Details of GDC charity poker event announced

Interactive Studio Management is to co-host a charity poker tournament together with the CMP Game Group at this year's Game Developers Conference in San Francisco.

Proceeds from the event, which is the first of its kind for GDC, will go to the Starlight Starbright foundation for seriously ill children. The event will take place at 9.30pm on March 6 at the Marriott Hotel, 4th Street. Players will be selected via invitation and silent bid, and an entry donation of US $100 is suggested for each player.

In total 120 players from the industry will compete for prizes donated by games companies, a trophy and the title of ISM Invitational Poker Champion - GDC '07. There is no entry fee for observers.

"Weâre excited about bringing together a broad mix of video game professionals from across all sectors of the industry and around the globe for a great game of poker in this first ever benefit competition. We expect that everyone will have a great time and raise a substantial amount for the Starlight Starbright Childrenâs Foundation," said ISM's Stew Kosoy.

Starlight Starbright CEO Paula Van Ness added, "We have found that having fun, and interactive gaming in particular, is an effective way to help children cope with a serious illness. We are honored to have been selected to benefit from this fundraiser."