From brian-l at dubane.com Tue Sep 1 18:17:18 2009 From: brian-l at dubane.com (Brian Robbins) Date: Tue, 1 Sep 2009 16:17:18 -0600 Subject: [casual_games] IGDA Quality of Life survey is up - please fill this out Message-ID: <7097421f0909011517s3a013817l5c2abaa57347cc31@mail.gmail.com> The Quality of Life SIG has just launched the latest version of the Quality of Life survey here: http://www.igda.org/qol/qol_survey.php This survey attempts to evaluate in a qualitative way the real working conditions in the game industry. The first survey was done several years ago and found that working conditions were very bad for many developers. I'm personally hoping that that's changed in the intervening years, and generally I believe life for those of us in the Casual Games space is better than the core game space. In any case, it's impossible to know without having a statistically significant number of developers fill out the survey, and I strongly encourage you to do so. You should also forward this on to your co-workers, colleagues and other contacts. Let's see where things are at now, so we know what still needs to be addressed, and what areas are doing well. This is also planned to be a yearly survey, so that we can, over time, begin to have a clear picture of what is progressing and what areas are getting worse over time. Several people have asked me in the last few weeks, what it is that the IGDA really does, and what kind of value it brings. Particularly in light of the recent controversy and Special Meeting. This survey and the related initiatives are exactly the sorts of things that the IGDA can and wants to be doing. These types of projects are what will be effective at driving change and improving the lives of developers. So help out the org and help us spread the word. http://www.igda.org/qol/qol_survey.php Thanks! -- Brian Robbins Founder, Riptide Games http://twitter.com/dubane From sheri at designdirectdeliver.com Tue Sep 1 16:03:24 2009 From: sheri at designdirectdeliver.com (Sheri Rubin) Date: Tue, 01 Sep 2009 13:03:24 -0700 Subject: [casual_games] Quality of Life Survey Message-ID: <4A9D7E0C.4040206@designdirectdeliver.com> Hello, The new Quality of Life Survey is now up and running. It is now official. The IGDA survey is up. The link is http://www.igda.org/qol/qol_survey.php - OR -- you can reach it by clicking Survey from : http://www.igda.org/qol/. We're looking for as many respondents as possible so please take the survey and pass the link on to all your colleagues through any means you want (email, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.) Thanks! Sheri -- *Sheri Rubin* CEO/President *Design, Direct, Deliver* Website: www.designdirectdeliver.com Email: sheri at designdirectdeliver.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From paul_steven at btinternet.com Tue Sep 8 05:06:58 2009 From: paul_steven at btinternet.com (Paul Steven) Date: Tue, 8 Sep 2009 10:06:58 +0100 Subject: [casual_games] Anyone know a source of free crossword puzzle data? In-Reply-To: References: <223926C52C8EBF4DB30570260B67827303D22ACD@ex-be-006-sfo.shared.themessagecenter.com> Message-ID: <00d001ca3063$b8425190$28c6f4b0$@com> I am developing a flash crossword game for a client and they would like to change the crossword every week. I wondered if there is any free resource out there where I can get crossword puzzle data to populate my crossword. I have already developed the crossword game - I just need some crosswords for it. Thanks Paul -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From aaron at tandemgames.com Thu Sep 10 14:30:29 2009 From: aaron at tandemgames.com (Aaron Murray) Date: Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:30:29 -0500 Subject: [casual_games] Questions about Piracy Message-ID: <3129a3da0909101130sc2bee38oaa7f3098389c460b@mail.gmail.com> Hello fellow Casual Game Makers. We just launched our first big casual game (Bumble Tales) on 9.9.09 and I have some questions about piracy. I was not surprised that the game showed up on dozens of torrent and pirate sites, though I was surprised to see it leaked