Organization’s executive director to discuss game industry trends and economic growth potential
Baton Rouge, La. (September 20, 2010) – The Baton Rouge Area Digital Industries Consortium (BRADIC), in partnership with the Louisiana Technology Park (LTP) and the Louisiana Digital Gaming Initiative (LDGI), today announced the creation of the Baton Rouge Chapter of the International Game Developers Association (IGDA). IGDA’s mission is to advance the careers and lives of those in the game industry by connecting members, providing professional development opportunities, and advocating for issues important to the gaming community. The association is the largest of its kind, with eighty-two chapters worldwide.
“The establishment of IGDA-Baton Rouge is another crucial step in solidifying the Capital Region’s position as a leader in the digital media industry,” said Chad Cornett, BRADIC’s Executive Director. “We look forward to working closely with IGDA as we continue to grow industry-related jobs and infrastructure.”
"Community support is a must have element for workforce development in Louisiana. IGDA provides that support for digital media developers to come together and build the industry within Louisiana especially with our current digital media tax incentive programs that compete internationally," said Jeff Pellegrin, LDGI Executive Director.
“We’re so excited to be kicking off IGDA’s presence in Louisiana here in Baton Rouge,” said Gordon Bellamy, IGDA Executive Director. “Our chapters are an important element in building a community of game professionals who want to learn more about the industry – and to reach out and share their knowledge with others. As a member of the new chapter, Louisiana natives will be part of a national organization whose sole purpose is to advance the industry by helping others acquire the skills to succeed in an exciting profession.”
BRADIC and LTP also announced that a launch celebration will be held on Thursday, Sept. 23, 2010 at 5:30 p.m. at LTP, where Bellamy will speak about the growing economic importance of the gaming industry, the effect game development sector can have on the local economy, and the value of IGDA membership.
In addition to an IGDA chapter, Baton Rouge has Electronic Arts’ North American Testing Center on the South Campus at LSU, and the two healthy studios, Nerjyzed Entertainment and Yatec Games. To date, the industry offers more than 350 direct jobs in the digital media sector. Any interested individual within the digital media industry is welcome to attend. Cocktails and Hors d’oeuvres will be provided.
About the Baton Rouge Area Digital Industries Consortium
The Baton Rouge Area Digital Industries Consortium, a partnership created by the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, Louisiana State University, and the Office of Mayor-President of East Baton Rouge Parish/City of Baton Rouge, is a dynamic economic development engine dedicated to aggressively expanding the digital media sector in the Baton Rouge area. Efforts include enhancing digital media education, recruiting sector-related companies, encouraging entrepreneurial activity, and supporting the participation of the Capital Region in the global digital media economy.
About the Louisiana Technology Park
The Louisiana Technology Park (LTP) helps to grow early to mid-stage tech start-ups and digital media firms and is located in the Bon Carré Business Center on Florida Boulevard in Baton Rouge. The Tech Park was created in 2001 to bring promising, emerging technology companies and their products and services to market faster and more effectively. Companies chosen for the program have access to cutting-edge software and hardware, high-speed Internet access, commercial data center usage, and first-class business advice. LTP is a wholly owned subsidiary of Research Park Corporation. For more information, please visit www.latechpark.com.
About the Louisiana Digital Gaming Initiative
LDGI, "Louisiana Digital Gaming Initiative," is a non-profit trade association of businesses and professionals within the digital media, software, and electronic game manufacturing industry of Louisiana. LDGI is committed to the growth and development of this industry, talent generation, and the success of its members as they compete internationally.