the formats in these territories.

PLA Studios - Robin Lacey, Creative Director, PLA Studios

Robin Lacey is the creative director of PLA studios and specializes in branded and educational games.He has produced games for clients such as; Universal Music Group, the Army and Channel 4 education (amongst others). Before PLA, Robin co-founded independent London development studio Beatnik Games, and helped produce acclaimed PC game "Plain Sight.” - earning himself a place in Develop’s "30 under 30”.

nDreams – Patrick O’Luanaigh, CEO, nDreams and TIGA Director

Patrick is CEO of nDreams, a fast-growing UK-based publisher of virtual games/items. They are one of the leading developers and publishers in PlayStation Home, and have also created Alternate Reality Games such as 'Xi' and 'Lewis Hamilton: Secret Life', which both had over 600,000 players take part. As well as console, they are moving into browser and handheld free-to-play gaming. Before setting up nDreams, Patrick was Creative Director of Eidos, and he has been in the games industry since 1996. He's also the author of 'Game Design Complete', published by Paraglyph Press. His latest game, a freemium floating archipelago called Aurora, has already had over 3 million visits. Twitter: @patrickol

Supermono Studios – Tak Fung, Founder, Supermono

Tak graduated from the University of Cambridge in Computer Science and was very soon working for premier developer Lionhead Studios. After 6 years and 3 major titles including the Fable series under his belt Tak made the bold move to leave salary man lifestyle and develop his own games.The app store didn't exist then but soon became the platform of choice and he founded Supermono Studios with Art Director Dave Ferner. Supermono Studios delivered 4 original titles within 3 years and grew to a fulltime studio of 7 people. These include MiniSquadron, Fox vs Duck, EpicWin and most recently Forever Drive, a freemium action racing title set in the future where players create their own tracks and share them with the community. And next? Well, Supermono have a new office in the heart of Shoreditch, London and the team are focused on cracking location based game ideas.

About Supermono Studios

Supermono is a new independent games studio, creating unique games to capture your imagination! We’ve already won a pile of prizes, including an IMGA "Excellence in Gameplay” award, and a nomination for the IGF’s "Best Mobile Game Design” award

Bossa Studios - Henrique Olifiers, Gamer-in-Chief, Bossa Studios

With a games career spanning more than 20 years beginning on old 8bit computers, Henrique has been in the forefront of every gaming revolution ever since, from the demoscene of the 80s to the TV convergence, mobile, online, freemium and social games.

He is the co-founder of Bossa Studios, makers of the BAFTA-winning ‘Monstermind’, the first real-time multiplayer anti-social game on Facebook. Some other recent titles he’s associated with include ‘My Big Brother’, ‘Runescape HD’ and ‘FIFA Superstars’, all winners of acclaims worldwide.

His TV-Games background dates back from the early 2000’s at Globo TV where he was in charge of creating convergent games originated in television IPs like Big Brother. Bossa has been recently acquired by the Shine Group, and is currently working on their first games in collaboration with Shine television properties, such as ‘Merlin The Game’.

We’ve got a great line-up, it is free to attend & spaces are limited so if you can’t make it, please let us know as early as possible.

Dlala Studios - Aj Grand-Scrutton, Chief Creative Officer

As well as co-founding Dlala Studios, Aj has previously worked for award-winning studios such as Bossa Studios and Jagex Ltd. Working on titles such as the award-winning 'Monstermind' (Bossa Studios) and the epic, yet-to-be-released MMO 'Stellar Dawn' (Jagex). Along with long time friend and colleague, Craig Thomas, he formed Dlala Studios in June 2012. Throwing themselves head first into the company's first game, "Janksy", a space-based physics adventure. The goal was set - produce a high quality, highly enjoyable game in time to be ready for Windows 8 Launch. Starting off working on small games in his parents' living room, Aj's career has took him to the new heights of working from his parents' garage.

Open to Export

Open to Export (http://www.opentoexport.com?cam=OTEWBUKTI5) is a community driven service being developed to help SME’s to grow their business overseas. Companies can post questions to users and key contributors who have the exporting knowledge and experience to help guide others in taking their business overseas. They can provide companies with the advice and connections they need to break into new markets.

The service is being designed to give companies:
a wide range of information to help them consider new markets; advice on connecting with new customers;
and, knowledge to overcome any hurdles that might stand in their way.

The Open to Export service is currently in Beta. It is a free to access service, so please log on, have a look through the site and register to ask any question about internationalising your business.

Eurogamer Expo Thursday 27th Sep 2012

Eurogamer Expo
Earls Court Brompton Hall entrance
Meeting Room 3
London SW5 9TA

Eurogamer and GamesIndustry.biz are again hosting Games Invest as part of the Eurogamer Expo on Thursday 27th September. Games Invest 2012 is an opportunity for small-to-medium-sized games and tech companies to find out more about public and private games investment, and also have an opportunity to network and pitch informally and formally to investors via a meeting application form.

Already confirmed as investors and speakers are We R Interactive, GAMESBrief and Ian Livingstone OBE, with many more to be confirmed in the next few months. Every ticket purchase for Games Invest 2012 includes: - an application form for games companies to apply for formal pitch meetings with games investors, that take place from 1.30-6.00pm - two morning speaker sessions presented by key investors/sponsors - the Games Invest Panel featuring Ian Livingstone OBE and other speakers - a networking lunch - full access to the Eurogamer Expo and GamesIndustry Fair - a ticket to the GamesIndustry party from 6pm at a venue near to Earls Court

Tickets are £99 (plus booking fee) and TIGA can offer members a 10% discount fee with the promotional code - (email suzi@tiga.org to get your code) from the official website: http://gamesinvest2012.eventbrite.com/

Digital Spark 2012

We are pleased to announce that we have negotiated a 15% discount on the early bird conference passes for Digital Spark 2012. If you register before the 2nd August just £143.65 (please email suzi@tiga.org to get your member discount code). click here to register. If you register after 2nd August price will increase to £169.15.

The third Digital Spark conference will be held on 5th and 6th September at the acclaimed National Centre of Excellence for Computer Games Education in Dundee. Attend this conference and hear from leading developers and legal brains on exploiting, protecting and funding your digital IP. This conference will spark off business ideas and business relations over two days of thought-provoking and valuable workshops and conference sessions. If you are from the computer games and digital media industry, academia, currently studying or a legal professional this conference is a must attend.

Speakers include:
Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, Scottish Government
Sandy Duncan, MD, Yo-Yo Games
John Collins, CFO, Mediatonic
Colin Anderson, MD, Denki
Geoff Heath (OBE), Digital, We R Interactive advisor and industry legend
Luke Petre, Makie Labs
Ian Baverstock, Partner, Tenshi Ventures
Ed Martin, Executive VP, Eutechnyx

What is included in the ticket?
Interactive workshops
Lunch and refreshments over two days
Access to exhibition area and networking
Party on evening of 5 September
Chance to meet industry experts and ask them questions
Chance to meet academics from Abertay and some of the leading students

To keep updated follow us on twitter: @abertayUni #digispark and if you have any queries email carri@secret-sauce.co.uk

Creative Skillset Census

Creative Skillset are asking companies to take part in an industry-wide census: do you want to be one of them? Help us make sure that the Computer Game industry has the information it needs to thrive in the global market. By completing the census you will be directly influencing how Creative Skillset uses and levers funds to ensure we have a highly skilled, world class workforce.

This year we have made important changes to make it easier for everyone to participate online. See: www.creativeskillset.org/census.

GDC Europe 2012

TIGA members receive an exclusive discount to GDC Europe 2012.

Get an additional 60 Euro off VIP, All Access, Main Conference, Summits & Tutorials passes. Contact suzi@tiga.org for your discount code.

GDC Cologne
Germany August 13-15 2012
www.GDCEurope.com
Register: www.gdceurope.com/register

Game Dev North to be sponsored by Microsoft, Sheridans and TIGA

The organisers of the networking event for the Northwest game development industry are pleased to announce a new partnership with Microsoft, Sheridans Solictors and TIGA for future events.

The new partnership will be launched with "GameDevNorth 6 - Revolutions" on the 11th of August which will be the big summer event. Hosted by Samuel Mottershaw, Project Static, White Paper Games and Paw Print Games the event is looking to bring in developers from all over the North of England with this summer event.

The first 80 tickets have already gone but there is a capacity of up to 250. Companies in attendance are TT Games, Namaste Entertainment, Spiral House, Lucid Games, Setgo Limited and Totem Games. An industry quiz for great prizes, friendly chat, food, drink, an exclusive Project Static DJ set, some free drinks and even the chance to do some networking will be on offer at Leaf in Liverpool on 11th August starting at 6pm.

"Game Dev North” started because several north west developers were interested in meeting more like minded people from the local area and decided to set up a event to bring everyone together, from small beginnings of about 10 people a meeting. It's grown tremendously since Feburary which has seen many people coming from all sorts of companies and even far reaching parts of the country to attend the meet up. The recommendation is to sign up for tickets soon as they are going quick! Also, don't plan to attend and not sign up as we won't have accounted for the extra people!

For more information on how to get involved, take a look at the eventbrite page: http://gamedevnorth6.eventbrite.co.uk/ or to see photos from previous events take a look here:

https://www.facebook.com/ProjectStaticUK/photos
The official twitter is where the latest updates are posted: https://twitter.com/GameDevNorth

For more on the organisers check their websites: Samuel Mottershaw - http://wordsforgames.com/game-dev-north/
Project Static - http://projectstatic.co.uk/gamedevnorth.html
White Paper Games - http://www.whitepapergames.com/
Paw Print Games - http://www.pawprintgames.com/

Jim McGovern hails computer games industry optimism at Dundee event

Dundee West MP Jim McGovern today welcomed the optimism expressed by computer games industry representatives at a TIGA hosted event in the city.

The speakers thanked Mr McGovern for his efforts in securing a government u-turn on tax reliefs for the industry, and expressed confidence for the future of the sector both in Dundee and the rest of the UK.

The development and implementation of the tax relief, announced by George Osborne in the last budget, was also discussed. Jim McGovern questioned the Chancellor about this on June 26th in the House of Commons, where he was told that a consultation would begin shortly.

Once the consultation is complete the government’s policy will be put before the European Union in order to ensure that it does not violate state aid legislation.

Jim McGovern said;

"Today’s conference was very productive, and I welcomed the acknowledgment from the industry of my efforts to secure the tax relief policy.

”"The confidence they have in the future of the industry both locally and nationally is heartening, now we must make sure that during the consultation and the EU procedure the policy that is implemented is the right one for the industry.”

Mr McGovern concluded;

"I will continue to press the government to make sure the policy that is implemented is the right one, and I will continue to support an industry that brings both jobs and investment into Dundee.”

Ends.

Your thoughts on Games Tax relief

TIGA, the trade association representing the UK games industry, is surveying its members for thoughts on the forthcoming Games Tax Relief.

The organisation is meeting with developers to discuss the implementation of the tax relief and also to explain what it means for creative talent in the UK.In creating the survey, TIGA hopes to canvas the widest possible number of developers for a full picture of the needs and wants of developers.

In due course, the full results will be shared and they will also be used as part of TIGA's representation to the UK government.

Dr Richard Wilson, CEO of TIGA, said: "It is important that all developers make themselves heard, whether they attend our numerous cross-country sessions or not. The survey enables them to air their views."

MSP Attends Video Games Workshop on Implementing Tax Relief Measure

Dundee City West MSP Joe FitzPatrick, Convenor of the Cross Party Group on Computer Games Technology at the Scottish Parliament, today attended a workshop at Scottish Enterprise aimed at ensuring that the implementation of promised tax breaks by the UK Government works well for the video games industry.

Joe FitzPatrick said: "The video games body TIGA and Scottish Enterprise organised a serious of workshops for games developers in order to work out how the tax breaks promised by the Chancellor can best work for the benefit of the sector, which is a significant employer in Dundee.

"It is vital that the UK Government ensures that small and medium sized companies (which account for the bulk of firms in Dundee) are able to access the scheme without unnecessary bureaucracy and paperwork. These SMEs offer the greatest potential to create jobs in our city, particularly for young people.”

Play UK Interactive Games/Content Trade Mission to Japan 17-21 Sep 2012

UK Trade & Investment is organising the Play UK trade mission to Japan in September 2012.

This mission will coincide with the Tokyo Game Show 2012. UK registered companies in the supply of digital games, mobile games, social games, digital media, content and services are invited to participate in this mission.

WHY JAPAN?
Japan is the Mecca of digital games; many leading games companies are born in Japan including Capcom, Namco Bandai, Square Enix Sony Computer Entertainment and Nintendo. Total shipment of Japanese digital games companies for domestic and overseas business was £13 billion in 2010. Japan alone was worth £3.2 billion. Smartphones have become a key platform of digital content and 23 million units were shipped into the Japanese market in 2011 and it is expected to reach 40 million in 2012. Thanks to the success of the iPhone, new digital media and services are now crucial for differentiation. The Tokyo Game Show (TGS) is Japan’s main annual computer games convention. Despite the global economic downturn, TGS 2011 had 220,000 visitors and 193 exhibitors. TGS 2012 is expected to be the same size of the event with an even more international focus. The Japanese market is always interested in new products. Opportunities exist for advanced and innovative products, especially in the areas of content, development tools software, hardware, peripherals, animation and 3D, design services in new digital games, mobile games, mobile monetisation etc.

SUPPORT PROVIDED AND COST OF PARTICIPATION
Having your meetings set up with the right people, having your sales pitch clear, having a clearly laid out itinerary with clear travel instructions, and using reliable interpreters, takes much of the stress out of your first interactions with potential clients. The most valuable support UKTI can provide is in using our network of contacts within Japanese business to set up business-to-business meetings with the right contact for your product or service. UKTI’s dedicated, experienced and well-connected team in the UK and Japan is entirely focused on giving UK companies this type of support. Mission participants will benefit from bespoke support both in the UK and Japan. In advance of the mission, we will discuss your needs and help you ensure you have prepared adequately. The team in Japan will make regular contact during the process of arranging your programme so that you arrive in Japan with a clear itinerary and clear objectives. After the mission, we will help you to follow up on your meetings and can also advise you on your next steps.

