Game::Business::Law Summit 2011 Announces New Panels

Conference responds to industry demand, adding new topics and expanding on most popular sessions

DALLAS – December 28, 2010– Game::Business::Law Summit officials today announced several new panels that will be featured at the third annual international conference on the business and law of video games, taking place Jan. 26 – 27, 2011, at Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law in Dallas, Texas.

“Game::Business::Law is unlike any other game conference in that it brings together cutting edge visionaries and thought leaders in the video game and legal fields for real, in-depth conversations on current and emerging business issues,” said Dr. Peter Raad, executive director of The Guildhall at SMU. “Whether you’re involved in the financial, business development or legal aspects of video games, attendance at this summit is a must.”

Hosted by The Guildhall at Southern Methodist University, SMU’s Dedman School of Law and The Center for American and International Law, Game::Business::Law brings top game industry leaders, developers, publishers, lawyers and members of the venture capital and financial sectors from around the world to discuss evolving trends in the digital games marketplace.

Three panels recently added to the growing schedule include:
Keynote Panel: What in the Heck is Going On?
A couple of down years have developers and publishers scratching their heads as to what they should do next. Social games? Move to small teams and make casual games? Maybe the answer is to make better console games? Everything from the death of the video game industry as we know it, to issues before the Supreme Court will be discussed by a panel of industry leaders.

Digital Distribution: Is It Really Finally Here?
We have all talked about it. Is it really here? If not, when will it be? And what about the numerous legal issues and obstacles surrounding digital distribution? Developers and legal experts will give an in-depth look at the status of digital distribution, and its effect on game development and retail sales.

The Art of Deal: Part Two
An expansion on one of last year’s most popular summit sessions. Orchestrating successful deals is considered an art form by many. It requires the ability to masterfully cultivate a partnership between business development leaders and legal counsel that is truly collaborative in its aim to resolve thorny organizational issues.
Those interested in speaking at Game::Business::Law 2011 or receiving information on sponsorship opportunities should contact Ron Jenkins, deputy director, The Guildhall at SMU: jenkinsr@smu.edu/(972)473-3546.
To view last year’s summit, please visit http://guildhall.smu.edu/GBL.349.0.html.

About The Guildhall at SMU
The Guildhall at Southern Methodist University is the premier graduate video game education program in the U.S. Many of the school’s founders are industry icons, and classes are taught by industry veterans. In six years, the program has graduated over 350 students, and alums have worked at more than 100 video game studios around the world, with several graduates now serving in leadership positions. SMU offers both a Master’s degree and a graduate Professional Certificate of Interactive Technology in Digital Game Development, with specializations in art creation, level design and software development. For more information, please visit http://guildhall.smu.edu.

About Dedman School of Law at SMU
The Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University enjoys a strong national and international reputation, having produced successful leaders who live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, throughout Texas, across the United States and in more than 70 countries. Dedman Law is among the top 25 most selective of law schools for admission in the United States. With a small entering class size in the day and evening programs, an outstanding teaching faculty with superb credentials and numerous distinguished guest lecturers, the school forges an invaluable link between legal theory and the reality of legal practice––providing one of the best legal educations in the country. For more information, please visit www.law.smu.edu.

About The Center for American and International Law
The Center is a nonprofit institution founded in 1947 and dedicated to the continuing education of lawyers and law enforcement officials in the United States and throughout the world. Tens of thousands of lawyers and law enforcement officers from all 50 states and more than 125 countries have participated in its programs. The Center for American and International Law is located at 5201 Democracy Drive at Legacy Park in Plano, Texas. For more information about The Center, please visit www.cailaw.org.