the day before launch. I was also surprised by how many pirate sites it has shown up on. Thousands of downloads and hundreds of seeders in a day. Worrying about lost sales is not my concern as I don't think that the pirates would be buyers anyways, but I wonder if any of you have looked at your torrent download to portal sales ratios. Do any of you think there is a potentially decent metric to collect there? And finally, more abstractly, what are your thoughts on the impact of Casual game piracy? Is our "target" audience so much less likely to be involved in piracy that it doesn't matter? Surely games like COD4 suffer greatly, but would the latest hidden object or match-3 game feel the effects in any tangible way? -Aaron -- Aaron Murray Technical Director, Founder Tandem Games www.TandemGames.com www.DomainOfHeroes.com www.BumbleTales.com "Fun for All. All for Fun." -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From gameproducer at gmail.com Thu Sep 10 15:11:32 2009 From: gameproducer at gmail.com (Daniil Demchenko) Date: Thu, 10 Sep 2009 23:11:32 +0400 Subject: [casual_games] Questions about Piracy In-Reply-To: <3129a3da0909101130sc2bee38oaa7f3098389c460b@mail.gmail.com> References: <3129a3da0909101130sc2bee38oaa7f3098389c460b@mail.gmail.com> Message-ID: <47da2750909101211o7e7ba102pdb42510de7d191c3@mail.gmail.com> Hello Aaron, On Thu, Sep 10, 2009 at 10:30 PM, Aaron Murray wrote: > ... > Do any of you think there is a potentially decent metric to collect there? Here's an article that might shed some light on the subject: * http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=17350 * http://gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=17408 (follow-up) - Good luck with Bumble Tales! Daniil "Maskileison" Demchenko Director I Funzai! From jose_marin2 at yahoo.com.br Wed Sep 16 10:44:34 2009 From: jose_marin2 at yahoo.com.br (Jose Marin) Date: Wed, 16 Sep 2009 07:44:34 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [casual_games] A Forum for our customers Message-ID: <551307.83187.qm@web112515.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> Hi, I think that a forum is an important feature that a game company can offer to its customers. My question is if there is any easy to install/manage forum client. Thank you. Jose ____________________________________________________________________________________ Veja quais s?o os assuntos do momento no Yahoo! +Buscados http://br.maisbuscados.yahoo.com From aaron at tandemgames.com Thu Sep 17 22:21:48 2009 From: aaron at tandemgames.com (Aaron Murray) Date: Thu, 17 Sep 2009 21:21:48 -0500 Subject: [casual_games] A Forum for our customers In-Reply-To: <551307.83187.qm@web112515.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> References: <551307.83187.qm@web112515.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <3129a3da0909171921l4de744cfm2ada94aced9807c3@mail.gmail.com> Hi Jose - I use phpbb3 - it is fairly easy to setup/use, and there is a lot of development support from the community for modifications. -Aaron On Wed, Sep 16, 2009 at 9:44 AM, Jose Marin wrote: > Hi, > > > I think that a forum is an important feature that a game company can offer > to its customers. > > My question is if there is any easy to install/manage forum client. > > > Thank you. > > Jose > > > > > ____________________________________________________________________________________ > Veja quais s?o os assuntos do momento no Yahoo! +Buscados > http://br.maisbuscados.yahoo.com > > _______________________________________________ > Casual_Games mailing list > Casual_Games at igda.org > http://www.igda.org/casual-subscribe > Archive: http://www.igda.org/casual-subscribe > Archive Search: > http://www.google.com/coop/cse?cx=010373383720242846960%3Az3tdwggxil8 > List FAQ: > http://www.igda.org/wiki/index.php/Casual_Games_SIG/Casual_Games_List_FAQ > -- Aaron Murray Technical Director, Founder Tandem Games www.TandemGames.com www.DomainOfHeroes.com www.BumbleTales.com "Fun for All. All for Fun." -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jose_marin2 at yahoo.com.br Fri Sep 18 07:08:17 2009 From: jose_marin2 at yahoo.com.br (Jose Marin) Date: Fri, 18 Sep 2009 04:08:17 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [casual_games] Res: A Forum for our customers In-Reply-To: <3129a3da0909171921l4de744cfm2ada94aced9807c3@mail.gmail.com> References: <551307.83187.qm@web112515.