[casual_games] Passing the baton / SIG update

[Brian Robbins]

Hi all,

After more than 2 years of leading first the Online Games SIG, and
then the Casual Games SIG from its founding last summer, I am stepping
down and passing the baton over to the very talented and very capable
Jason Akel.

When I first became chair of the Online Games SIG, we were in the
process of releasing the very first "Web and Downloadable Games White
Paper" and still largely trying to convince the rest of the game
industry that we were actually making real games. Today the casual
games market is a significant piece of the overall game industry, and
we're the only space that is truly achieving mass-market appeal.

There is no doubt in my mind that a lot of this success has to do with
you, the community of developers who not only continue to create
outstanding content, but also continue to be open and sharing with
your peers, helping everyone to raise the level of their craft. We've
come a long way from the first casual games, and I believe we are now
on the brink of another significant advancement in the marketplace.
Over the coming months and years I know that we will start to see more
and more companies realizing the power of community, implementing new
payment methods, and trying new ways to create compelling content that
appeals to all player demographics. I hope that throughout this growth
the development community will continue to be as collaborative as it
has been, and that together we can bring this space to new heights.

As for me, I will still be very involved with the SIG, and expect to
continue working towards our goals of fostering community, and
providing information and research into the space. In fact I hope with
this new change I will actually have more time to help lead some of
the great initiatives the SIG is working on.

To be completely clear, and resolve a rumor that's been circulating a
bit. While it is true that as of last Friday I am no longer with Game
Trust, that is completely unrelated to my changing involvement with
the SIG. As I mentioned earlier I will still be very active in the
industry and regardless of what company I end up with, I will continue
to contribute to this SIG and the community.

Finally, I would like to sincerely thank all of the volunteers who
have helped throughout the years. I have had the privilege of working
with more than 100 contributors from all aspects of this space, and
each and every one of these people gave their time freely and
willingly for the benefit of the group. It is that willingness to
share time and knowledge that has, and will continue, to drive this
space forward.

Thank you for all of your work and contributions.

Sincerely,
Brian Robbins
Chair, IGDA Casual Games SIG