While the general U.S. economy remains uncertain, a growing number of Generation Y’ers see an education in programming and developing video games as a smart investment for a stable career in this seemingly recession-resistant industry. As evidence of gaming’s resiliency, the overall computer and video game industry saw revenues increase 30 percent over the previous year to $22 billion in 2008, according to the Entertainment Software Association.
As one of the largest degree-granting higher education systems in North America, DeVry University is proud to host and participate in various GDC events at the Moscone Center at 747 Howard St. in San Francisco from March 23-27.
DeVry-sponsored events include:
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Speakers Session |
| Learning from Legends: Crane & Cartwright’s Core Principles for Game Developer Success |
| Room 3016, West Hall |
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Thursday, March 26 from 9 to 10 a.m. |
Video game industry trailblazers David Crane and Steve Cartwright will headline an interactive discussion and audience Q&A session that will provide insider-perspective covering more than 30 years of proven methods and techniques for a successful career as a game developer. Crane and Cartwright’s combined knowledge and expertise will deliver unmatched analysis of the past, present and future of gaming and provide attendees with an opportunity to get straight answers on how to succeed from two of the most venerable developers in gaming history.
Crane, who co-founded game pioneering studios Activision and Absolute Entertainment and created award-winning games such as Pitfall!, Ghostbusters, and A Boy and His Blob, is considered one of the most successful designers of entertainment software in the world. Crane is currently the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer at Skyworks Interactive, a privately held multimedia developer specializing in interactive marketing and high-end game development.
Cartwright, a DeVry classmate of Crane’s and an early programmer at Activision, whose work includes Barnstorming, Megamania, and Hacker, is most well known for his eight-year career at Electronic Arts where he designed and produced the Tiger Woods product franchise. While at EA, he also produced the very popular PGA TOUR games and helped redesign the NBA Live series. Cartwright has also designed, produced and developed products accounting for up to 70 percent of revenue for Glu Mobile. He is currently in “stealth mode” with a MMO start-up.
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Official GDC Career Pavilion Sponsored by DeVry University |
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| West Hall | ||
| DeVry University Booth #518 | ||
| Dates & Times: |
Wednesday, March 25, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
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Thursday, March 26, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
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Friday, March 27, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
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While the current recession has impacted nearly every sector of the U.S. economy, the video game industry continued to grow in 2008. But anyone desiring to break into the game industry knows how difficult the process can be as competition for these exciting careers make who you know as important as what you know.
As the leader in career-oriented higher education, DeVry University is proud to be officially sponsoring the GDC Career Pavilion, which will feature hiring managers from today’s largest game companies as well as up-and-coming studios. According to Chad Kent, executive producer at High Voltage Software, “Guys and gals that meet with us here have a much better opportunity to get an in-office interview.”
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DeVry University Graduate Represents NAMCO Networks on Career Panel |
| How Did the Interview Go? |
| Room 3006, West Hall |
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Friday, March 27, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. |
Samantha Petro, a graduate of DeVry University’s Game and Simulation Programming bachelor’s degree program, was selected to participate on the GDC panel addressing the game industry application and interview process. Having landed her first game development job just three months after graduating, Petro now is employed as a PC engineer at NAMCO Networks, a leading publisher and developer of casual PC, mobile and iPhone games.
Petro’s participation on the panel highlights a notable evolution in gaming for the current generation. Having been male-dominated for decades, today’s game development industry is seeing more women entering the field as developers who produce not just titles for the growing girl-gamer population, but also games popular with males. Petro’s success entering the industry allows her to comment on this modern definition of women’s role in game development.
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Game and Simulation Student Competition Winners |
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| North Hall | ||
| DeVry University Booth #6214 | ||
| Dates & Times: |
Wednesday, March 25, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
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Thursday, March 26, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
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Friday, March 27, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
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Eight winners of DeVry University’s National Game and Simulation Programming Contest were awarded conference passes by the Game Developers Conference. From DeVry University in Orlando, Florida, winning the Grand Prize for their game titled, “Galactic Conquest,” are: Kamell Anderson, Jason Mulkey, Jamie Pittman and Magda Santiago. From DeVry University in Addison, Illinois, winning First Place for their game titled, “Balls of Steel,” are: Aaron Bentzler, Andy Green, Dan Kowalski, and Jason Wieczorek.
Both team’s innovative game concepts will be showcased at the DeVry University GDC Expo booth (#6214). GDC attendees are invited to test-drive the student-designed games and learn about the winning team members’ experiences preparing for future careers in the gaming industry.
About DeVry University
As one of the largest degree-granting higher education systems in North America, DeVry University provides high-quality, career-oriented associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in technology, healthcare technology, business and management. More than 65,000 students are enrolled at its more than 93 locations in 26 states and Canada, as well as through DeVry University Online. DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org. DeVry University, a division of DeVry Inc. (NYSE: DV), is based in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. For more information about DeVry University, visit http://www.devry.edu.
Contact:
Westbound Communications
Patricia Zurita
Email Contact
909-886-8188
or
DeVry
University
Dan Dement
Email Contact
714-734-5575