Multimedia Victoria - Vic Gamers Set to Win Over Global Players in San Fran

Vic Gamers Set to Win Over Global Players in San Fran Media release - 19 February 2008 The world's largest professional electronic games industry event is on this week in San Francisco and 16 Victorian game companies are there among the world's best and brightest, the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Theo Theophanous, announced today. "The Game Developers' Conference (GDC) provides a fantastic opportunity for our talented local developers to share technical knowledge, explore new creative ideas and meet international publishers and distributors," Mr Theophanous said. "Victoria is home to more than half Australia's games industry and the Brumby Government is pleased to foster the continued growth of this rapidly expanding sector. "Already, the Victorian games sector generates $110 million in exports each year, employing more than 1800 people, making this an increasingly important industry to the state." The Brumby Government is providing financial support for local companies making the trip to the games conference this year through its ICT Trade Events and Export Assistance program. The funding is designed to support export-ready local companies travel to some of the world's most prestigious international ICT trade events. Last year's Victorian trade mission to the Game Developers' Conference attracted more than $10 million in new games deals and international investment for the state. "Playing on a global stage and growing our local industry's interests through strategic interaction with international markets is a key plank in our vision for the future of ICT in Victoria," Mr Theophanous said. The Game Developers' Conference attracts more than 16,000 global attendees annually and provides a unique mix of learning, networking and business opportunities for game developers. It features more than 400 sessions covering game development for computer, console, handheld and online entertainment. Victorian companies attending GDC include: Everyday Interactive Networks, Act3Animation, VastPark, Big Pipe Media, IronMonkey Studios, Acheron Design, Infinite Interactive, Mini Studios, Brag Rat Entertainment, Big Ant Studios, Studio Moshi, Firemint, Endgame Studios, Torus, Tantalus and Transmission Games.