BENEFITS:

Advice on one-to-one meeting requirements from the Technology team in Japan
Pre-mission publicity in Japan
Round table workshop with prominent guests from Japanese digital games/content companies business such as leading publishers/developers for consulate games, mobile games, venture capitals, banks, game analysts and licensing experts etc.
Network reception with Japanese digital games and media companies at the British Embassy in Tokyo Exhibitor Pass for Tokyo Game Show(TGS) on Business
Free access to meeting space dedicated to participants adjacent to TGS venue
1-2-1 meetings arrangements on request from Japanese companies
Advice on quality interpreters for meetings
Once back in the UK, a post mission debrief on next steps.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Travel grants for mission delegates who are new to exporting may be available through your local International Trade Team based throughout England. The devolved administrations of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales may also be able to provide support. To locate your nearest team, please visit www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk or call +44 (0)20 7215 8000.

TRAVEL ACCOMMODATION
Delegates will be responsible for their own travel arrangements, accommodation and subsistence. UKTI will provide bespoke services to participants such as meetings arrangements or company calls through Overseas Market Introduction Services (OMIS), which is a chargeable service. It will take time to set up meetings and let us know if you are interested in using this service. Tokyo Game Show will take place at the Makuhari Messe, which is located in Chiba Prefecture next to Tokyo. It will take 1 – 1.5 hour from central Tokyo by train. However, it is suggested you stay at a hotel in Tokyo to commute to the TGS venue on Thursday and Friday (not many hotels near the venue).

HOW TO APPLY
Please apply for this visit by filling the form from the following URL. https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/playuk2012

Should you have any questions, please contact Etsuo Watanabe: etsuo.watanabe@fco.gov.uk
T: +81 3 5211 1151

Games Invest 2012

Thursday 27th September 2012
9.30am-6pm
Eurogamer Expo, Earls Court Brompton Hall entrance, Meeting Room 3, London SW5 9TA

Eurogamer and GamesIndustry.biz are again hosting Games Invest as part of the Eurogamer Expo on Thursday 27th September. Games Invest 2012 is an opportunity for small-to-medium-sized games and tech companies to find out more about public and private games investment, and also have an opportunity to network and pitch informally and formally to investors via a meeting application form.

Already confirmed as investors and speakers are We R Interactive, GAMESBrief and Ian Livingstone OBE, with many more to be confirmed in the next few months. Every ticket purchase for Games Invest 2012 includes:
- an application form for games companies to apply for formal pitch meetings with games investors, that take place from 1.30-6.00pm
- two morning speaker sessions presented by key investors/sponsors
- the Games Invest Panel featuring Ian Livingstone OBE and other speakers
- a networking lunch
- full access to the Eurogamer Expo and GamesIndustry Fair
- a ticket to the GamesIndustry party from 6pm at a venue near to Earls Court

Tickets are £99 (plus booking fee) and TIGA can offer members a 10% discount fee (email suzi@tiga.org to get your code) from the official website: http://gamesinvest2012.eventbrite.com/

Jamie Sefton Managing Director Game Republic Ltd +44 (0)7776 121605

CI KTN Partnering For Innovation £600K Convergence Funding Event in London - Tues, 17 July 2012

Creative Industries KTN will be hosting a half day Partnering For Innovation event in London on Tuesday, 17 July 2012.

The event will be promoting the Technology Strategy Board £1.8M funding competition Convergence in a Digital Landscape and focusing on challenge 2 which looks at projects around cross-platform content, generation of ideas and new business models for content.

Date: Tuesday, 17 July 2012
Time: 10:30 - 13:30 (registration 09:30 a.m.)
Venue: Hackney House, 186 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6HU

The Creative Industries Knowledge Transfer Network mission is to accelerate innovation in the Creative Industries in the UK. We are home to innovators from all sectors of the Creative Industries from Advertising to Fashion and Design, from Architecture to New Media, TV, Games and beyond. Membership of the network is free, join at https://connect.innovateuk.org/web/creativektn/

4T2 wins two awards for LEGO game

TIGA member, 4T2 Multimedia is celebrating winning two major UK marketing awards for its LEGO game "Hero Factory Breakout”.

The firm won the New Media Age Award for best consumer campaign, defeating brands such as Skype, Kellogg, Tesco, Xbox, McDonalds and the Discovery Channel. It then went on to win the prestigious ‘Grand Prix’ award for the best campaign across all 16 award categories.

LEGO Hero Factory Breakout is a free-to-play action adventure game, available on the internet, iPhone and iPad (www.herofactory.com). Developed using Unity and available around the world in 16 languages, the web and iOS third person adventure game has helped push the boundaries of what children can now expect from a 100% free to play title.

To produce the game, 4T2 hired Adrian Smith, best known as the Executive Producer of the ‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider’ games. To achieve their goals the company also created a unique game control system that makes it easy for children in the 7-12 age range to navigate 3D obstacles, target enemies and experience rich gameplay.

Commenting on the award win, 4T2 Business Development Director Mike Hawkyard said
"We’re delighted to have our work with LEGO recognised in such a high profile way. It’s also fantastic to see a casual game being recognised as a powerful and highly effective tool when directly compared to traditional marketing methods.

The judges were particularly impressed with the fact that game play was refined based on analytics after the initial launch period. Techniques like this that help online games standout from alternative promotional media as your campaign can be constantly improved by reviewing how the target audience is engaging with the content.”

Jan Faltum, Marketing Director at the LEGO Group, commented:
"Our toys are focused on creating a rich play experience for children and we see digital media as an increasingly important part of that. We commissioned this game so children could have fun customising their own heroes and interacting with them in a 3D world and we’re delighted that our partnership with 4T2 has been recognised in this way.”

Contact:
Mike Hawkyard: mike.hawkyard@4T2.co.uk
01202 767 300
Nikki Curwen: nikki.curwen@4T2.co.uk
01202 204 862

About 4T2
4T2 is an award-winning game developer, specialising in creating online and mobile games. The company employs 25 people and is based in Bournemouth, UK. Its clients include The LEGO Group, BBC and Mobil 1.

About The LEGO Group
The LEGO Group is a privately held company based in Billund, Denmark. The company is still owned by the Kirk Kristiansen family who founded it in 1932. The LEGO Group is engaged in the development of children's creativity through playing and learning. Based on the world-famous LEGO® brick, the company today provides toys, experiences and teaching materials for children in more than 130 countries. The LEGO Group has approximately 10,000 employees, and it is the world's third largest manufacturer of play materials.

Traffic Panic London brings carnage to iPhone, iPad and Android

The chaos returns in Traffic Panic London, Neon Play’s latest game for iPhone and Android. This is the third title in a series that has racked up over 4 million downloads and this time the destruction comes to the iconic Olympic city of London.

Neon Play, the UK-based games studio behind hits such as Flick Football and Paper Glider have just announced a new addition to their popular Traffic Panic series. This new title offers even more chaos and goes by the name of Traffic Panic London. Set in the vibrant and charismatic UK capital and Olympic Games host, Traffic Panic London brings more explosive fun to your fingertips.

The game follows the same playing mechanic as the original two titles, players are given control of a busy intersection via a set of red and green traffic lights. Tapping anywhere on the screen changes the lights and sends the waiting vehicles across the junction. Changing the lights at the wrong moment, however, can throw this puzzle game into pandemonium.

Unlike most casual games, this game really takes off once you make a mistake. Changing the lights at the wrong moment can cause utter carnage as the vehicles clatter, jackknife and flip into each other across the bisecting junction. This earns the player even more score, also resulting in a higher Credit reward. Earn Credits as you play to unlock new playable content. There are four different locations containing famous landmarks, as well as 18 custom vehicles to obtain such as the Fuel Tanker, Car Transporter, London Bus and the Pizza Delivery Guy.

The Tourist, Historic and Classic areas of London can be unlocked, bringing a entirely new set of interactive buildings to collide with. Watch the the London Eye come off of its hinges, Nelson's Column crumble and Big Ben’s clock face fall from the sky in a fantastic 3D visual feast. Tap Explosions also make their first appearance in Traffic Panic London. After causing a crash you can enhance the madness by tapping the screen to blow up vehicles, buildings and other objects on screen - all contributing to your final score.

There are over 160 missions to complete which help you progress along Traffic Panic London’s rewarding upgrade path. London has plenty to celebrate this year with both the Queen's Jubilee and the Olympics. Typically, the traffic will be chaotic, but Traffic Panic London will help relieve the stress of it all as the UK's biggest city celebrates 2012. Device Requirements iPhone 3GS (or above), iPod Touch (3rd generation and above) or iPadRequires iOS 4.0, Android OS 2.2 or later45MB

Pricing and Availability On the App Store Traffic Panic London is free (or equivalent amount in other currencies) and available worldwide exclusively though the App Store in the Games category. On Google Play Traffic Panic London is free and available worldwide exclusively though the Games category.

Contact: paul@neonplay.com

9th Annual Meffys - the Global Awards for Mobile Content & Commerce - Entries Deadline: 9th July!

Six new categories reflect the mobile’s growing influence on key verticals & consumers
New CEO Summit Award for Innovation recognises mobile’s rising stars

MEF, the Global Community for Mobile Content and Commerce has launched its annual awards, the Meffys, now in their 9th year. New categories for 2012 include Publisher on Mobile, Life Tools App and Brand on Mobile, recognising the breadth and scale of mobile content and commerce. Also new for 2012 is the Social and Entertainment App category; this category celebrates the best and most commercially successful applications that are focused on ‘fun’ and includes games, photo, video, TV and music apps, as well as social networking and sharing tools.

Companies are invited to submit entries in 13 categories until the deadline of July 9th. The 2012 winners will be announced at a gala dinner on 12th September 2012 at the prestigious Park Lane Hotel in Mayfair. Judged by an independent and uniquely international panel of journalists, academics, analysts and VCs, the Meffys are the global benchmark for measuring success and rewarding innovation in mobile content and commerce. Last year, more than 350 industry leaders from over 30 countries gathered in London to attend the Meffys, reflecting their stature as the premier global awards for the mobile content and commerce industry.

The 2012 Meffys categories in full:
Social & Entertainment App - NEW
Life tools App - NEW
Brand on Mobile
Publisher on Mobile - NEW
Content Service
m-Commerce Service
Consumer Trust - NEW
Discovery & Engagement - NEW
Social Responsibility & Development - NEW

Innovation Categories
Innovation Award for Apps
Innovation Award for Technology
Innovation Award for Growth Markets
Innovation Award for Monetization

Opportunities for sponsorships are still available - If you want to showcase your brand to the most influential audience in mobile media, please contact sponsors@mefmobile.org

For more details and information on how to enter visit www.meffys.com

About MEF:
MEF is the global community for mobile content and commerce. It is the leading trade organisation for companies wishing to monetize their goods, services and digital products via the mobile connected device. MEF provides competitive advantage to its diverse membership, shapes industry growth, connects thought leaders and spearheads groundbreaking initiatives which explore and promote monetization opportunities.

London TIGA GameDev Night

TIGA GameDev Nights - Food, Beers, Demos + Speaker

Location: The Light Bar and Restaurant, 233 Shoreditch High Street London E1 6PJ
6.00pm for a 6.30pm start until 9.30pm

This is the third in our series of TIGA GameDev Nights (we've visited Oxford and Guildford in the last 2 months), and you're invited to our next one in London (we are heading up North & to Scotland in the coming months too!).

Hutch, Creators of Smash Cops #1 Game App in 12 Countries, will be presenting on the night as well as Bossa Studios, creators of Monstermind, the first realtime PvP game on Facebook which we're really excited about.

It's free to attend for developers (for both TIGA members and non-members) and you can register here.

Huge thanks to our sponsors, Autodesk, for supporting the next four events taking place in London, Leeds, Liverpool and Dundee.

About Hutch @hutchgames

Hutch was founded as a digital game studio in June 2011 by five passionate developers who worked on top selling franchises including Fable, Burnout, EyeToy, Battalion Wars, This is Football, Eight Days and the Getaway.

After a series of projects that never quite made it the team were compelled to take the leap and invest their own money into projects they believed in. With creative control and truly agile working environment the team focused on delivering Smash Cops for iOS.

Smash Cops was published by Hutch in January 2012. It became a No.1 App store hit in twelve countries, achieved Apple "game of the week” and has since amassed over 4.5m players.

The team is now growing in order to support the original title, expand the Smash Cops brand and explore new, ground-breaking concepts for 2013.

The Hutch goals are:

Be an amazing and passionate place to work
Create eye-catching, ultra high quality 3D visuals
Blend rich, fun gameplay with effective and responsible monetisation
Remain at the forefront of the digital industry

We are currently based in a hutch (quite literally) in Old Street, London and we’ve never been happier

About Bossa Studios @bossastudios

Four veterans from the games, entertainment and mobile industries got together in October 2010 to build Bossa Studios with a single purpose in mind: revolutionise the social network gaming market.As proud creators of BAFTA winning Monstermind, the first realtime PvP game on Facebook, we strive to develop exciting new projects and deliver high impact games to the market. Our recently announced title, Merlin: The Game, combines authentic style with striking visuals and allows players to embark on a magical adventure with friends to battle against evil forces that threaten Camelot.

Sponsor:

Leeds TIGA GameDev Night

TIGA GameDev Nights - Food, Beers, Demos + Speaker

Location: The Elbow Room, 64 Call Lane, Leeds LS1 6DT
6.00pm for a 6.30pm start until 9.30pm

If you're interesting in speaking at the Leeds, Liverpool or Dundee event please email nisha@tiga.org, we welcome game developers on any platform so please do get in touch, as it's a great chance to showcase new work and ideas!

Speaker: Martin Caine / Retroburn Game Studios
Positron is a fast paced futuristic light cycle game inspired by the original Tron arcade games. The game features multiple arcade style game modes and stylistic 3D visuals to create an exciting and visceral gaming experience. The game will be seeing its first releases on Sony’s new PlayStation Mobile platform and Xbox Live Indie Games with future releases planned on most major mobile gaming platforms.

Video: http://youtu.be/edZFP8NeTqQ
Screenshots: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150573142292686.379618.132506647685&type=3
Device Shots: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150988306317686.420111.132506647685&type=1

Speaker: Mark Jawdoszak / Chief Monkey at Gaslight Games.
Whilst tinkering on a BBC Master and wasting countless hours on his Sega Mega-Drive, a young Mark knew Video Games was the industry for him. After decades in the IT industry and working almost every role imaginable, Mark packed up his bananas and set up Gaslight Games. Most recently turning the companies direction towards the 360, fluid simulations and tea faring pirate battles.