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> <3129a3da0909171921l4de744cfm2ada94aced9807c3@mail.gmail.com> Message-ID: <339465.61979.qm@web112520.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> Hi, Aaron. Thanks for the tip! ________________________________ De: Aaron Murray Para: IGDA Casual Games SIG Mailing List Enviadas: Quinta-feira, 17 de Setembro de 2009 23:21:48 Assunto: Re: [casual_games] A Forum for our customers Hi Jose - I use phpbb3 - it is fairly easy to setup/use, and there is a lot of development support from the community for modifications. -Aaron On Wed, Sep 16, 2009 at 9:44 AM, Jose Marin wrote: Hi, > > >>I think that a forum is an important feature that a game company can offer to its customers. > >>My question is if there is any easy to install/manage forum client. > > >>Thank you. > >>Jose > > > >> ____________________________________________________________________________________ >>Veja quais s?o os assuntos do momento no Yahoo! +Buscados >http://br.maisbuscados.yahoo.com > >>_______________________________________________ >>Casual_Games mailing list >Casual_Games at igda.org >http://www.igda.org/casual-subscribe >>Archive: http://www.igda.org/casual-subscribe >>Archive Search: http://www.google.com/coop/cse?cx=010373383720242846960%3Az3tdwggxil8 >>List FAQ: http://www.igda.org/wiki/index.php/Casual_Games_SIG/Casual_Games_List_FAQ > -- Aaron Murray Technical Director, Founder Tandem Games www.TandemGames.com www.DomainOfHeroes.com www.BumbleTales.com "Fun for All. All for Fun." ____________________________________________________________________________________ Veja quais s?o os assuntos do momento no Yahoo! +Buscados http://br.maisbuscados.yahoo.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nicolas at qb9.net Fri Sep 18 14:27:17 2009 From: nicolas at qb9.net (Nicolas Cohen) Date: Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:27:17 -0300 Subject: [casual_games] QB9 at Engage Expo Message-ID: Hi everyone, We'll be attending Engage Expo at San Jose on the 22 and 23. If anyone wants to meet us there we'll be showing a sneak peak of a browser- based MMO we're launching in South America next month. Last year we developed a platform that allows rapid development of multiplayer games and virtual worlds and we are looking for browser-based multiplayer and MMO game development opportunities. QB9 is a game studio in Buenos Aires that develops casual downloadable, PSP and browser-based games. We have a track record working with large media IPs matched and a creative team that pushes the limit on every platform. Our customers include Disney Interactive, MTV, Shockwave, VH1, among others. You can check out our games at www.qb9.com Regards, Nicol?s Cohen Business Development QB9 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nicolas at qb9.net Tue Sep 22 13:58:16 2009 From: nicolas at qb9.net (Nicolas Cohen) Date: Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:58:16 -0300 Subject: [casual_games] Any services for outsourcing Sneak Peak / Game Survey in the US? Message-ID: Hi, We are looking for partners to run a "sneak peak" type game survey with classic casual demographics... which are obviously not available here in buenos aires, any pointers? Thanks in advance! Nicol?s Cohen QB9 From Lennard at RustyAxe.com Tue Sep 22 14:13:56 2009 From: Lennard at RustyAxe.com (Lennard Feddersen) Date: Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:13:56 -0700 Subject: [casual_games] Any services for outsourcing Sneak Peak / Game Survey in the US? