HOW TO BREAK INTO VIDEO GAME INDUSTRY CONFERENCE, RESUME WORKSHOP AND JOB FAIR JANUARY 31, 2004

New San Francisco Event from The Game Initiative, Producers of the Austin Game Conference

AUSTIN, Texas, December 11, 2003 - The Game Initiative today announced a new conference designed for students and professionals eager to get a job in the computer and video game industry. “How To Break Into Video Game Industry: Mini-Conference, Resume Workshop and Job Fair” will take place January 31, 2004 in San Francisco. The event is designed for artists, programmers and designers looking to get into the business. Attendees will have the opportunity to speak with industry insiders, including top recruiter Mary-Margaret.com, hiring managers from local game companies as well as network and meet with industry veterans. Alias, the world's leading innovator of 3D graphics technology, is lead sponsor of the event.

“The comprehensive program will provide an overview of the industry, identify technology trends and requirements as well as the qualifications and skill-sets that are in demand,” said Christopher Sherman, Game Initiative Executive Director. “The casual nature of this event allows attendees an unprecedented opportunity to interact with industry veterans, ask questions, gain valuable contacts and understand the business.”

Students will learn how to build an early professional road map to a career in the game industry. Professionals looking to move into the business from other industries will learn how their experience and transferable skills can gain rapid entry into this industry. The event will also provide a great opportunity for local companies to meet potential new talent.

The cost is $35 in advance or $45 at the door. The event takes place at the 600 Townsend Building located in the South of Market Area at the corner of 7th and Townsend Streets in San Francisco. Registration is available online at http://www.TheGameInitiative.com

How To Break Into Video Game Industry attendees will:

• Find out what employers are looking for now and in the future

• Learn how the game development pipeline works

• Receive an overview of the industry and where it’s headed

• Understand the core competencies required in art, programming and design

• Meet and network with professionals in the industry

• Participate in a resume workshop designed to gain them critical interviews with hiring managers.

“How To Break Into Video Game Industry” is managed by the staff that produced widely acclaimed Austin Game Conference in September and the Austin Game Breakin in November. The Game Initiative – http://www.TheGameInitiative.com - was spun out of the Austin Game Initiative (AGI) to focus on producing leading game industry events worldwide.

About The Game Initiative

The Game Initiative is chartered with the growth of the computer and video game industry by serving the needs of companies involved in producing interactive entertainment software and hardware for video game consoles, handheld devices, personal computers and the Internet. The Game Initiative was spun out of the Austin Game Initiative (AGI), an organization focused on supporting the game development industry in Austin, Texas. Austin is the # 3 location in the U.S. for game development with more than 50 companies making major contributions to the game industry, including game development, publishing, tools and middleware and chips and hardware. The AGI produces The Austin Game Conference which will take place September 9-10, 2004. More information about the Game Initiative can be found at http://www.TheGameInitiative.com.