Game: Master of the Seven Teas
"Epic Maritime Skirmishes on a Teeny, Tiny Teacup Scale!”

Take control of a paper pirate boat and battle against other vessels, all within the confines of a cup of tea! A fully reactive fluid surface plays host to up to 4-player competitive battles with a range of weapons from regular cannon fire, grape or chain shot, right through to the Killer Shark power-up, or the Giant Squid cannon which envelopes any struck ship. Enjoy multiple game modes and a single-player campaign in which you aim to become the Master of the Seven Teas.

About Gaslight Games
Gaslight Games Ltd
http://www.gaslightgames.co.uk
Founded in 2008 as a MOD team to develop an entry in the Epic Games and Intel "Make Something Unreal” competition, Gaslight Games changed focus in 2009 when the Get in the Game event opened its doors.
In 2010, Gaslight Games developed their debut game "Skin Ink” and entered this into the Dare with Bamboo competition, run by Wacom – the World’s largest art tablet manufacturer.

Skin Ink was fortunate enough to win the competition and has led to a fantastic working relationship with Wacom.
Throughout 2011, Gaslight Games were published in notable magazines Making Games and EDGE, as well as giving workshops at the British Science Festival.

Beyond developing their own titles, Gaslight Games creates 3rd party applications and technologies for a wide variety of aspects including martial arts, document browsing and digital signatures.

Speaker: Volker Hirsch
Volker Hirsch, Global Head of Business Development, Research In Motion Volker is the Global Head of Business Development – Games for Research In Motion (BlackBerry) where he arrived via the acquisition of mobile social gaming platform Scoreloop where he was Chief Strategy Officer. He is also a co-founder of Blue Beck, a game and app development studio. Volker has been in mobile since 1999. He worked with music artists like Britney Spears, Snoop Dogg and Duran Duran on the world’s first mobile artist services and has been in the mobile games sector almost from its start with Mforma/Hands-On Mobile and Connect2Media (which he co-founded) where he oversaw licensing and corporate development and worked with Marvel, Hasbro, Activision, LEGO, BMW, Konami, the World Poker Tour, Universal, Viacom, and many developers along the way. He also struck more than 200 distribution deals with carriers and OEM around the world. Volker is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. He regular speaks at top mobile and technology conferences around the world (incl. Mobile World Congress, CTIA, Oxford University, SXSW, MIP TV, etc.) and is a co-organiser of TEDx Youth @ Manchester. He blogs at http://vhirsch.com/blog and tweets @vhirsch. 

Sponsor:

In association with:

Liverpool TIGA GameDev Night

TIGA GameDev Nights - Food, Beers, Demos + Speaker

Location: Elevator Bar and Cafe, 25 Parliament St, Liverpool L8 5RN
6.00pm for a 6.30pm start until 9.30pm

We're excited to announce our headline speaker:

Jeff Coghlan, Managing Director, Matmi

As a digital strategist, my opinions – not always popular or mainstream – have been sought by clients and major advertising agencies. I have been invited to be a guest speaker at many prestigious events to discuss a variety of topics; ranging from the evolution of casual gaming, tech convergence, gamification to the emergence of IPTV.

Some of the more recent speaker engagements include: The Develop Conference (2009, 2010, 2012), GSummit (Gamification) in San Francisco (2012) Elmwood’s Digital Picnic (2008), Brandhouse Digital Sparks (2010), a round table with Brand-e.biz (the branded entertainment specialist site) on "Why Brands Play Games”, and more recently I did a talk at TEDx Liverpool (2012) on the convergence of mobile technology and what that means for the creative digital industry. I am also regularly on panel discussions run by MoMoMcr, Manchester Digital and TIGA. The uptake of mobile devices and the oncoming technology of IPTV suggests we are heading towards exciting times within the digital industry, and I for one am looking forward to seeing the next stage in this industries evolution.

Matmi New Media Design Ltd was established in 2001 with its core business being digital design, development and the production of online flash based games. The company has grown into one of the UK's leading niche digital games agencies with a diverse range of clients, an award winning track record and international reputation for our forward thinking and cutting edge creative (See credits below). We are recognised for the quality of our games and apps, developed for the emerging mobile and social market. Matmi have a long and successful history of integrating social networks seamlessly into many game engines.

We like to have fun with what we do, so we only take on projects in which we feel we can really excel and produce amazing results. This passion and dedication yields rewards for Matmi and our clients, as our award winning work can be seen all over the Internet and Mobile platforms.

Our experience and vast knowledge in the digital arena is unrivalled. We produce websites, FB apps, online games, mobile games, animations, 3D graphics all in house, and work alongside some of the world’s leading digital agencies, including Publicis Modem, TBWA, McCann Erickson, CG&B amongst others.

Sponsor:

Win an iPad

We are working with blended learning service Train2Game to survey the UK's games industry.

There is a chance to win an iPad by completing the survey and the results will be used as the basis of a white paper around education in the UK gaming sector.

The aim of the white paper is to generate positive coverage around getting qualified to work in the video games industry and what it's like to work in gaming in the UK.Please take the time to give your input and complete the survey by visiting https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DevelopSurvey.

We're hoping to achieve some really strong coverage, which the whole industry will benefit from.

Battle of the Platforms: Self-Publishing day

Time: 10am - 5pm followed by networking

Format: The event will be split into different market segments (Tablet, Mobile, Console, PC) with an hour or so focused on each + a panel session when proponents of each say why they think their platform is so important moving forwards.

Speakers: Shahid Ahmed from SCEE, Patrick O'Luanaigh from nDreams, Paul Collins, Stick Sports

Venue:
Chadwick Lecture Theatre G08
Chadwick Building
UCL Main Campus, Gower Street
WC1E 6BT London

Newcastle - Games Tax Relief - How might it work in practice?

Chancellor George Osborne promised a games industry tax break during his Budget 2012 speech.

But where do we go from here? How will it work? Who will benefit? These workshops are in place to provide you with more information about how the tax break is proposed to work in practice and to ensure that your voice is heard in the consultations about the games tax relief with the UK Coalition Government.

TIGA wants to ensure that the tax break is effectively designed for the games industry and easy to use.

In partnership with Grant Thornton LLP, TIGA will be holding a series of events to continue conversations with game development studios to discuss where we go from here.

Come along to the workshop on 9th August at Toffee Factory, Lower Steenbergs Yard, Quayside, Ouseburn, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2DF at 6.00pm for a 6.30pm start.

COST: FREE FOR TIGA MEMBERS AND NON-MEMBERS

Schedule
6.00 – Registration & drinks
6.25 – Introduction by Richard Wilson, CEO of TIGA
6.30 – Presentation by Jo Robertson, Grant Thornton LLP: 'Summary of the consultation document and how tax breaks will work in practice’
7.15 – Presentation by Vincent Scheurer, Sarassin LLP:'What are the variables?'
7.30 – Open discussion and group workshops
8.15 – Summary and next steps
8.20 – Beer, food and chat
9.30 – Close of event

In partnership with:

In association with:

Simulation & Synthetic Environments Workshop - Technology Drivers and Business Opportunities

Thu 19 Jul 2012 - America Square Conference Centre, London EC3N 2LB

The Simulation & Synthetic Environments National Technical Committee (SSE NTC), hosted by the Aerospace, Aviation & Defence KTN, invites you to attend the first of 2 events this year focussing on Simulation and Synthetic Environments Technology.

You are invited to participate in the development of a cross sector UK network that is underpinned by a capability repository and a technology roadmap with a view to fostering greater collaboration across sectors and leveraging collaborative research opportunities. The aim of this event is to better understand:

Trends and Drivers in the development and use of SSE.
Markets where SSE is implemented and its maturity level
Future Opportunities where SSE can be utilised.
Enablers and Blockers of Development and Exploitation
A Common UK taxonomy to support development of UK SSE Directory
and importantly to provide an opportunity to Network and improve awareness of overall UK SSE capability.

This initial event will combine presentations from organisations using SSE in different capacities, complemented by workshops to better understand the landscape.

Speakers include:

Nick Avis - The Research Institute of Visual Computing, RIVIC (TBC)
David Bowman - The Virtual Engineering Centre
Jeff Howe - Cassidian
Alison Heminsley - Chair, Simulation & Synthetic Environments National Technical Committee

Link to Exhibitor registration form

Pre-Event Dinner A networking dinner will be held on 18 July at Thai Square Minories. Registration for dinner will open soon; please stay updated by signing up for free at www.aadktn.co.uk.

To discuss any aspect of the event, please contact daniel.jones@aadktn.co.uk.

Simulation & Synthetic Environments Workshop - Technology Drivers and Business Opportunities

Trends and Drivers in the development and use of SSE.
Markets where SSE is implemented and its maturity level.
Future Opportunities where SSE can be utilised.
Enablers and Blockers of Development and Exploitation.
A Common UK taxonomy to support development of UK SSE Directory.
and importantly to provide an opportunity to Network and improve awareness of overall UK SSE capability. This initial event will combine presentations from organisations using SSE in different capacities, complemented by workshops to better understand the landscape.

Speakers include:

Nick Avis - The Research Institute of Visual Computing, RIVIC (TBC)
David Bowman - The Virtual Engineering Centre
Jeff Howe - Cassidian
Alison Heminsley - Chair, Simulation & Synthetic Environments National Technical Committee

This event is FREE TO ATTEND, however places for the event are limited and will be given on a first-come first-served basis. We are looking to include organisations from as diverse a range as possible the only criteria being that you are undertaking research in simulation and/or synthetic environments in the UK. The event will also feature a Simulation Capability Exhibition, offering businesses attending the event to demonstrate their own simulation equipment, software and capability to delegates and speakers from across industry, academia and Government. Registration for this will open Monday.

Pre-Event Dinner A networking dinner will be held on 18 July at Thai Square Minories. Registration for dinner will open soon; please stay updated by signing up for free at www.aadktn.co.uk.

PLEASE EMAIL DANIEL JONES FOR A DELEGATE REGISTRATION FORM/EXHIBITOR FORM

To discuss any aspect of the event, please contact daniel.jones@aadktn.co.uk.

TIGA Hails the Potential of Samsung Galaxy S3 for the Video Games Sector

TIGA, the trade association representing the UK games industry, says the phenomenal shipment of the new Samsung Galaxy S3 will help cement Android as a major gaming platform.

The handset is set to ship 10 million units next month and it is being seen as the major competitor to Apple's iPhone. Thousands of games already exist for Android but the massive sales of handsets carrying the operating system could soon make it the most far-reaching gaming platform in the world.

Dr Richard Wilson, CEO of TIGA, said this would provide UK developers with greater potential for revenue. He said:
"Samsung has emerged as a major manufacturer of mobile phones over the past few years and the interest in its new handset has been amazing with nine million pre-orders.

"But regardless of manufacturer, it shows the potential of Android given that it will be in more hands than ever before. It is opening up new markets and providing new customers, many of whom will have never played a game before.

"UK developers are well placed to take advantage of this, producing games which can draw in non-gamers while satisfying those who have played for years.

"Games tax relief, which effectively reduces the cost of games development, should come into operation next year. This means that developers should be able to take additional risks and be creative in their approach and we look forward to seeing how developers make use of the potential on offer."

Oli Christie, TIGA board member and CEO of Neon Play, said:
"It’s clear that Samsung has become the number one choice of Android phone and it goes to show that if you create a cracking smartphone, the sales will follow. The number of Android devices being shipped is vast and despite the lower monetisation compared to iOS, it’s clearly another huge opportunity for mobile developers.”

Notes to editors:

About TIGA:
TIGA is the trade association representing the UK’s games industry. The majority of our members are either independent games developers or in-house publisher owned developers. We also have games publishers, outsourcing companies, technology businesses and universities amongst our membership. Since 2010, TIGA has won 11 business awards and has been nominated a finalist for 9 other awards. In 2010 TIGA won two business awards including ‘Trade Association of the Year’ from the Trade Association Forum. In 2011, TIGA won eight business awards including ‘Trade Association of the Year’ from the Trade Association Forum, ‘Outstanding Organisation’ from the Chartered Management Institute and two Global Business Excellence Awards, including ‘Outstanding Marketing Campaign’.

Richard Wilson won the ‘Leadership Award’ from the Trade Association Forum and the ‘Outstanding Leader’ award from the Chartered Management Institute. In 2012, Richard Wilson won the IoD’s East of England Director of the Year Award. TIGA is an Investors in People organisation. TIGA's vision is to make the UK the best place in the world to do games business. We focus on three sets of activities: political representation, generating media coverage and developing services that enhance the competitiveness of our members. This means that TIGA members are effectively represented in the corridors of power, their voice is heard in the media and they receive benefits that make a material difference to their businesses, including a reduction in costs and improved commercial opportunities.

For further information, please contact Dr Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO on: 07875 939 643, or email: richard.wilson@tiga.org.

Thumbstar Games, Viva Red and China Telecom Sign Landmark Mobile Games Distribution Deal Targeting 130 Million Users

State-backed exclusive distribution channel offers copyright protection and new sales opportunities through Thumbstar Games

Mobile games service provider and publisher, Thumbstar Games, today announced a landmark deal with Viva Red Limited and China Telecom, the government run mobile operator, that will provide developers and publishers access to a vast consumer base whilst maintaining copyright protection for valuable IPs.

Following today’s announcement, Thumbstar Games has begun distribution negotiations with mobile games developers and publishers for back catalogue and future releases on Java and Smartphone platforms.

China Telecom is one of the world’s largest mobile phone operators with over 130 million subscribers and a growth rate of 3 million users per month.

CEO Gareth Edmondson said, "Our direct partnership with Viva Red Limited and China Telecom delivers a secure route to a previously unmapped and unprotected market. The terms of this landmark deal will enable developers across the globe to leverage existing and future IPs to a content-hungry audience, with the peace of mind that this state-backed partnership can provide the necessary copyright protection to encourage further market growth.”

"Thumbstar has secured a new and unique opportunity for all mobile developers and publishers,” added COO Martin Kitney. "We are actively securing gaming content for Viva Red Limited, and the process of localization and distribution will be through the unique platform of 189gameshop. The service of 189gameshop is jointly supported and maintained by Viva Red Limited and China Telecom, and we look forward to more detailed discussions with all interested parties.”

