Jan 29, 2020
Nika Nour to Endnote 3rd M+DEV Conference
The International Game Developers Association Foundation executive director joins previously announced keynote, freelance producer Felix Kramer.
The Wisconsin Games Alliance (WGA) and the Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) announced Nika Nour, the executive director for the International Game Developers Association Foundation (IGDAF) and Bravo Spy Games reality TV contestant will be addressing the Third M+Dev Conference in Madison on February 14, 2020. The conference expects to attract hundreds of game developers from across the Midwest to the Alliant Energy Center.
The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) is the world’s largest organization serving individuals who create games and its foundation, IGDAF, is dedicated to forging new paths on diversity and inclusion in games. “Diversity and inclusion efforts are critical to ensuring the growth and success of video game developers, players and businesses, said Nour. “The industry can do more to support women, minorities, LGBTQ, accessibility needs and underserved communities, and the IGDA Foundation’s work would be incomplete if we didn’t focus on the whole inclusivity pipeline.”
“Building a bridge between WGA and industry organizations as important as IGDA and IGDAF is vital to support our ever-growing Midwest game development industry,” said WGA President Brian Pelletier. “We’re thrilled to feature both an industry thought leader and major player in indie game development in our slate of speakers for M+DEV 2020.”
Nour is also currently featured on Bravo TV’s Spy Games, a show featuring 10 contestants living together in a large house and attempting to gather intel on their fellow players while competing in challenges designed by three former spies, alumni of the CIA, Secret Service, and FBI. Players will be eliminated until one remains to claim a $100,000 prize.
“The Madison Region continues to garner attention nationally and internationally as a growing hub for game development. M+DEV is an important tool to build community and raise awareness about the importance of this sector,” said MadREP President Paul Jadin. MadREP, the Region’s economic development organization, supported development of the Wisconsin Games Alliance.
Joining Nour as a plenary speaker is Felix Kramer, a freelance producer, PR, and business developer who has collaborated with indies and small publishers for the past nine years. They work from their home in Canada with teams all over the world, with the goal of making business and production in indie more accessible and available to small teams. Currently they work with Finji (Overland, TUNIC), Shedworks (Sable), Panic (Untitled Goose Game), and Polytron (FEZ). Past collaborations include Night School (Oxenfree), Chance Agency (Neo Cab), and Iron Galaxy (Videoball, Capsule Force).
Game developers for all platforms are welcome as well as creators of board games and card games. For those interested in getting involved, opportunities are available to sponsor, volunteer and more. Tickets are available for pre-sale and at the door. Learn more at mdevconf.com. Questions about Spy Games should be directed to Paria Sadighi at Kinetic Content [310.883.7240 | 818.621.4257 | psadighi@kineticcontent.com].
