Today’s Gamasutra includes an article by John Nash from Blitz Games. The article discusses much of what was included in his GDC talk earlier in the year, and highlights the importance of training within game studios as a means for improving productivity. I think it also demonstrates, how the role of widespread formalized training within the game industry is really in its infancy.

It’s definitely worth a read if you are interested in developing training within your studio, and I have personally found John to be very approachable on this issue when I spoke to him earlier in the year. I’d also suggest listening to his GDC talk as it is quite comprehensive, and he covers in greater depth, some of the points he raises in the article.

What I’d keep in mind, however, is the studio culture and the current processes and systems of organization within a studio when implementing training, as its quite important to have the necessary support and pathways for it to be successful, and it needs to consistent with the culture of the organization. That said, I’ve found it a fantastic experience to be managing training at Krome Studios and be a part of the push for training within game studios more broadly. And I think John’s article illustrates, from a local viewpoint, how Krome is at the forefront in this area.

Link
http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3711/
implementing_training_the_secret_.php

Today’s Age reports that the Sydney-based Australian animation and special effects house - Animal Logic - is now entering the videogame business. Animal Logic, who recently picked up an Oscar for the animated penguin musical Happy Feet has now formed Animal Logic Interactive (ALI). Based in the US, Animal Logic Interactive has secured Giancarlo Mori (formely of Activision) to head up the studio.

Link

http://www.theage.com.au/news/biztech/special-effects-company-
launches-computer-game-business/2008/06/12/1212863791074.html

Well we’ve almost reached that time of the year when boardgame events start to infiltrate the calendar. First cab off the rank is the Australian Games Expo (http://austgamesexpo.com), a boardgame event held in Albury, NSW during the Queen’s Birthday long weekend (June 7-9) at the Albury Convention Centre. This is a family oriented event where boardgames rule and there’s not a videogame console in sight - it’s “back to basics” gaming, and provides a great opportunity to explore the design and play of boardgames.

There’s plenty of opportunity to play board and card games, meet publishers and even designers. And there’s always the chance to look on or join in on the tournaments that run during the event. Added features this year are the inaugural Boardgames Australia awards, a designer day, and an educator’s forum that will explore games and learning - an area of interest close to my heart (details below).

You can read more about the event - including contributions from yours truly - in a recent Border Mail article available at http://austgamesexpo.com/media/pulse.html.
Who knows, maybe I’ll see you at the event!

LEARN ABOUT PLAY

You are invited to a Special Forum for Educators at the 2008 Australian Games Expo in Albury.
Sat 7 June, 11am, Albury Convention Centre.

This free Forum is aimed particularly at teachers and home educators, but is open to anyone who wants to explore the use of board games in education.

The Learn About Play Educators’ Forum will:
+ explain the benefits of using board games to support learning,
+ give practical advice on how to incorporate games into the classroom,
+ and show you how to build a library of board games.

This weekend I’ll join Dr Mark Finn (Swinburne University), cyberlaw expert Melissa deZwart (Monash University) and the ABC’s Head of Innovation Abigail Thomas on the “Virtually Ethical” panel (http://www.acmi.net.au/gameon_virtually_ethical.aspx) as part of ACMI’s Game On exhibition. The panel will explore the legal and ethical issues that arise from virtual actions and examine how the law can keep up with developments in game technology.

It’s free, so if you’re interested,swing by ACMI at Federation Square at 2PM this Sunday.

This week in Melbourne, SimTect 2008 is underway. Described by the organizers as “Australasia’s premier simulation and training technologies conference and exhibition”, this event is for those creating (and applying) simulations and games for the “real world”. You know, defence, transportation, aerospace, manufacturing, health care and social and organisational learning… that sort of thing. So while its probably not the place to discuss your latest strategy in GTA IV or to play your next Rock Band gig (but you never know!), it is definitely the place to find out more and network with those designing and using simulations and games for real-world applications.

Links
SimTecT 2008: http://www.siaa.asn.au/simtect/2008/2008.htm
Simulation Industry Association of Australia: http://www.siaa.asn.au/