Ends

About Thumbstar Games
Thumbstar is a mobile games service provider representing more than 150 developers and providing in excess of 3500 titles through channels into 130 markets globally, including the UK and Europe, S.E. Asia, the Americas, the Middle East and Australasia. Thumbstar originally started out in 2008 as an aggregator / publisher of mobile games for J2Me, Windows Mobile, RIM BlackBerry and Symbian. Since then Thumbstar has also moved into mobile games publishing for iOS and Android and expanded its business offering to become a digital developer, distributor and publisher of mobile entertainment lifestyle applications, wallpapers and themes.

About China Telecom
China Mobile Limited (the "Company”, and together with its subsidiaries, the "Group”) was incorporated in Hong Kong on 3 September 1997. The Company was listed on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE”) and The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited ("HKEx” or the "Stock Exchange”) on 22 October 1997 and 23 October 1997, respectively. The Company was admitted as a constituent stock of the Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong on 27 January 1998. As the leading mobile services provider in Mainland China, the Group boasts the world’s largest mobile network and the world’s largest mobile customer base. In 2011, the Company was once again selected as one of the "FT Global 500” by Financial Times and "The World’s 2000 Biggest Public Companies” by Forbes magazine, and was again recognized on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes ("DJSI”). The Company currently has a corporate credit rating of Aa3/Outlook Positive from Moody’s Investor Service and AA-/Outlook Stable from Standard & Poor’s, equivalent to China’s sovereign credit rating respectively.

CONTACT Martin Kitney
Tel +44 (0) 845 126 1363
Mobile              +44 (0) 7595 021 504
Email                martin.kitney@thumbstar.com

Gareth Edmondson
Tel                    +44 (0) 845 126 1363
Mobile              +44 (0) 7767 472 969
Email                gareth.edmondson@thumbstar.com

Interactive Tayside – Industry Collaboration

Friday 22nd May 2012
3pm – 5pm (networking and food to follow)
The West House, 2 Westport, Dundee DD1 5EP

This free event is an opportunity for you to debate the future of Interactive Tayside.

Whet your appetite with the latest news on the Seabraes development and Waterfront plans. Chew on Chris van der Kuyl’s insights on Scotland’s Digital Media strategy.

Then tell us what you think.

Your feedback will be rewarded with pizza, pasta and beer… and the knowledge that you have helped shape things to come.

Limited opportunities are available to showcase company products.

If interested or you have any other questions, please contact susan.cox@scotent.co.uk or abigail.lyons@scotent.co.uk

Join us
We look forward to meeting you at Interactive Tayside’s last event before summer. Please register at http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3721196198/es2?srnk=1

UK Game Developers Encouraged to enter Queen’s Awards for Enterprise

Videogame developers are being encouraged to enter for The Queen's Awards for Enterprise by TIGA, the trade association representing the UK games industry.

The annual awards recognise the highest levels of excellence for innovation, international trade and sustainable development. There is also an individual award, Enterprise Promotion, granted to people who play a significant role in promoting enterprise skills and encourage entrepreneurial attitudes in others in the UK.

Entries can be made until the final working day of September and they are open to any company based in the UK - including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man - which operate as a business unit of the UK economy, have at least two full-time employees or part-time equivalents and are able to demonstrate commercial success.

Dr Richard Wilson, CEO of TIGA, said:
"The videogame sector in the UK is massively innovative and highly regarded across the world and we would encourage developers to apply for a Queen's Award. "It is free to enter and we firmly believe that there are many gaming companies which would deserve such a prestigious honour."

More details can be found at http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/detail?itemId=1084954027&type=RESOURCES

Notes to editors:

About TIGA:
TIGA is the trade association representing the UK’s games industry. The majority of our members are either independent games developers or in-house publisher owned developers. We also have games publishers, outsourcing companies, technology businesses and universities amongst our membership. TIGA was awarded ‘Trade Association of the Year’ and the ‘Member Recruitment Award’ at the Trade Association Forum Best Practice Awards 2010. In 2011, TIGA won a further four awards at the Trade Association Forum Best Practice Awards, including ‘Trade Association of the Year’ for the second consecutive year. TIGA has been voted a finalist in the CMI Management and Leadership Awards 2011 in the ‘Outstanding Organisation (SME)’ category. Dr Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO, has been voted a finalist in the ‘Outstanding Leader’ category. TIGA was also named as a finalist in the 2010 Chartered Management Institute (CMI) National Management and Leadership Awards in the category of ‘The Outstanding Organisation of the Year Award (SME)’.

TIGA is an ‘Investors in People’ accredited organisation. TIGA is the trade association representing the UK’s games industry. Our vision is to make the UK the best place in the world to do games business. Our mission is to fight for the interests of game developers. To achieve our vision and mission we focus on the delivery of three strategic objectives: effective political representation, profile raising and helping our members commercially. This means that TIGA members are effectively represented in the corridors of power, their voice is heard in the media and they receive benefits that make a material difference to their businesses, including a reduction in costs and improved commercial opportunities.

For further information, please contact Dr Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO on: 07875 939 643, or email richard.wilson@tiga.org.

London - Games Tax Relief - How might it work in practice?

Chancellor George Osborne promised a games industry tax break during his Budget 2012 speech.

But where do we go from here? How will it work? Who will benefit? These workshops are in place to provide you with more information about how the tax break is proposed to work in practice and to ensure that your voice is heard in the consultations about the games tax relief with the UK Coalition Government.

TIGA wants to ensure that the tax break is effectively designed for the games industry and easy to use.

In partnership with Grant Thornton LLP, TIGA will be holding a series of events to continue conversations with game development studios to discuss where we go from here.

Come along to the workshop on Monday 16th July at Grant Thornton's offices in Euston Square at 6.00pm for a 6.30pm start.

COST: FREE FOR TIGA MEMBERS AND NON-MEMBERS

Schedule
6.00 – Registration & drinks
6.25 – Introduction by Richard Wilson, CEO of TIGA
6.30 – Presentation by Jo Robertson, Grant Thornton LLP: 'Summary of the consultation document and how tax breaks will work in practice’
7.15 – Presentation by Vincent Scheurer, Sarassin LLP:'What are the variables?'
7.30 – Open discussion and group workshops
8.15 – Summary and next steps
8.20 – Beer, food and chat
9.30 – Close of event

In partnership with:

Birmingham - Games Tax Relief - How might it work in practice?

Chancellor George Osborne promised a games industry tax break during his Budget 2012 speech.

But where do we go from here? How will it work? Who will benefit? These workshops are in place to provide you with more information about how the tax break is proposed to work in practice and to ensure that your voice is heard in the consultations about the games tax relief with the UK Coalition Government.

TIGA wants to ensure that the tax break is effectively designed for the games industry and easy to use.

In partnership with Grant Thornton LLP, TIGA will be holding a series of events to continue conversations with game development studios to discuss where we go from here.

Come along to the workshop on Tuesday 17th July at Grant Thornton's offices in Colmore Circus, Birmingham at 6.00pm for a 6.30pm start.

COST: FREE FOR TIGA MEMBERS AND NON-MEMBERS

Schedule
6.00 – Registration & drinks
6.25 – Introduction by Richard Wilson, CEO of TIGA
6.30 – Presentation by Jo Robertson, Grant Thornton LLP: 'Summary of the consultation document and how tax breaks will work in practice’
7.15 – Presentation by Vincent Scheurer, Sarassin LLP: 'What are the variables?'
7.30 – Open discussion and group workshops
8.15 – Summary and next steps
8.20 – Beer, food and chat
9.30 – Close of event

In partnership with:

Edinburgh - Games Tax Relief - How might it work in practice?

Chancellor George Osborne promised a games industry tax break during his Budget 2012 speech.

But where do we go from here? How will it work? Who will benefit? These workshops are in place to provide you with more information about how the tax break is proposed to work in practice and to ensure that your voice is heard in the consultations about the games tax relief with the UK Coalition Government.

TIGA wants to ensure that the tax break is effectively designed for the games industry and easy to use.

In partnership with French Duncan LLP, TIGA will be holding a series of events to continue conversations with game development studios to discuss where we go from here.

Come along to the workshop on Wednesday 18th July at French Duncan, 56 Palmerston Place, Edinburgh, Midlothian EH12 5AY 6.00pm for a 6.30pm start.

Free attendance for both TIGA members and non-members.

Schedule
6.00 – Registration & drinks
6.25 – Introduction by Richard Wilson, CEO of TIGA
6.30 – Presentation by Jeff Meek, French Duncan LLP: 'Summary consultation document and how tax breaks will work in practice’
7.15 – Presentation by Vincent Scheurer, Sarassin LLP: 'What are the variables?'
7.30 – Open discussion and group workshops
8.15 – Summary and next steps
8.20 – Beer, food and chat
9.30 – Close of event

In Partnership with:

Dundee - Games Tax Relief - How might it work in practice?

Chancellor George Osborne promised a games industry tax break during his Budget 2012 speech.

But where do we go from here? How will it work? Who will benefit? These workshops are in place to provide you with more information about how the tax break is proposed to work in practice and to ensure that your voice is heard in the consultations about the games tax relief with the UK Coalition Government.

TIGA wants to ensure that the tax break is effectively designed for the games industry and easy to use.

In partnership with French Duncan LLP and Interactive Tayside, TIGA will be holding a series of events to continue conversations with game development studios to discuss where we go from here.

Come along to the workshop on Wednesday 18th July at lunchtime at Scottish Enterprise's offices at 12pm (lunch will be included).

Free attendance for both TIGA members and non-members.

Schedule

12.00 Registration & lunch
12.30 Introduction by TIGA
12.35 Presentation by Jeff Meek, French Duncan LLP: 'Summary of the consultation document and how tax breaks will work in practice’
1.20 Presentation by Vincent Scheurer, Sarassin LLP: 'What are the variables?'
1.35 Discussion and group workshops
2.10 Summary and next steps
2.15 Refreshments
2.30 Close of event

In Partnership with:

Brains Eden Festival

On the 30 June and 1 July 2012, there will be a massive 48 HOUR GAMES JAM in Cambridge, in which games course students will take part. Teams of students will design and develop games and after will present them in a professional showcase. The Jam will be attended by representatives from Sony, Jagex, Ninja Theory and several other major UK games companies alongside a host of notable indie game developers! During the jam, professional developers will be on hand to give advice and help with design, technical problems or even just talk about the industry.

Entering it's fourth year, Brains Eden Gaming Festival is a dynamic, vibrant must-attend event run by Games Eden (the computer games developer network for the East of England) and Creative Front Cambridgeshire.

Brains Eden website live! – www.gameseden.net/BrainsIndex.html

PROFESSIONAL SHOWCASE

At the end of the 48 hours at Monday noon, all games will be moved to the Brains Eden Event venue where all attendees can play them, including major movers and shakers in the games industry.

The Brains Eden event on Monday 2 July culminates in a large symposium bring together industry and academia around computer gaming and provide the perfect platform for graduating students to showcase their talents and skills. The makers of the games will get to show off their abilities and impress the games community as well as get industry feedback on their portfolio through a Careers Clinic with professionals from Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, Ninja Theory, Jagex and Frontier amongst others.

There will also be an exhibition of both studio and student artwork in the stunning Digital Gallery at Anglia Ruskin University which we are inviting all courses to contribute to.

TIGA to consult with developers on games tax relief during series of workshops

TIGA, the trade association representing the UK video games industry which fought for years for games tax relief, has unveiled a series of workshops to ensure the promised tax breaks works well for the sector.

Four dates have been announced so far with more to come. Already confirmed are London on July 16, Birmingham on July 17, Edinburgh and Dundee, both on July 18. The government's consultation document on the implementation of the tax relief for video games, animation and high end TV production was launched
on Monday.

TIGA, the group which vigorously campaigned for a new tax break for games production, said it had the potential to support new business models and could also support a wide range of games on a wide range of platforms. TIGA wants to ensure that the tax break is effectively designed for the games industry and easy to use.

The workshops will provide more information about how the tax break is proposed to work in practice and to ensure that developers' voices are heard in the consultations about the games tax relief with the UK Coalition
Government.are open to members and non-members.

Dr Richard Wilson, CEO of TIGA, said:

"It is important that everybody who works within the gaming industry understands how games tax relief will work
and how it will benefit them. We want to engage with developers so that we can work effectively with the government in formulating tax relief which works for all.

"TIGA will be engaging with developers, digital publishers and the Government to ensure that tax relief is effective, straight-forward to access and supports a wide range of studios, business models and games on
different platforms. The tax relief will be a fantastic boost for the UK video games industry, the creative sectors and the UK economy.”

TIGA persuaded the last Labour Government to back Games Tax Relief in the March 2010 Budget and successfully won cross-party support for the measure during the 2010 General Election campaign. Games Tax Relief was dropped by the Coalition Government in the June 2010 Budget.

TIGA continued to campaign for Games Tax Relief and the Coalition Government adopted the policy in the March 2012 Budget. TIGA predicts that the new tax relief will enable the UK games industry to compete on a more level international playing field and it will secure 4,660 jobs and £188 million in investment over five years.

16th July
London - evening workshop
Grant Thornton LLP
Melton Street
Euston Square
London NW1 2EP
Book at http://gtrlondon.eventbrite.com/

17th July
Birmingham - evening workshop
Grant Thornton LLP
Colmore Plaza - 11th/12th floors
Colmore Circus
Birmingham B4 6AT
Book at http://gtrbirmingham.eventbrite.com/

18th July

Edinburgh - evening workshop
French Duncan LLP
56 Palmerston Place
Edinburgh
Midlothian EH12 5AY
Book at http://gtredinburgh.eventbrite.com/

18th July
Dundee - lunchtime workshop
Scottish Enterprise,
Enterprise House,
3, Greenmarket,
Dundee, Angus DD1 4QB
Book at http://gtrdundee.eventbrite.com/

Leeds - Games Tax Relief - How might it work in practice?

Chancellor George Osborne promised a games industry tax break during his Budget 2012 speech.

But where do we go from here? How will it work? Who will benefit? These workshops are in place to provide you with more information about how the tax break is proposed to work in practice and to ensure that your voice is heard in the consultations about the games tax relief with the UK Coalition Government.

TIGA wants to ensure that the tax break is effectively designed for the games industry and easy to use.

In partnership with Grant Thornton LLP, TIGA will be holding a series of events to continue conversations with game development studios to discuss where we go from here.