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <4AB913E4.30100@RustyAxe.com> I'm not sure what that means. Are you looking for a service that would run the survey? Websites that would carry the demo? Lennard Feddersen CEO, Rusty Axe Games, Inc. www.RustyAxe.com Lennard at RustyAxe.com P. 250-635-7623 F. 1-309-422-2466 P. July & August 518-863-2317 5014 Walsh, Terrace, BC, Canada, V8G-4H2 Nicolas Cohen wrote: > Hi, > > We are looking for partners to run a "sneak peak" type game survey > with classic casual demographics... which are obviously not available > here in buenos aires, any pointers? > > Thanks in advance! > > Nicol?s Cohen > QB9 > > _______________________________________________ > Casual_Games mailing list > Casual_Games at igda.org > http://www.igda.org/casual-subscribe > Archive: http://www.igda.org/casual-subscribe > Archive Search: > http://www.google.com/coop/cse?cx=010373383720242846960%3Az3tdwggxil8 > List FAQ: > http://www.igda.org/wiki/index.php/Casual_Games_SIG/Casual_Games_List_FAQ > From andrew at fugazo.com Tue Sep 22 14:08:41 2009 From: andrew at fugazo.com (Andrew Lum) Date: Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:08:41 -0700 Subject: [casual_games] Any services for outsourcing Sneak Peak / Game Survey in the US? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <000301ca3baf$bc40f650$34c2e2f0$@com> I recommend contacting Joel from Gamezebo. Andrew Lum -----Original Message----- From: casual_games-bounces at igda.org [mailto:casual_games-bounces at igda.org] On Behalf Of Nicolas Cohen Sent: Tuesday, September 22, 2009 10:58 AM To: Casual_Games at igda.org Subject: [casual_games] Any services for outsourcing Sneak Peak / Game Survey in the US? Hi, We are looking for partners to run a "sneak peak" type game survey with classic casual demographics... which are obviously not available here in buenos aires, any pointers? Thanks in advance! Nicol?s Cohen QB9 _______________________________________________ Casual_Games mailing list Casual_Games at igda.org http://www.igda.org/casual-subscribe Archive: http://www.igda.org/casual-subscribe Archive Search: http://www.google.com/coop/cse?cx=010373383720242846960%3Az3tdwggxil8 List FAQ: http://www.igda.org/wiki/index.php/Casual_Games_SIG/Casual_Games_List_FAQ From mike at pileated.com Tue Sep 22 15:44:49 2009 From: mike at pileated.com (Michael Levine) Date: Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:44:49 -0400 Subject: [casual_games] NOW HIRING: Web/Flash Online Gaming Engineers Message-ID: Web/Flash Online Gaming Engineer Pileated Pictures (http://www.pileated.com, http://www.planetcazmo.com) is seeking a mid - to expert level Flash programmers for fulltime positions. Individuals will take a major role in developing an exciting line of major brand titles for the browser-based massively multiplayer online game market. ? This role offers excellent compensation and the ability to work remotely. (i.e. from home) Key Qualifications: - At least 3+ years experience in web and/or game development as core team member - Strong skills in AS2, AS3, experience in OOP. - Computer science or engineering degree or equivalent experience - Self starting and team oriented - Experience with MMO games or databases used in games a plus - Experience with client/server engineering a plus ? Key Responsibilities: - Build, implement and develop game, product and site features - Create practical and timely technology solutions and strategies - Fix and resolve defects and bugs - Consult with and advise development team on key technology issues - Maintain effective and responsive communication with key stakeholders Bonuses: - Worked with Major Brands or Licenses - Interest or knowledge of strategy games - Experience converting AS2 to AS3 - Java / PHP knowledge Please contact "jobs at pileated.com", job placement firms need not respond please. Thanks! -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nicolas at qb9.net Tue Sep 22 22:38:42 2009 From: nicolas at qb9.net (Nicolas Cohen) Date: Tue, 22 Sep 2009 23:38:42 -0300 Subject: [casual_games] Any services for outsourcing Sneak Peak / Game Survey in the US? In-Reply-To: <4AB913E4.30100@RustyAxe.com> References: <4AB913E4.30100@RustyAxe.com> Message-ID: <1FBE1183-BAFF-40B3-AAE1-375356309D30@qb9.net> Basically people capable of either recruiting or already sustaining a