GDC Austin 2009

SAN FRANCISCO – May 11, 2009 – The Game Developers Conference ® Austin (GDC Austin) returns this September with three days focused on connected games including online games, virtual worlds, and social networking. Now in its 7th consecutive year, GDC Austin will continue as the mecca for online game developers worldwide to convene and share best practices, new perspectives, and business opportunities in connected games. GDC Austin conference tracks focus on the disciplines of Business and Marketing, Design, Social Networking and Community, Services, Production and Programming. Presented by Think Services, organizers of the industry-leading Game Developers Conference® (GDC), GDC Austin is a four-day event taking place at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, Texas September 15-18, 2009.

The 2009 GDC Austin Advisory Board expands to include international game communities and perspectives with new members: Thomas Bidaux of ICO Partners, creator of successful European MMO titles, Dark Age of Camelot, Guild Wars and City of Heroes, and Min Kim of Nexon, creator of the critically acclaimed Maple Story. John Blakely of Sony Online Entertainment, Eugene Evans of EA/Mythic Entertainment, Mike Goslin of Hangout Industries, formerly of Disney where he developed Pirates of the Caribbean Online, and Sheri Graner Ray of Schell Games also round out the new lineup.

“The online gaming space continues to change and expand. GDC Austin addresses the latest trends and challenges in connected gaming,” said event director Izora de Lillard. “With an updated advisory board, attendees can expect the same quality of technical sessions presented in previous years but also specialized focus in areas like globalization and localization, micro transactions, security, and social networking success in games.”

GDC Austin will also feature two-day Summits: Game Audio, Game Writers, Independent Games, and the newly introduced iPhone Summit, on September 15-16, 2009

Online registration for GDC Austin opens in early June. For more information on GDC Austin and the advisory board visit www.GDCAustin.com.

About the Think Services Game Group

A core provider of essential information to the professional game industry, the Think Services Game Group offers market-defining content, and drives community through its award winning lineup of print, online, event and research products and services. These include Game Developer Magazine, Game Developer Research, the Webby Award-winning Gamasutra.com, GameCareerGuide.com, WorldsInMotion.biz, GameSetWatch.com, GamesOnDeck.com, SeriousGamesSource.com, the Game Developers Conference®, the Game Developers Conference® Austin, the Game Developers Conference® Europe, the Game Developers Conference® China, the Game Developers Conference® Canada, GDC Mobile, the Game Career Seminars, the Independent Games Festival and Summit, and the Game Developers Choice Awards. To learn more, visit www.tsgamegroup.com

About Think Services, a division of United Business Media

Think Services connects specialized communities worldwide using educational events, consulting, training, certification, membership, and innovative media. Providing comprehensive opportunities for people to learn from, network with, and inspire each other, Think Services builds strong brands and works within communities to foster a unique affinity with its products and services. The division's flagship products include the Game Developers Conference, the Webby Award-winning Gamasutra.com, Game Developer magazine, the International Customer Management Institute (ICMI), and HDI. Think Services is a subsidiary of United Business Media, a global media and marketing services company with a market capitalization of more than $1.6 billion. To learn more, visit www.think-services.com.

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Contact: Brian Rubin / Sibel Sunar

fortyseven communications

212.391.4707 / 323.658.1200

brian@fortyseven.com / sibel@fortyseven.com

Ahmad White

Think Services Game Group

415.947.6207

awhite@think-services.com