Come along to the workshop on Wednesday 8th August at Grant Thornton's offices at 1 Whitehhall Riverside, Whitehall Road, Leeds LS1 4BN at 6.00pm for a 6.30pm start.

COST: FREE FOR TIGA MEMBERS AND NON-MEMBERS

Schedule
6.00 – Registration & drinks
6.25 – Introduction by Richard Wilson, CEO of TIGA
6.30 – Presentation by Jo Robertson, Grant Thornton LLP: 'Summary of the consultation document and how tax breaks will work in practice’
7.15 – Presentation by Vincent Scheurer, Sarassin LLP: 'What are the variables?'
7.30 – Open discussion and group workshops
8.15 – Summary and next steps
8.20 – Beer, food and chat
9.30 – Close of event

In partnership with:

The Serious Games Institute (SGI) joins TIGA

The Serious Games Institute (SGI) is a centre of excellence in games based innovation supporting the development of digital media – in particular Serious Games, 3D Animation, Virtual Environments, Mobile and Tablet Applications and Augmented Reality. Working across all sectors they develop cross platform games and applications for business and public sector.

There are SGI branches in Singapore and South Africa working with partners across the world. They have an Applied Research Team which are able to evaluate and validate the efficacy of games based learning. The SGI has a cross platform team of over 30 developers, they create products and services in Serious Games for education, information or training.

They also make applications for Business – games, 3D Commerce or Advergames, mobile and tablet games and digital solutions. Partners include CISCO, BT, O2, Nokia, BAE, TATA, Ericcson, JLR, Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, Robben Island Museum, HP. SGI is a wholly owned subsidiary of Coventry University. They were set up in 2007 to help the games industry in the West Midlands find new routes to market through digital innovation. Since then the Institute has earned a global reputation for innovation and excellence in games based technology.

The team are currently working on CAVA a game to change attitudes to dating violence in Adolescents and will shortly launch our Serious Games International spin out.

Jacqueline Cawston, Programmes Director of The Serious Games Institute explains the reason why she decided to join TIGA: "We wanted to join TIGA to work with developers and commissioners to increase the performance of the games industry in the UK. It is vital that we can provide a united force to promote the industry to growing competition and build upon our innovation and excellence in serious games. We will bring to TIGA our experience and research excellence. We can also provide access to global markets and industry giants.”

Dr. Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO welcomed the organisation to TIGA:
"Gaming can provide very wide-reaching applications aside from the fun, consumer aspects for which it is best known. Being able to demonstrate the wealth of opportunity for developers within the gaming sectors is of utmost importance to us and so we wholeheartedly welcome The Serious Games Institute as a member of TIGA.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

About TIGA:

TIGA is the trade association representing the UK’s games industry. The majority of our members are either independent games developers or in-house publisher owned developers. We also have games publishers, outsourcing companies, technology businesses and universities amongst our membership. TIGA was awarded ‘Trade Association of the Year’ and the ‘Member Recruitment Award’ at the Trade Association Forum Best Practice Awards 2010.

In 2011, TIGA won a further four awards at the Trade Association Forum Best Practice Awards, including ‘Trade Association of the Year’ for the second consecutive year. TIGA has been voted a finalist in the CMI Management and Leadership Awards 2011 in the ‘Outstanding Organisation (SME)’ category. Dr Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO, has been voted a finalist in the ‘Outstanding Leader’ category. TIGA was also named as a finalist in the 2010 Chartered Management Institute (CMI) National Management and Leadership Awards in the category of ‘The Outstanding Organisation of the Year Award (SME)’.

TIGA is an ‘Investors in People’ accredited organisation. TIGA is the trade association representing the UK’s games industry. Our vision is to make the UK the best place in the world to do games business. Our mission is to fight for the interests of game developers. To achieve our vision and mission we focus on the delivery of three strategic objectives: effective political representation, profile raising and helping our members commercially. This means that TIGA members are effectively represented in the corridors of power, their voice is heard in the media and they receive benefits that make a material difference to their businesses, including a reduction in costs and improved commercial opportunities.

For further information, please contact Dr Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO on: 07875 939 643, or email richard.wilson@tiga.org.

Networking Lunch to celebrate Women in Games during Develop conference is announced for 11 July

Networking Lunch to celebrate Women in Games during Develop conference is announced for 11 July.

Come and join us on the Brighton Seafront! Women in Games Jobs (WIGJ) with fantastic support from Norwich University College of the Arts is pleased to announce its third annual Develop Networking Lunch for women in games on Wednesday, 11th July in Brighton. Both women and men going to Develop 2012 or who live and work in reach of Brighton are invited to a lunch hosted by WIGJ and the chance to network with up to 100 other developers working or planning to work in the games industry.

We are also delighted to welcome as guest of honour Dr Jo Twist, CEO of games trade body, UKIE. As few as 1 in 15 game developers in the UK are women. This lunch is an opportunity to treasure and celebrate diversity in the games industry on 11 July. The lunch is sponsored by Norwich University College of the Arts, a modern and creative community providing arts, design and media education. Their BA (Hons) Games Art and Design course has a great record in recruiting and educating female students for creative roles in the sector.

Course Leader Marie-Claire Isaaman said "We are proud to sponsor WIGJ and their efforts to encourage more women to join and enrich the UK games industry.” Location is upstairs at the Brighton Music Hall, 127 Kings Road Arches, Brighton. There is a free expo at the Develop Conference in the Hilton Brighton Metropole (only 50m away) which is an excellent opportunity for developers to talk to the games companies exhibiting there. Men are very welcome but are asked to invite a female colleague or come as guests of WIGJ supporters. There are only a limited number of places which are being offered on a first come, first served basis. This event is by ticket only so those attending will need to register at http://www.meetup.com/WIGJMeetup/ Get the event in your diary. Book your place now!

ENDS

About Women in Games Jobs

Women in Games Jobs (WIGJ) is a "not for profit” company that works to recruit more women into the games industry by promoting role models and giving encouragement and information to those women seeking to work in games. It also campaigns to make the games industry a more attractive field for women, both for new entrants and to retain women already working in the industry.

Founded by David Smith, MD of Interactive Selection in 2009, WIGJ has over 3000 supporters. WIGJ is advised by an Advisory Board of high profile industry women including. Lizi Attwood, Lead Programmer, Relentless Software Ali Bergstrom-Allen, Head of Digital, Picture Production Company; Alison Cressey, Open Sauce Marketing and former European MD, Activision; Geraldine Cross, Head of HR, Blitz Games; Jo Goodson, Founder, Any Friend of Ours; Gina Jackson, MD at Blushing Blue; Clare Maddalena, Maddalena Consulting Louise Murray, Head of Fable Franchise, Microsoft Lionhead; David Smith, Founder, WIGJ; Fiona Sperry, Studio Director and VP, EA Criterion Games Giselle Stewart, General Manager, Ubisoft Reflections.

Web: www.womeningamesjobs.com Contact: Frances Knott frances@wigjobs.com

Creating an Analytics Environment to Drive your Games’ Success

The Games Industry has been seizing the opportunity presented by the advent of online and the free-to-play model. It is well accepted that analytics is now fundamental to developing and managing profitable games. But there is some confusion around where to focus your analytics effort and also how to resolve the difficulties associated from dealing with Big Data.

In this workshop, Simon Harris from BBC Worldwide and Mark Robinson from GamesAnalytics will set out how to establish an effective analytics environment and how to deliver value-add analytics that increases revenues by improving the game playing experience for users using Top Gear: Stunt School Revolution as a case study.

Location -BBC Worldwide, Digital Entertainment & Games, Media Centre, 201 Wood Lane, London, W12 7TQ Time - 3pm - 5pm followed by networking drinks till 6pm
Date - Friday 20th July

About BBC Worldwide Digital Entertainment & Games:
BBC Worldwide Digital Entertainment and Games is a core business within BBC Worldwide, the main commercial arm and wholly-owned subsidiary of British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Launched in 2010 and headquartered in Los Angeles and London, the business works with top BBC brands to develop new opportunities across a wide range of gaming platforms. The business is responsible for the company’s first MMO, Doctor Who: Worlds in Time and the multi-year partnership with Top Gear and Forza Motorsport, amongst many others.

About Games Analytics
Games Analytics improves player satisfaction and increases game revenues. Our technology solution uses advanced data mining and predictive modelling to identify and segment significant player behaviours. Through this insight, players can be targeted with real-time individual in-game messages offering personalised experiences that build engagement and increase retention to drive significant revenue growth.

Dojit joins TIGA

TIGA, the trade association representing the UK games industry, today announced Dojit as their newest member.

Dojit is a publisher and developer of downloadable games for the Apple, Android and Windows platforms. Established in 2012, they provide global titles targeted at the casual gamers of smartphone, pads and online TV devices. Their titles are sold through open market places such as Apple’s App store. In the last four months Dojit have gained six members of staff, have three games in production and are currently learning how to market to a global population on a small budget.

The team focus on casual games which are fun to play and have mass market appeal. Their first title is the loveable home bear, www.home-bear.com this features a bear who is lost and the player needs to get him home. Dojit have two more exciting titles due for release soon Totally Milkshake to be released on 1st July and Dragon Dancer on the 15th July.

David Bozward, CEO of Dojit explains the reason why he decided to join TIGA:
"TIGA provides an opportunity to make business contacts within the industry and as a young company this is important to understand the trends and future business opportunities.”

Dr. Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO welcomed the organisation to TIGA:
"Dojit is a wonderful example of the small independent self-publishers which are underpinning the UK games sector. TIGA wholeheartedly supports developers such as Dojit which show an innovative and a fresh approach to the marketplace, bringing a rich entrepreneurial spirit to gaming.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

About TIGA:
TIGA is the trade association representing the UK’s games industry. The majority of our members are either independent games developers or in-house publisher owned developers. We also have games publishers, outsourcing companies, technology businesses and universities amongst our membership. TIGA won 10 business awards and was nominated a finalist for 9 other awards during 2010 and 2011. In 2010 TIGA won two business awards including ‘Trade Association of the Year’ from the Trade Association Forum.

In 2011, TIGA won eight business awards including ‘Trade Association of the Year’ from the Trade Association Forum, ‘Outstanding Organisation’ from the Chartered Management Institute and two Global Business Excellence Awards, including ‘Outstanding Marketing Campaign’. Richard Wilson won the ‘Leadership Award’ from the Trade Association Forum and the ‘Outstanding Leader’ award from the Chartered Management Institute. TIGA is an Investors in People organisation.

TIGA's vision is to make the UK the best place in the world to do games business. We focus on three sets of activities: political representation, generating media coverage and developing services that enhance the competitiveness of our members. This means that TIGA members are effectively represented in the corridors of power, their voice is heard in the media and they receive benefits that make a material difference to their businesses, including a reduction in costs and improved commercial opportunities.

For further information, please contact Dr Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO on: 07875 939 643, or email richard.wilson@tiga.org.

About DOJIT:
dojit Limited is a publisher and developer of handheld touchscreen social games, providing titles for the casual gamers of smartphone, pads and online TV devices. Our titles are sold through a number of open market places such as Apple’s App Store, Google’s Market Place and closed market places dedicated to either a device or national mobile operator. Through the development of core technology tools dojit is able to market and promote its leading international game brands to gamers throughout the world.

Our mission is to continuously improve our games, be the best social games marketer in the world and have lots of fun every single day. This comes across in our games, how we deal with our customers and partners and more importantly the enjoyment we can share with you. The company is a member of TIGA, trade association representing the UK's games industry and also founding member of Mobile Monday Birmingham and is based at Birmingham Science Park, Faraday Wharf, Holt Street, Birmingham, West Midlands B7 4BB, UK.

For further information, please contact Dr David Bozward, DOJIT CEO on: 07970 778 000, or email david@dojit.com .

Games Showcase

Venue: Star Inn, 2 Quarry Street, Guildford GU1 3TY
Timings: 6.00pm - 9.30pm

TIGA says UK developers could crack SmartGlass technology

TIGA, the trade association representing the UK games industry, strongly believes UK games developers are well-placed to take advantage of Microsoft's newly announced SmartGlass technology which bridges the gap between smartphones, tablets and consoles.

The organisation welcomed the raft of innovation at this year's E3 videogame show in Los Angeles. Xbox Smartglass, however, will enable the UK's growing expertise in the mobile gaming sector to flourish, enabling them to bring a fresh approach to console gaming

The media conference held by Microsoft showcased two games: Madden 13 and Halo. Madden gamers could choose plays on their tablet and play the main game on television. With Halo, players could examine weaponry and use Xbox Live on a tablet. It is similar in concept to the Wii U, which has a tablet of its own, yet works with the millions of existing devices.

Both products, says TIGA, will be revolutionary but the UK's expertise with Android, iOS and Windows Phone technology will enable it to make great strides in this new tie-up space.

Dr Richard Wilson, TIGA's CEO, said:

"Many developers in the UK have turned to the production of games for tablets and smartphones due to the low barriers to entry. The costs of making the games and the ease with which they can be distributed has enabled many small studios to flourish.

"This has enabled companies in the UK to flex their creativity and it is heartening to see a major console manufacturer realising the role that smartphones and tablets can play in gaming. We urge developers overseas to tap into the UK's rich resource in this respect and we are also sure that this country's talent will spot the opportunities which lie ahead.”

Colin Anderson, TIGA board member and MD of Dundee based Denki, said:

"Smartglass is exactly the sort of technology that could have added an extra dimension to our own game Quarrel that launched for Xbox LIVE Arcade back in January. By enabling players to make words individually on their own devices rather than collectively on the large screen we would have been able to incorporate one of the most commonly requested additional features – a local multiplayer mode. That’s something we simply couldn’t do without a technology like this to enable it.

"I’m really pleased to see Microsoft opening up their hardware in this way, and I’m sure there are already lots of UK developers keen to differentiate their own games by taking advantage of the creative possibilities Smartglass offers.”

Last year, TIGA's State of the Development Sector Report., showed that an increasing number of videogame developers in the UK were turning to self-publishing, with the smartphone market emerging as the most popular gaming platform. It found that 47 per cent of UK game developers self-publish games and of those, 67 per cent develop for the Apple iPhone. Android has emerged as a major force for gaming too.

