IGDA presenting The Future of Game Development

This presentation is open to members and non-members, faculty, staff, and students.

This free event will be held on Thursday, April 11th, from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm, in person (Kutztown University, Academic Forum Building, Room 103) or via Zoom (https://shorturl.at/fhrtX). This is a special joint event between the AITP Lehigh Valley Professionals Chapter and the IGDA Kutztown University Students Chapter. FREE refreshments (pizza and drinks) will be provided in person.

ABSTRACT:

The video game industry has evolved significantly since the days of the Atari System. With over three billion players worldwide and a projected revenue of $273 Billion in 2024, video gaming is estimated to grow at 13.4% annually. In the U.S. alone, the video games industry has outpaced the Box Office, sports events, and music combined. Furthermore, research has pointed to the benefits of video gaming and its "the power of play".

ABOUT THE SPEAKER:
Dr. Vela Jakin, Executive Director of the International Game Developers Association (IGDA), will provide a brief presentation on The Future of Game Development followed by a Q&A panel.

ABOUT THE PANEL:

• Dr. Jakin Vela: Executive Director, the International Game Developers Association (IGDA)
• Renee Gittins leads Stumbling Cat, an indie studio based in Seattle, and is a multi-disciplinary leader with expertise in business operations, software engineering, and creative direction. Previously, she was the General Manager of Phoenix Lab - Vancouver and the Executive Director of the IGDA. She is a passionate advocate and connector for developers and diversity in the game industry. She is also the Chair of the IGDA Alumni Board, consults for numerous organizations, and is outspoken about initiatives to increase diversity both within the game industry and gaming overall to help the game industry grow and improve for everyone.
• Thiep Pham: Assistant Professor, Kutztown University, CSIT Department; President of the AITP Lehigh Valley Chapter; and the advisor to the IGDA Kutztown University Student Chapter
• Hannah Katein: President of the IGDA Kutztown University Student Chapter.
• Strider Agostinelli is an accomplished game developer and software engineer with over 20 years of experience in the industry. Throughout his career, he has worked on more than two dozen titles, collaborating with both AAA studios and smaller game-adjacent companies.

LOCATION & DIRECTIONS:
If attending in person, the meeting will be held at Kutztown University (driving directions) in the Academic Forum (building #9, North Campus, map), Room 103 (first floor). If you wish to attend virtually, you are welcome to use this Zoom connection: https://shorturl.at/fhrtX

Mask-optional. See also, guidelines at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html

DINNER FEES:
This is a free event including refreshments. For those who are planning to join us in person, complimentary refreshments (pizzas and sodas) will be provided. Please register that you are planning to attend so we can order the appropriate amount of refreshments. If you have special diet needs, please contact us and let us know at least two days in advance of the event.

AGENDA:
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM (Presentation and Q&A panel)

For a listing of our AITP Lehigh Valley Chapter events, please visit our website at http://www.lv-aitp.org/

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU ON THURSDAY, APRIL 11th