What’s all this about then?
There’s a lot going on in Scotland, with growing numbers of studios in Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and beyond. Locally, meetups like the long running Bert Wednesdays and the relatively recent GameDevEd are both popular and successful.
Nationally though, we need to do more to get developers together.
We propose the creation of an IGDA chapter in Scotland to keep developers across the country in contact through monthly meetups, to help promote existing events, and to represent the country internationally in the IGDA. And we want you to join us.
What is the IGDA and what has it ever done for me?
The IGDA (International Games Developers Association) is exactly what the name suggests: a collection of game developers. It brings the global community together through conferences, local chapters, and special interest groups.
And in Scotland in the past, IGDA membership probably hasn’t offered you much. Hopefully the existence of a local chapter will help to change that.
Why does Scotland need an IGDA chapter?
Forming an IGDA chapter rather than arranging an independent meetup has a number of benefits:
- Increased recognition for Scottish developers internationally through the IGDA.
- The chance to learn from and communicate with other chapters, including the six others in the UK.
- Ease of access for new members and developers new to the country.
- Separation from any one individual, to ensure the group can continue into the future.
Do I have to join the IGDA to be part of this?
No. Whatever the chapter does, everyone will be welcome.
So, why should I join the IGDA then? How much does it cost?
Joining the IGDA costs between $25 and $48 depending on your employment/student status.
- We need at least ten IGDA members in order to officially found the chapter, even though non-members will be equally welcome after this.
- The IGDA supports initiatives like Global Game Jam, and various Special Interest Groups focusing on development disciplines as well as issues like diversity and equality. Your membership helps to support this.
- If you attend GDC, the IGDA discount means your membership essentially works out free.
- If you’re a student, membership helps you to become part of the game development community through contact with other students and developers, and also allows you to apply for annual scholarships to attend GDC.
Sounds cool, what do I do now?
Get in touch!
We need at least 10 IGDA members in order to found the chapter, so if you’re a member already or thinking of joining, please send me an email or message me on twitter.
And if you’re interested in the chapter, whether or not you want to join the IGDA, please follow us on twitter to keep up to date with our progress.
Feel free to email me or leave a comment below if you have further questions.
Great plan… i am glad IGDA (scotland) is back. Is Baglow back involved? I remember the original meeting way back when….
I look forward to being a member. What’s the plan?
Hey Jon, glad to have you on board.
Brian is not directly involved, but his input would of course be entirely welcome.
The plan is to find 10 IGDA members in Scotland so we can officially form as a chapter, and the to arrange our first meetup. We also need to decide where we’ll be located: Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow or rotating between the three. Drop me an email if you have any thoughts or advice, the previous incarnation of IGDA scotland was before my time.
Why does everyone assume I am always involved? Umm, I did say it was a jolly good idea and that I’d show up – oh and not to do Stirling.
Does that count?
Because when Scottish games related happenings occur, chances are you’re involved in some way.
And so far, all votes have been in favour of “not Stirling”.
no… not Stirling…
but i love the rotation idea… GCU would be happy to host the Glasgow meet if that helps
I think rotating between cities, like GirlGeekDinners does, could work pretty well.
As for actual venues it just depends on the format people are most interested in and how badly everyone wants to drink, but GCU is a great location.
To get an idea of numbers: are you an IGDA member (or planning to renew your membership)?
Sounds good to me, I’m happy to help you out however I can
If they are weekend meetups then I’d be fine to travel up north to show some support!
Thanks Liam!
I’ve no idea when will be best for meetups (we’ll have to schedule them around everything that’s already going on) but it would be great if you could make it.
Great idea to rotate between Dundee, Edinburgh & Glasgow. Could also organise meet-ups around things like Dare, Scottish Game Jam, GDC, Develop etc
I just renewed my IGDA membership last week so if there is anything I can do to help please let me know.
That’s a great idea. I think the aim definitely needs to be to promote and work around any existing events, and to be in touch with existing organisers without trying to force the IGDA on them. The last thing I want is to end up competing with a group or event which is already in place.
Glad to have found another member!
Excellent!
Interesting idea.
Who’s organising this?
At the moment, me (Hazel McKendrick, an MSc student in Edinburgh), though hopefully I won’t be doing it entirely alone.
Feel free to drop me an email if you want some more information or have any thoughts about this.
Go Hazel! Good work getting this off the ground. Signed up and Tag are happy to get involved as and when we can.
Thanks for all your support Paul!