Ends

About TIGA:

TIGA is the trade association representing the UK’s games industry. The majority of our members are either independent games developers or in-house publisher owned developers. We also have games publishers, outsourcing companies, technology businesses and universities amongst our membership. Since 2010, TIGA has won 11 business awards and has been nominated a finalist for 9 other awards. In 2010 TIGA won two business awards including ‘Trade Association of the Year’ from the Trade Association Forum. In 2011, TIGA won eight business awards including ‘Trade Association of the Year’ from the Trade Association Forum, ‘Outstanding Organisation’ from the Chartered Management Institute and two Global Business Excellence Awards, including ‘Outstanding Marketing Campaign’. Richard Wilson won the ‘Leadership Award’ from the Trade Association Forum and the ‘Outstanding Leader’ award from the Chartered Management Institute. In 2012, Richard Wilson won the IoD’s East of England Director of the Year Award. TIGA is an Investors in People organisation.

TIGA's vision is to make the UK the best place in the world to do games business. We focus on three sets of activities: political representation, generating media coverage and developing services that enhance the competitiveness of our members. This means that TIGA members are effectively represented in the corridors of power, their voice is heard in the media and they receive benefits that make a material difference to their businesses, including a reduction in costs and improved commercial opportunities.

For further information, please contact Dr Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO on: 07875 939 643, or email richard.wilson@tiga.org.

TIGA publishes Annual Report 2011

TIGA, the trade association representing the UK games industry, today published its Annual Report 2011. The Report highlights TIGA’s work in championing the games industry in political circles, profiling the industry in the media, and providing services for its members.

The Report underlines TIGA’s decisive role in winning Games Tax Relief for the UK video games developer and digital publishing sector.

TIGA’s research indicates that the tax relief could secure over 4,660 highly skilled jobs and £188 million in investment over five years, while also enabling the games development industry to compete on a more level international playing field.

The Report also shows that in 2011 TIGA:

Won eight business awards including ‘Trade Association of the Year’ from the Trade Association Forum, ‘Outstanding Organisation’ from the Chartered Management Institute, and two Global Business Excellence Awards.

Organised a series of successful networking events including: the TIGA 10th Anniversary Party; the Casual Games Conference; and the Smartphone and Tablet Conference.

Distributed an information booklet on the prevention of photo-sensitive epilepsy to all TIGA members to promote adoption of best practices in photo-sensitive epilepsy prevention among all UK games developers

Secured grants from UKT&I to enable 43 games businesses attend overseas trade shows.

Published benchmarking information on training and salaries in the games industry.

Organised the TIGA Self-Publishing Group to share best practice on publishing video games.

Operated the TIGA HR Group to disseminate best practice about personnel issues.

Developed a network of businesses providing discounts for TIGA members.

Provided a Commercial Collaboration Service to connect members with business partners.

achieved positive national media coverage for the games industry including, the Guardian, the Independent; The Sun, The News of the World, the Metro, the BBC News, The Scotsman, The Courier, The Huffington Post and Radio 5 Live.

Operated the TIGA HR Group to disseminate best practice about personnel issues.

Operated an Information Request Service to provide members with responses to business queries.

The Rt Hon Stephen Timms MP says in the Report:

"As a Government Minister, and more recently from the Opposition benches, I have seen TIGA campaign creatively, tenaciously and effectively on behalf of video games developers. I hope the tax credit which their lobbying has secured will provide a real boost to the UK industry.”

John Whittingdale OBE MP, Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, also contributes to the Report, saying:

"I very much welcome the tax credit that is being introduced for video games development production. I pay tribute to TIGA for playing a leading role in raising the profile of the games industry in Parliament and for playing a critical role in lobbying for this tax change. In particular, I was pleased to be able to take Dr Richard Wilson, CEO of TIGA, with an all-party delegation of MPs to see David Gauke MP, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, in order to make the case directly for tax relief for the video games development sector.”

Ella Romanos, TIGA board member and MD of Remode, said:

"TIGA has clearly demonstrated its value to the UK games industry this year, particularly through winning the Games Tax Relief which will benefit studios and the UK industry as a whole. Richard and team work extremely hard to provide benefits to TIGA members and the industry as a whole, and should be recognised for the voice they give the UK industry nationally and internationally.”

Oli Christie, TIGA board member and MD of Neon Play, said:

"Without TIGA, the UK games industry would be in a considerable worse place and they work tirelessly to benefit its members. The proposed tax break will be a game changer for the UK games industry and help UK studios compete on a more level playing field. Richard Wilson should be commended for all his hard work and determination to keep this on the agenda during tough economic times and hopefully it will all now pay off. It should be an awesome year for games studios in this country."

Jason Kingsley, Chairman of TIGA and CEO and Creative Director of Rebellion Studios, said:

"TIGA is nothing without the developers, digital publishers, outsourcers and education providers that make up our membership. TIGA ultimately exists to serve its members’ interests. We are deeply honoured to have this responsibility. TIGA continues to make improvements to its processes, products and services to meet the needs of its expanding membership. On behalf of the TIGA board, I would like to thank all of our members and friends for supporting TIGA.”

Dr Richard Wilson, CEO of TIGA, said:

"TIGA has made significant advances over the last year. We secured a multi-million pound tax break for our sector. We generated substantial positive media coverage for the industry. We delivered new and improved services for our members. I would like to thank the TIGA team for their superb work in securing these achievements, the TIGA board for their commitment to TIGA’s work, and to TIGA’s members for their support.”

Ends

About TIGA:

TIGA is the trade association representing the UK’s games industry. The majority of our members are either independent games developers or in-house publisher owned developers. We also have games publishers, outsourcing companies, technology businesses and universities amongst our membership. Since 2010, TIGA has won 11 business awards and has been nominated a finalist for 9 other awards. In 2010 TIGA won two business awards including ‘Trade Association of the Year’ from the Trade Association Forum. In 2011, TIGA won eight business awards including ‘Trade Association of the Year’ from the Trade Association Forum, ‘Outstanding Organisation’ from the Chartered Management Institute and two Global Business Excellence Awards, including ‘Outstanding Marketing Campaign’. Richard Wilson won the ‘Leadership Award’ from the Trade Association Forum and the ‘Outstanding Leader’ award from the Chartered Management Institute. In 2012, Richard Wilson won the IoD’s East of England Director of the Year Award. TIGA is an Investors in People organisation.

TIGA's vision is to make the UK the best place in the world to do games business. We focus on three sets of activities: political representation, generating media coverage and developing services that enhance the competitiveness of our members. This means that TIGA members are effectively represented in the corridors of power, their voice is heard in the media and they receive benefits that make a material difference to their businesses, including a reduction in costs and improved commercial opportunities.

A copy of the Annual Report Summary 2011 is available from Suzi Stephenson at: suzi@tiga.org

Guildford TIGA GameDev Night

TIGA GameDev Nights - Food, Beers, Demos + Speaker
Guildford I Dundee I Nottingham I Brighton I Cambridge I Liverpool I London I Newcastle I Leeds I Glasgow

Guildford TIGA GameDev Night

Location: Pews Bar, 21 Chapel Street Guildford Surrey GU1 3UL
Save the date: Monday 25th June 2012
6.00pm for a 6.30pm start until 9.30pm

We recently held a TIGA drinks night at Raoul’s Cocktail Barin Oxford for games studios we know in the area (and some we’d never met before) and were pleasantly surprised at the interest & turnout (Exient, Rebellion, Evil Twin Artworks, NaturalMotion + Grumpy Ferret to name a few). Lots of people talking games + tech, with a couple of developers/artists demoing their recent work. Our night was sponsored by Audiomotion (thanks to Mick Morris) and in support of the charity SpecialEffect.

We loved the event & so we've planned a number of these around the UK to help bring together as many passionate and interesting people in the UK games industry that we can. The next one is taking place in Guildford at Pews Bar on Mon, June 25 so save the date!

Patrick O'Luanaigh, CEO of nDreams will be giving a talk on the night about raising finance and Rodeo Games are just one of the developers demoing their work on the night. Demo places are going fast, so please email nisha@tiga.org if you’re interested in taking up a spot. Huge thanks to our sponsors for the Guildford TIGA GameDev Night, law firm Stevens & Bolton LLP.

It’s free to attend for developers (for both TIGA members + non-members), and you can register below.

Timings: 6.00pm – 9.30pm

Hope to see you there!

Nisha
@tigamovement

P.s. We’ll be announcing full details of all those demoing + other upcoming events shortly.

Recommended website:

Team 17 joins TIGA

TIGA, the trade association representing the UK games industry, today announced Team 17 as their newest member.

Team17 is an independent digital publisher and development studio. Founded in 1990, Team17 was a hugely popular Amiga developer, with titles such as Alien Breed, Superfog and Project X. 1995 saw the release of Worms, the brand with which the company has become synonymous. In 2011 the business was subject to a MBO by Team17 Co-founder and current Managing Director, Debbie Bestwick. In the same year the company fully completed the switch to a digital only content publisher.

Team 17 celebrates its 22nd year as a British independent developer and publisher and is fiercely proud of the fact. Worms Revolution is the most ambitious game the company had ever created which is due for launch in September it will appear on Xbox360, PlayStation3 and PC.

Debbie Bestwick, Managing Director/Owner of Team 17 explains the reason why she decided to join TIGA: "Team17 is delighted to be a member of TIGA. The company’s metamorphosis from an independent developer into a global digital publisher has presented the business with numerous challenges and opportunities. The end result is that Team17 is now one of the first of its kind to be in total control of its own destiny within the exciting direct-to-consumer digital marketplace. TIGA can help represent Team17 and the industry’s interests in addition to allowing us to share our experiences with our peers.”

Dr. Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO welcomed the organisation to TIGA:
"Given Team17's incredible pedigree and standing within the videogames industry, we are extremely excited to be having them on board as members of TIGA. The company has strong roots, is well known and regarded among players, and it continues to be innovative, in particular building upon its excellent and popular Worms franchise. TIGA can only become stronger with Team 17 on board and we look forward to working with them.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

About TIGA: TIGA is the trade association representing the UK’s games industry. The majority of our members are either independent games developers or in-house publisher owned developers. We also have games publishers, outsourcing companies, technology businesses and universities amongst our membership. TIGA was awarded ‘Trade Association of the Year’ and the ‘Member Recruitment Award’ at the Trade Association Forum Best Practice Awards 2010. TIGA has also been named as a finalist in the 2010 Chartered Management Institute (CMI) National Management and Leadership Awards in the category of ‘The Outstanding Organisation of the Year Award (SME)’.

TIGA is an ‘Investors in People’ accredited organisation. TIGA's vision is to make the UK the best place in the world to do games business. We focus on three sets of activities: political representation, generating media coverage and developing services that enhance the competitiveness of our members. This means that TIGA members are effectively represented in the corridors of power, their voice is heard in the media and they receive benefits that make a material difference to their businesses, including a reduction in costs and improved commercial opportunities.

For further information, please contact Dr Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO on: 07875 939 643, or email richard.wilson@tiga.org.

Design and Technology Breakfast invite

Over 13,000 people have already told us that they believe in Design and Technology (D&T) and want to see it remain an important part of every child’s education. Come and tell us what you think and help us create a New Vision for D&T.

Please do join us at our first breakfast meeting at 08.00, which takes place in London at IOM3, 1 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1, on Monday 28 May and will discuss how D&T can meet the needs of the Creative Industries.

Our panel is chaired by Katie Stallard, Media & Technology Correspondent, Sky News and includes: Professor Frances Corner OBE - Head of the London College of Fashion Richard Green, CEO - The Design and Technology Association Catherine Large, CEO - Creative & Cultural Skills Adam Mack, Chief Strategy Officer EMEA - Weber Shandwick Andrew Sedgwick, Chair - Design and Technical Executive - ARUP Dr Richard Wilson, CEO - The Independent Games Developers Association

Tell us what you think Please join us, either in person at one of our events or online at: www.dandtnewvision.org.uk to tell us your views on how we can develop, support and champion this exciting and critical subject for young people and for the nation.

Places at this event are free of charge but strictly limited. To book please email events@dandtnewvision.org.uk or tel. 01789 473 906

Mobile Gaming at Apps World 2012

Tuesday 2nd – Wednesday 3rd October 2012
Earls Court 2 - Warwick Road, London SW5 9TA

Mobile gaming has proved to be the golden goose of the apps industry; with games accounting for around 70% of all app downloads, the industry is expected to be worth $54bn globally by 2015.

This year Apps World will examine how gaming principles can be applied to wider apps to promote user engagement, discuss how social elements can be utilised to publicise gaming apps and analyse the methods used to market the latest gaming sensations.

Save 15% using the discount code when registering for the Gaming Track at Apps World here: http://www.apps-world.net/europe/ . TIGA members -please email suzi@tiga.org to get your discount code.

MCLAREN MP4-12C COMES TO AUTO CLUB REVOLUTION

McLaren’s Latest Supercar Joins Racing Game and Community’s Car Roster

Eutechnyx has announced that the latest car to be added to Auto Club Revolution, its online racing game and car community, is McLaren’s current supercar, the MP4-12C. Launched in Auto Club Revolution on the 8th May 2012, the MP4-12C joins McLaren’s legendary F1 and adds another mid-engined monster to the game’s ever-increasing roster of high-performance vehicles available to buy with the game’s e-Bucks currency.

First unveiled in 2009, the McLaren MP4-12C was launched in 2011 with a carbon fibre composite chassis and the 7-speed McLaren Seamless Shift dual clutch gearbox (SSG) with Pre-Cog functionality. The pure power of the 1434 kg car can be experienced when its 600 PS twin-turbo engine accelerates it to 100 mph in only 6.1 seconds. The official Auto Club Revolution forums will see a dedicated thread for the car’s release, which will include all manner of information.

Doug Wolff, team lead, Eutechnyx commented:
"McLaren has always been at the forefront of car design, be it in Formula 1, on behalf of other manufacturers or under its own label, and the MP4-12C is absolutely emblematic of that combination of extreme skill, talent and artistry.”

He continues, "With the truly iconic McLaren F1 already in the Auto Club Revolution roster, we’re overjoyed to be able to add the very latest summation of McLaren’s automotive knowledge to our game and with the MP4-12C in place, we’ll be looking forward to seeing even more fierce battles in the mid-engined supercar domain within the Auto Club Revolution community and leaderboards.”

Auto Club Revolution is a free-to-play online racing game and car community built in collaboration with the motor industry. Featuring officially licensed cars from over 50 of the world’s leading motor manufacturers, it delivers a console quality racing experience to the free-to-play market while providing a social platform for owning, customising and enjoying cars online. The game features a wide range of custom and licensed race tracks including Silverstone and Circuit de Spa Francorchamps.

