[games_access] IGDA Evolves: Changes to membership fees/program, plans for 2005

[michelle hinn]

FYI everyone -- a few recent changes to our parent organization, the IGDA:

-----Original Message-----
From: IGDA [mailto:news at igda.org] 
Sent: Thursday, January 06, 2005 12:24 PM
To: IGDA_List at igda.org
Subject: IGDA Evolves - Part 2: Changes to membership fees/program, plans
for 2005

Dear IGDA Members and Friends,

The IGDA is starting the New Year off with a bang.

For starters, to grow our community and increase accessibility for 
international members, we have significantly reduced our membership fees to 
the following (in US$):

- $48: 1-year membership (previously $100)
- $90: 2-year membership (previously $170)
- $35: discounted 1-year membership for those from "developing countries"
- $30: student membership (previously $35)

These new fees will apply to all new and renewing memberships.  Please jump 
to the site for further details on membership fees and the new "developing 
countries" rate:
http://www.igda.org/join/

Fees for Studio Affiliates have dropped as well.  Details online:
http://www.igda.org/studios/affiliation.php


As we mentioned in our previous letter, the IGDA is evolving and has ended 
its management agreement with CMP.  In short, this means we'll be directly 
running our day-to-day operations from here on out.

As part of our changing relationship with CMP, new members will no longer 
receive a free subscription to Game Developer magazine.  Members who joined 
prior to 2005 will continue to receive their subscription for the duration 
of their current term (i.e., until their membership renews/expires).  To 
learn more about how you may still qualify for a free or discounted 
subscription to this game industry magazine, visit:
http://www.gdmag.com/subscribe/

Please note that IGDA members will still receive a $50 discount on 
registration for this year's Game Developers Conference (GDC), which takes 
place March 7-11 at San Francisco's Moscone West Convention Center.  Full 
details online:
http://www.gdconf.com/

To ensure that you continue to receive information about the products and 
services the CMP Game Group offers -- including the Game Developers 
Conference, Game Developer magazine, Gamasutra.com, the Game Developers 
Choice Awards and the Independent Games Festival -- visit:
http://secure.halldata.com/CMPMediaWEB/IGDA.jsp


On the community front, we are redoubling efforts to support local 
chapters, which for many of you, serve as the face of the IGDA around the 
world.  We've also just launched a beta of our members-only profile and 
directory system.  This new system allows members to easily connect, share 
ideas and do business.  All members are encouraged to set up their profile 
and provide feedback on the beta.  See details online:
http://www.igda.org/Forums/showthread.php?threadid=13717

The IGDA has also secured a new vendor to produce/supply our membership 
cards.  This means a much quicker turn-around on cards for new and renewing 
members.  And, we'll be able to address the backlog of members who are, 
unfortunately, still waiting for their cards to arrive (sorry).

In terms of advocacy, quality of life issues are at the top of the 
list.  Our Quality of Life Summit, scheduled as a part of the GDC in March, 
will be an important milestone in moving things forward.  Of course, we 
continue to fight for developers' creative freedoms by thwarting government 
intervention and educating the media.  Advocacy efforts also continue 
through our outreach to students and the academic community, and our work 
on standardizing industry crediting practices, improving workforce 
diversity, and addressing business and legal issues relevant to developers.

We thank you for your continued support as the IGDA grows and evolves to 
serve you best.  Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or
comments.

Best Regards and Happy New Year!

Jason Della Rocca
Executive Director

PS: If you have not done so already, please take note of our new address 
and contact details:

IGDA
870 Market Street, Suite 1181
San Francisco, CA
USA 94102-3002
Phone: +1-415-738-2137
Fax: +1-415-738-2178