relationship with casual game players, so we can send them a game and get some feedback. n. On 22/09/2009, at 15:13, Lennard Feddersen wrote: I'm not sure what that means. Are you looking for a service that would run the survey? Websites that would carry the demo? Lennard Feddersen CEO, Rusty Axe Games, Inc. www.RustyAxe.com Lennard at RustyAxe.com P. 250-635-7623 F. 1-309-422-2466 P. July & August 518-863-2317 5014 Walsh, Terrace, BC, Canada, V8G-4H2 Nicolas Cohen wrote: > Hi, > > We are looking for partners to run a "sneak peak" type game survey > with classic casual demographics... which are obviously not > available here in buenos aires, any pointers? > > Thanks in advance! > > Nicol?s Cohen > QB9 > > _______________________________________________ > Casual_Games mailing list > Casual_Games at igda.org > http://www.igda.org/casual-subscribe > Archive: http://www.igda.org/casual-subscribe > Archive Search: http://www.google.com/coop/cse?cx=010373383720242846960%3Az3tdwggxil8 > List FAQ: http://www.igda.org/wiki/index.php/Casual_Games_SIG/Casual_Games_List_FAQ > _______________________________________________ Casual_Games mailing list Casual_Games at igda.org http://www.igda.org/casual-subscribe Archive: http://www.igda.org/casual-subscribe Archive Search: http://www.google.com/coop/cse?cx=010373383720242846960%3Az3tdwggxil8 List FAQ: http://www.igda.org/wiki/index.php/Casual_Games_SIG/Casual_Games_List_FAQ From nicolas at qb9.net Tue Sep 22 22:38:53 2009 From: nicolas at qb9.net (Nicolas Cohen) Date: Tue, 22 Sep 2009 23:38:53 -0300 Subject: [casual_games] Any services for outsourcing Sneak Peak / Game Survey in the US? In-Reply-To: <000301ca3baf$bc40f650$34c2e2f0$@com> References: <000301ca3baf$bc40f650$34c2e2f0$@com> Message-ID: will do that, thanks : ) n. On 22/09/2009, at 15:08, Andrew Lum wrote: I recommend contacting Joel from Gamezebo. Andrew Lum -----Original Message----- From: casual_games-bounces at igda.org [mailto:casual_games-bounces at igda.org ] On Behalf Of Nicolas Cohen Sent: Tuesday, September 22, 2009 10:58 AM To: Casual_Games at igda.org Subject: [casual_games] Any services for outsourcing Sneak Peak / Game Survey in the US? Hi, We are looking for partners to run a "sneak peak" type game survey with classic casual demographics... which are obviously not available here in buenos aires, any pointers? Thanks in advance! Nicol?s Cohen QB9 _______________________________________________ Casual_Games mailing list Casual_Games at igda.org http://www.igda.org/casual-subscribe Archive: http://www.igda.org/casual-subscribe Archive Search: http://www.google.com/coop/cse?cx=010373383720242846960%3Az3tdwggxil8 List FAQ: http://www.igda.org/wiki/index.php/Casual_Games_SIG/Casual_Games_List_FAQ _______________________________________________ Casual_Games mailing list Casual_Games at igda.org http://www.igda.org/casual-subscribe Archive: http://www.igda.org/casual-subscribe Archive Search: http://www.google.com/coop/cse?cx=010373383720242846960%3Az3tdwggxil8 List FAQ: http://www.igda.org/wiki/index.php/Casual_Games_SIG/Casual_Games_List_FAQ From d.utian at unsw.edu.au Tue Sep 22 18:55:51 2009 From: d.utian at unsw.edu.au (Dean Utian) Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2009 08:55:51 +1000 Subject: [casual_games] Casual Games Talk on UNSWTV In-Reply-To: <000301ca3baf$bc40f650$34c2e2f0$@com> References: <000301ca3baf$bc40f650$34c2e2f0$@com> Message-ID: <47BE5C4BED19C24BA2224372DA4684BA424469CAC7@INFPWEC001.ad.unsw.edu.au> Hi all, For anyone interested, I have posted a video of a talk given by Colin Cardwell, from 3rd Sense Australia, who made a guest appearance to my class a few weeks back. The video has been uploaded to UNSWTV and is available for viewing at: http://tv.unsw.edu.au/video/the-business-of-games-colin-cardwell Video was filmed and edited by a student of mine (with some tweaking by me). You see me at the beginning and end. Thanks again to Colin By the way, UNSWTV is the University of New South Wale's attempt to create their own YouTube. It does a few other things beyond YouTube. It's still in beta. Regards Dean