NOTES TO EDITORS

About Auto Club Revolution
Auto Club Revolution is a free-to-play online racing game and car community built in collaboration with the motor industry. Featuring officially licensed cars from over 50 of the world’s leading motor manufacturers, it delivers a console quality racing experience to the free-to-play market while providing a social platform for owning, customising and enjoying cars online. The game’s front end is web-based, creating a powerful and flexible social platform for communities of car enthusiasts and racing fans to interact with each other and their favourite motoring brands. The racing experience itself is delivered via a downloaded application (client), built on the world class Eutechnyx-owned racing engine. This combination of web and app. empowers the player to manage their game, garage and network of friends on the web from anywhere, while the downloadable element provides the premium quality race experience that separates Auto Club Revolution from all other games in the sector. Auto Club Revolution is designed, developed and published by Eutechnyx. For more information about Auto Club Revolution see http://www.autoclubrevolution.com

About Eutechnyx
Eutechnyx is the world’s leading independent racing game developer. With a history spanning over 24 years, the studio has won numerous awards for its million-plus selling titles and garnered exceptional acclaim in the business sector. As well as its headquarters in the Gateshead (UK), the company has studios in Hong Kong, Chengdu (China) and Charlotte (USA) and a publishing office in London (UK). For more information, please visit press.eutechnyx.com. Auto Club Revolution and Eutechnyx are registered trademarks of Eutechnyx Ltd. All rights reserved.

Exclusive video offer for TIGA members

Exclusive video offer for TIGA members

Explore a fantastic range of creative, archival and editorial video clips and get a TIGA member discount of 15% on video orders.*

Register at www.gettyimages.co.uk to access premium stock video, archival film and contemporary HD video. Please email suzi@tiga.org to get your TIGA member discount code.

* Ts & Cs: 15% off offer applies to transactions completed on the Getty Images website for license of royalty-free and rights ready creative and editorial video content on or before 31 December 2012. Minimum or special priced clips are excluded from this offer. Offer does not apply to subscriptions or any other products or services. May not be combined with other offers, discounts or pricing arrangements. Promo code must be applied at time of transaction online or by quoting this when ordering via telephone and may not be applied to previous orders.

Swindon MP backs tax relief for games industry

A Conservative MP has backed his party's decision to grant tax relief to the videogames industry.
Justin Tomlinson, MP for Swindon North, also praised videogame trade industry body for its long-fought campaign on the issue.

Mr Tomlinson said:

"Unlike many trade associations, TIGA has consistently provided strong empirical evidence to back up its case for Government support and investment."TIGA made a powerful case for a tax credit for games production and I was pleased to work with TIGA in securing this measure in the recent Budget.

"This tax credit will provide a major boost to the UK games development sector and help to support the wider economic recovery."

Swindon is already benefiting from the attraction of games and computing. Its Museum of Computing has been officially awarded Provisional Accredited Status by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council and has proved popular among visitors.

Videogame development was handed tax breaks as part of Tory Chancellor George Osborne's Budget in March.
It followed years of lobbying by TIGA, the trade association representing the UK games industry.

Gaming is worth an estimated £1bn to the UK's GDP and the country has been responsible for some of gaming's most iconic titles including Grand Theft Auto and Fable.TIGA is now liaising with developers to ensure the Government frames the tax relief in a way which is simple and effective for the games industry to use.

TIGA wants the application process to be an easy one.

Labour shadow minister praises TIGA for tax relief lobbying

Take from The Independent:

A Labour shadow minister has praised a videogame organisation's long-fought campaign to hand tax relief to the gaming industry.

Stephen Timms, the shadow minister of state for employment and the former financial secretary to the Treasury, said he hoped the tax break would boost Britain's economy.

Videogame development was handed tax breaks as part of Chancellor George Osborne's Budget in March.

It followed years of lobbying by TIGA, the trade association representing the UK games industry.

TIGA says it is now liaising with developers to ensure the Government frames the tax relief in a way which is simple and effective for the games industry to use. TIGA wants the application process to be an easy one.

Mr Timms said: "As a Government Minister, and more recently from the Opposition benches, I have seen TIGA campaign creatively, tenaciously and effectively on behalf of video games developers. I hope the tax credit which their lobbying has secured will provide a real boost to the UK industry."

Gaming is worth an estimated £1bn to the UK's GDP and the country has been responsible for some of gaming's most iconic titles including Grand Theft Auto and Fable.

Before the Coalition government granted tax relief, Labour chancellor Alistair Darling had announced similar plans in March 2010. It was later scrapped by Osborne but resurrected this year.

MP, Stewart Hosie says tax relief for games is good for Scotland

A SCOTTISH MP says tax relief for the games industry will have a massive impact on Scotland's economy.

Stewart Hosie, Scottish National Party MP for Dundee East, says it is likely to create jobs and attract investment in the country.

Videogame development was handed tax breaks as part of Chancellor George Osbourne's Budget in March.

It followed years of lobbying by TIGA, the trade association representing the UK games industry.

The organisation found that videogaming in Scotland contributes £74 million to the UK’s GDP and generates £30 million in tax revenues to HM Treasury.

TIGA is now liaising with Scottish developers to ensure the Government frames the tax relief in a way which is simple and effective for the games industry to use. TIGA wants the application process to be an easy one.

Videogaming supports 2,000 jobs, including around 700 in game development with cities such as Dundee being particularly important for the industry.

Stewart Hosie, Scottish National Party MP for Dundee East, said: "TIGA has played a vital role in making the case for Games Tax Relief over the last four years.

"The quality of TIGA’s research and its tenacious campaigning have enabled MPs including myself to make the case for a tax relief for the video games sector in Parliament.

"I now hope that this measure will help to create jobs and promote investment in the high technology Scottish games industry.”

Scotland has 50 studios making games for mobile, online, casual, educational and console markets. They include Rockstar North, Denki, Tag Games, Dynamo Games, 4J, Digital Goldfish, Firebrand, and Proper Games, each of which have a track record in developing successful and critically acclaimed video games.

MP says tax relief for games is good for Scotland

A SCOTTISH MP says a major battle was won when the Chancellor granted tax relief for the games industry.

Jim McGovern MP, Labour MP for Dundee West, praised TIGA, the trade association representing the UK games industry, for years of lobbying which he said was vital in securing a tax break for videogame development.

Videogame development was handed tax breaks as part of Chancellor George Osbourne's Budget in March.

TIGA found that videogaming in Scotland contributes £74 million to the UK’s GDP and generates £30 million in tax revenues to HM Treasury.

TIGA is now liaising with Scottish developers to ensure the Government frames the tax relief in a way which is simple and effective for the games industry to use. TIGA wants the application process to be an easy one.

Videogaming supports 2,000 jobs, including around 700 in game development with cities such as Dundee being particularly important for the industry.

Mr McGovern said: "I have worked closely with TIGA over the last two years to win a tax credit for games production.

"TIGA has played a crucial role in making the case and winning the argument for a tax break for games production.

"TIGA, working with the All Party Group on the Computer and Video Games Industry in Parliament – of which I am the Treasurer – has won a major battle for the benefit of the Scottish and wider UK games industry.”

Scotland has 50 studios making games for mobile, online, casual, educational and console markets. They include Rockstar North, Denki, Tag Games, Dynamo Games, 4J, Digital Goldfish, Firebrand, and Proper Games, each of which have a track record in developing successful and critically acclaimed video games.

'Video Games tax relief to boost high skilled employment' says MP

Luciana Berger MP, said: "TIGA has consistently campaigned for a tax break for games production. Over the last three years TIGA has managed to convinced two governments to support Games Tax Relief: the last Labour Government in March 2010 and the Coalition Government in March 2012. I am pleased to have worked with TIGA to win this tax credit for the UK games industry, not least through the All Party Group on the Computer and Video Games Industry in Parliament which I am the Vice Chair. TIGA played a key role in winning this tax break for the UK games industry. I hope that this tax measure will help to boost high skilled employment in my constituency and indeed throughout the UK.”

Mission from Rio Grande do Sul State Government aims for investments in the United Kingdom

8th of May at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane from 2:00 PM to 5:30

Led by the State Governor Mr. Tarso Genro a delegation will participate on a business mission to the UK between the 7th and 10th of May. The group is composed of representatives from the State Government, executives and leaders in the educational area and focuses on prospecting new businesses, creating co-operation agreements, exchanging experience and bringing new commercial opportunities to Rio Grande do Sul.

The State Department for Trade Promotion and Attraction Investment (SDPI) is organising the project. "One of the reasons for this trip is our intention of making Rio Grande Sul an international and attractive State for outside investments.” said the SDPI State Secretary Mr. Mauro Knijnik.

The Seminar "Doing Business in Rio Grande do Sul” is the main point of the mission and will be held on the 8th of May at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM. The encounter will explore the business possibilities and investment in Rio Grande do Sul. The State Governor Mr. Tarso Genro, will be a lecturer with the Brazil Ambassador in the UK Mr. Roberto Jaguaribe plus the State Secretary Mr. Mauro Knijnik. Meanwhile a co-operation agreement will be signed by Rio Grande do Sul State Government and British Gas aiming to stimulate technology transfer.

The Vice President of the Industrial Federation of Rio Grande do Sul (FIERGS) Mr. Ricardo Felizzola and the dean of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) Mr. Carlos Alexandre Netto will also accompany the mission. Mr. Felizzola will present aspects of Rio Grande do Sul economy. Mr. Netto will highlight the educational system and tech parks.

Among the companies that will be presented during the conference there will be CEEE Group, Petrobras, Escala Agency and Braskem. "Defining areas of common interest which are aligned with the State Industrial Policy is a permanent challenge” highlights the President of Rio Grande do Sul Industrial Development Agency (AGDI) Mr. Marcus Coester.

Business Opportunities for the seminar:
Energy – Projects for Offshore and Wind power
Creative Industry –Mobile Technologies and the Metropolitan Creative Environment
Infrastructure – Investment Opportunities and experience exchange in public safety on Infrastructure for the World Cup, Ports, Airports, Roads and Waterways
Pharmaceutical Industry - Advanced Medical Services in the Porto Alegre Metropolitan Area
Petrochemical Sector – Petrochemical Complex of Rio Grande do Sul and investment in the plastic sector

Highlights of the Itinerary On the 9th of May Mr. Tarso Genro and leaders will have breakfast at the British Parliament. The group will also have a meeting with investment fund companies. The creative economy is one of the core points of the new State Industrial Policy and it will be further explored during the visit to Ravensbourve University in London.

The strong tradition in design and arts of the institution can bring new insights to the delegation. The group will meet with British incubators and a roundtable will discuss policies for company start-ups and incubators. The group will visit with the TechCity and its high concentration of tech based and creative companies. During the occasion the Governor will talk about international entrepreneurship and go through a few successful case studies.

At the end a business cooperation agreement will be signed with Tecnopuc, AGDI, United Kingdom Trade Investment and Tech City. The event will gather members of the State administration and representatives from the petrochemical, energy, infrastructure, creative industry and pharmaceutical areas.

On the 10th the group will go to Aberdeen, Scotland where they will participate on the "III Brazil-UK Oil & Gas Meeting”. The event is focused on offshore industry and it will debate the cooperation in human resources and building of competences.

For further information contact AGDI through the phone +55 51 3288 1012 or info@agdi.rs.gov.br

Winners of GameHack announced

TIGA, the trade association representing the UK games industry, and BlueVia, the global developer platform from Telefonica, today announced the winners of GameHack which took place over the weekend at Pinewood Studios.

GameHack saw thirty-seven teams of entrants compete to design and develop an original game within 24 hours. Taking place at Pinewood Studios on 28th and 29th April 2012, the event provided a brilliant showcase for aspiring or independent game creators.

List of winners:

Adobe Best Flash Game for iOS Winner:
The Super Flash Bros

Antix Labs Procedural Generation Challenge Winner:
Vegitects

BlueVia Best Use of Mobile Winner:
Lightwood Games

Getty Images/Pinewood Studios/Centroid 3D Games Trailer Challenge Winner:
Knightshade

Marmalade Best Cross Platform Mobile Application Winner:
Smoking Games

Turbulenz/Mozilla HTML5 Games Category Winner:
Hack FM

Papaya Mobile Social Game Hack Winner:
Placeholder Games

SCEE Best Game Award Winner:
The Super Flash Bros

TechHub Most Innovative Idea Award Winner:
Lightwood Games

TIGA Most Awesome Game Award Winner:
Team Coderunner

Thomas Curtis, Developer Advocate of BlueVia said:
"BlueVia is incredibly proud to have been a part of GameHack and we could not ask for a better introduction to games developers. The quality of games produced was nothing short of stunning and a testament to the talent within the UK games industry, as was the way that attendees helped each other even if they were aiming for the same category prize. I would like to thank TIGA for helping to organise the event, Pinewood Studios for allowing GameHack to be the first ever game event to take place at the site and to all of the attendees who made the event such a success.”

Dr Richard Wilson, CEO of TIGA commented:
"The TIGA-BlueVia GameHack was a tremendous success. Our GameHack gave developers a chance to create innovative games in new teams at the inspirational setting of Pinewood Studios; the chance to network with some of the best people in the UK games development sector; and a chance to win some superb prizes. Above all, the GameHack brought the development community together for an extremely enjoyable weekend”.

Patrick O'Luanaigh, CEO of nDreams and TIGA board member, said:
"TIGA is the trade association that gives UK content creators the opportunity to fulfil their potential. I had the privilege of being one of the TIGA-BlueVia judges and I was highly impressed by the quality of the games created. This augers well for the future of the UK game development sector which TIGA will be at the forefront of driving forward”.

Giles Farley, Managing Director Group Post Production – Content Services, Pinewood Studios Group, commented:
"It is fair to say that Pinewood has traditionally been associated more with film and television production than games, however, the skills and techniques required to produce commercially successful, creative content are converging. As a result, we are working more and more with games companies and we were delighted to have had the opportunity to host this year’s GameHack. The event demonstrated that collaboration, innovation and commitment can deliver truly outstanding results in a short space of time. We look forward to the next GameHack event and developing relationships with colleagues in the games industry.”

TIGA and BlueVia have compiled all the technology used at GameHack to provide the following statistical breakdown (please note that some people entered into multiple categories):

Platform Number of entries Percentage of entries
Mobile 18 41.86
Web 8 18.60
Cross platform 5 11.63
Flash 5 11.63
Procedural generation 7 16.28
Total 43 100

42 per cent of entries were for BlueVia's mobile category 'Best use of Mobile'. The popularity of this category echoes the shift in the wider gaming industry towards mobile devices. Thanks to Tubulenz and Mozilla category, HTML5 had a strong showing with 19 per cent of entries. For rapid development ‘Cross Platform’ and ‘Flash’ were used in 12 per cent of entries, respectively. GameHacks attendees were not daunted by Antix’s challenging hardcore 'Procedural Generation Challenge', with 16 per cent of entries testing their mettle in this category.

TIGA and BlueVia were impressed at the range and breadth of ideas at GameHack, from bluetooth enabled lights out, augmented reality tower defence; while remaking old classics like Reversi to hand coding multiplayer servers without using any libraries showed that GameHack had incredibly skilled attendees who love making games.

Ends

NOTES FOR EDITORS

List of all the prizes

Fourteen prizes are available across eight categories:

1. Best cross platform application
2. Best use of mobile
3. HTML5 games category
4. Mobile social game hack
5. Procedural generation challenge
6. Games trailer challenge
7. Best flash game for iOS
8. Best Game Award

Prizes on offer for winners are:
1. Made with Marmalade professional license worth $3,499
2. £500 worth of Arduino vouchers
3. 2 x £500 cash prizes
4. Potential to receive an additional £2,500 to fund completion and publishing of the game on Turbulenz
5. Adobe Creative Suite Premium (worth £1,429 excl.VAT)
6. 2 x top of the range Android smartphones
7. 25,000 downloads of your game guaranteed with Papaya’s Social Game Engine
8. Opportunity to mix your next games trailer at Pinewood Post Production
9. Half a day motion capture studio time with Centroid
10. One year’s free membership of TIGA
11. One year’s free membership of TechHub
12. PlayStation®Vita development kit

GameHack Event Categories Teams must enter one of the following challenges and meet the pre-set criteria:

Best cross platform application
Marmalade is looking for the best cross platform app or game. Use our SDK to develop games that span more than one platform. We're looking for apps and games that display the best in originality, utility, and commercial viability.

Best use of mobile
BlueVia thinks there are creative ways to using mobile devices to enhance gaming beyond the screen, this category is for those who want to challenge established gaming conventions. Need ideas to get you started? Think location-based gaming, linking of different devices for multiplayer gaming, using mobile to redesign old classics - location and sound enabled Marco Polo perhaps!

HTML5 games category
Turbulenz is looking for game demo’s that combine a great first-pass of some classic retro games with some of the powerful social features of the web today. For example, some classic-style platformer, arcade or puzzle game mixed with the ability to play with friends, invite friends to challenge you, or win achievements.

Mobile social game hack
You’ll have the weekend to create the best possible social freemium game using Papaya’s Social Game Engine. You bring the imagination and talent, we'll bring over 50 million potential customers

Procedural generation challenge
Your challenge, from Antix Labs, (should you decide to accept it) is to generate as many stunningly beautiful game graphics as possible in as small an executable as possible. The graphics can be 2D or 3D, that’s your choice, but they must not use any hand drawn graphics. Not even as an input to the generation system. The emphasis will be on graphics that could be used in a real game, so simply implementing a 2D fractal will not score as highly as a view of a landscape.

Games trailer challenge
You’ve created your game. Now get people to play it by creating a video game trailer using Getty Images content. Tell your game’s story. Take our high res video, stills and music, and turn it into something new. Put your own spin on it, in a short video of between one and three minutes.

Best Flash game for iOS
Adobe has set the challenge of creating an iOS game using flash technology. More details on each challenge can be found at: www.gamehack.co.uk

About TIGA
TIGA is the trade association representing the UK’s games industry. The majority of our members are either independent games developers or in-house publisher owned developers. We also have games publishers, outsourcing companies, technology businesses and universities amongst our membership. TIGA won 10 business awards and was nominated a finalist for 9 other awards during 2010 and 2011. In 2010 TIGA won two business awards including ‘Trade Association of the Year’ from the Trade Association Forum.

In 2011, TIGA won eight business awards including ‘Trade Association of the Year’ from the Trade Association Forum, ‘Outstanding Organisation’ from the Chartered Management Institute and two Global Business Excellence Awards, including ‘Outstanding Marketing Campaign’. Richard Wilson won the ‘Leadership Award’ from the Trade Association Forum and the ‘Outstanding Leader’ award from the Chartered Management Institute. TIGA is an Investors in People organisation.

TIGA's vision is to make the UK the best place in the world to do games business. We focus on three sets of activities: political representation, generating media coverage and developing services that enhance the competitiveness of our members. This means that TIGA members are effectively represented in the corridors of power, their voice is heard in the media and they receive benefits that make a material difference to their businesses, including a reduction in costs and improved commercial opportunities.

For further information, please contact Dr Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO on: 07875 939 643, or email richard.wilson@tiga.org.

AboutBlueVia
BlueVia is the global developer platform from Telefonica that helps developers take apps, web services, and ideas to market. BlueVia is built on four founding principles: - Scale - Tools - Business Models - Path to Market BlueVia offers ground breaking, zero risk, business models for developers, along with ‘mix & match’ models to create multiple revenue streams. For more information, documentation and video tutorials, go to http://www.bluevia.com/

About SCEE Developer Relations
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE), based in London, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and sales of PlayStation®3, PlayStation®Vita, PlayStation®2, PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) and PlayStation®Network software and hardware in 109 territories across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Oceania. SCEE also develops, publishes, markets and distributes entertainment software for these formats, and manages the third party licensing programs for the formats in these territories.

About Mozilla
Mozilla is a global community of people creating a better Internet. We build public benefit into the Internet by creating free, open source products and technologies that improve the online experience for people everywhere. We work in the open under the umbrella of the non-profit Mozilla Foundation. Everything we create is a public asset available for others to use, adapt and improve. For more information, visit www.mozilla.com.

About Pinewood Studios Group
The Pinewood Studios Group has become a destination that the world’s film, TV, advertising and videogames companies have chosen as a base for some of the biggest productions, including the 23rd James Bond film Skyfall (Eon Productions/MGM/Sony Pictures); Snow White and the Huntsman(Universal); Anna Karenina (Working Title Films/Universal); Prometheus (Fox); Dark Shadows(Warner Bros); Dancing on Ice, The Magicians, Got To Dance and Sing If You Can. Pinewood also hosted one of 2011’s biggest videogames Driver: San Francisco. The facilities comprise the best quality sound stages, a globally unique underwater filming stage, a wealth of specialist production resources, state of the art TV studios, post production and digital content services.

Pinewood offers the Games Industry the opportunity to see and hear their work in some of the best theatres in the world. Pinewood’s award winning Post Production facility can also offer localization in over 40 languages; project management; custom sound design; sound editorial; Oscar winning mixers; world class foley recording and editing; strong ties to the world’s film community as well as PR and brand recognition opportunities by association with one of the leading names in the business. Visit www.pinewoodgroup.com for more info.

About Marmalade
Marmalade makes software that lets developers build and distribute cross-platform applications quickly, easily and without compromise. Our true cross-platform technology provides the best performance and the best portability - and all within the industry’s most open and flexible development environment.

About Turbulenz
Turbulenz is a next generation HTML5 games platform, bringing social connectivity and community to the heart of games. With the vision of creating the greatest gaming experience, Turbulenz provides game developers with a world-leading HTML5 JavaScript SDK and development tools, as well as access to the Turbulenz network, allowing games to reach over one billion people on web connected devices. For more information, visit Turbulenz at www.turbulenz.com or contact Gavin Shields on 01483 338 720 or email gavinshields@turbulenz.com.

About Adobe Systems
Incorporated For more information about Adobe Gaming, visit http://gaming.adobe.com

About Papaya Mobile
Founded in 2008 by CEO Si Shen and CTO Qian Wenjie, PapayaMobile provides both tools for game developers and content for players on its growing social mobile network of over 30 million users worldwide. With headquarters in Beijing and offices in San Francisco and London, PapayaMobile offers developers a fast and easy way to reach millions of users across the globe and improve their return on investment for Android and iOS game development.

Players can participate in high quality social mobile gaming experiences with rich community interaction across Papaya’s rapidly growing network of paid and free iOS and Android games. http://papayamobile.com/developer

About Antix Labs, Ltd
The Antix Game Player ("AGP") is an on-device software client for native games services licensed to multiple tier one device makers. Third party casual, advanced casual and premium games are distributed in a device-independent format similar in concept to MP3 or PDF. This format lets consumers access and share games from any of their connected AGP-powered 'screens', which include mobile phones, TVs, STBs, PMPs, and PCs. In much the same way as they do already with music, photos and videos, consumers can distribute trial games virally across networks and off-line to their friends and family while still protecting the rights and revenues of operators and publishers.

In addition to AGP itself, Antix provides the corresponding tools, certification mechanism, optional white-label store, and optional game warehousing necessary to deploy a complete service offering. Antix Labs Ltd., headquartered in Reading, England was founded by Francis Charig, a World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer.

About Getty Images
Getty Images is a leading creator and distributor of still imagery, video and multimedia products, as well as a recognized provider of other forms of premium digital content, including music. Getty Images serves business customers in more than 100 countries and is the first place creative and media professionals turn to discover, purchase and manage images and other digital content. Its award-winning photographers and imagery help customers produce inspiring work which appears every day in the world’s most influential newspapers, magazines, advertising campaigns, films, television programs, books and Web sites. Visit Getty Images at www.gettyimages.co.uk to learn more about how the company is advancing the unique role of digital media in communications and business, and enabling creative ideas to come to life.

About Centroid Motion
capture and character animation services to the film, television and video games industry, Centroid delivers motion capture and 3D pipeline solutions throughout Europe. With a team of thirty industry professionals, a comprehensive list of facilities and services from production pre visualisation to finished post production animation and a strict secure data environment, we deliver on time to the highest standards, quality and security.

About TechHub
TechHub is the physical hub for the technology start-up community. It's launching first in London in the Shoreditch/Old St area and will consist of desk spaces, co-working space, meeting rooms and an event space. London is the first space, but will be swiftly followed by others in the TechHub network around the world, so wherever you are, you can connect @TechHub.

About o2 ThinkBig
Young people are full of ideas, energy and enthusiasm. But they need the right support to turn their ideas into reality. That’s where Think Big comes in. We find young people with great ideas and help them get going by giving them the training and funding to make their ideas work. www.o2thinkbig.co.uk

About GamesAid
GamesAid is a new UK video games industry based charity. It distributes funds to a diverse range of charities; it is a means of giving something back on behalf of the industry. GamesAid acts as a broker of charitable activity on behalf of the industry, taking advice from all sectors. It is a non trading body. The charity is administered by Trustees, who operate on a fixed term basis. It is formally run by a chairman, who is also on a fixed term. GamesAid is a children and young people's charity. www.gamesaid.org

About Creative KTN
The Creative Industries Knowledge Transfer Network mission is to accelerate innovation in the Creative Industries in the UK. We are home to innovators from all sectors of the Creative Industries from Advertising to Fashion and Design, from Architecture to New Media, TV, Games and beyond. Membership is free and you can join by clicking on the website link https://connect.innovateuk.org/web/creativektn

About Thumbstar Games
Thumbstar is a global mobile entertainment service provider run by industry veterans who have created, developed, published and distributed some of the most standout brands in the history of video games. www.thumbstar.com

About TechExcel
TechExcel is a leading provider of collaborative issue management software for various disciplines including software development, customer service, IT service, and help desk management. www.techexcel.com

Usability testing in Video Games with Biometrics

Spotless Interactive would like to invite attendees to a product demonstration and round table session discussing usability testing in video games with biometrics.

The event is to be held at the Hoxton Hotel in London on Wednesday 13th June 2012 between 8:30am and 11:00am. It is free to attend. There is a maximum capacity of 12 people and some places are already booked so please register early if you are interested.

The event will be giving hardware demonstrations of biometric measurement devices such as: eye tracking, emotional response analysis and galvanic skin response (GSR). The information gathered by these devices can be used by developers to gain insights into player reactions to their games which are not available through standard testing processes, such as questionnaires, because the player themselves are not fully aware of how they are reacting or why.

Also under discussion will be how usability testing can be of benefit by highlighting possible areas of concern - when the player reaction is not that which the game is hoping to create. This foundation of information can then be used by developers to consider changes earlier in the development process; saving time and money by reaching the sweet spot for their designs faster.

If you are interested in attending please contact: adam.smith@spotlessinteractive.com

Marmalade unleashes native power to HTML5 developers

Marmalade, the world’s most powerful cross-platform SDK for native mobile apps, today throws open the doors to HTML5 and PhoneGap developers with the launch of Marmalade 6.0.

Established as a "power tool” for native apps and games, Marmalade has helped to deliver some of the richest, most complex and most successful apps simultaneously to iOS, Android, BlackBerry and a host of other mobile and Smart TV platforms. With this latest release, Marmalade unlocks and makes all of that native power available to web developers, creating for the first time the opportunity to exploit the dual strengths of HTML5 and cross-platform native code.

"We believe hybrid apps combining web and native technologies are the future, but not as they’ve been known up to this point” says Tim Closs, CTO at Marmalade. "With Marmalade 6.0, we’re starting to redefine what hybrid apps can achieve with native API breadth and power. Marmalade has always been about open standards, so HTML5 and PhoneGap are natural choices for us. But with our unparalleled experience of cross-platform native apps, and our patented single-binary architecture, we’re creating for web developers a brand new opportunity – use existing HTML5 technologies and frameworks, but access all the power of cross-platform native code.”

With Marmalade 6.0, developers can create mobile apps in HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript, and deploy them simultaneously as native apps to iOS and Android – without moving between platform SDKs, and without switching between Windows and Mac. For example, Windows developers can create, test, debug and deploy iOS apps locally and entirely from a Windows PC environment. Developers can preview their mobile apps within a lightning-fast desktop device simulator, fully integrated with the Chrome JavaScript debugger and Web Inspector tools.

In keeping with Marmalade’s tradition of supporting the latest devices released in the market, Marmalade 6.0 also supports the new iPad Retina display.

Marmalade 6.0 is available for a full and free evaluation at madewithmarmalade.com.