SAN FRANCISCO, April 16 /PRNewswire/ -- The call for submissions for the 2009 Game Developers Conference(R) Austin (GDC Austin) is now open. The submissions to present lectures, roundtables and full day tutorials will be accepted for review by the GDC Austin advisory boards through Friday, May 8th. Presented by Think Services, organizers of the industry-leading Game Developers Conference(R) (GDC), GDC Austin is a four-day event taking place at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, Texas, September 15-18, 2009.

GDC Austin focuses on connected games including online games, mobile gaming, virtual worlds, and social networking. Submissions should address the most pressing development challenges for connected games with submissions related to:

    --  Business and Marketing
    --  Design
    --  Social Networking and Community
    --  Services
    --  Production
    --  Programming

GDC Austin has also opened the call for submissions for the Game Audio Summit and for the Game Writers Summit. The Game Audio Summit is designed to elevate game audio development education, strengthen the community, and foster professional growth of the individual. The Game Writers Summit is dedicated to the art and craft of game writing, game narrative and interactive storytelling.

To learn more about the submissions guidelines and conference topics for GDC Austin, please visit GDCAustin.com.

"Now in its 7th year, GDC Austin will continue to serve the global online development communities through education and networking," says Izora de Lillard, Event Director of GDC Austin. "Having developed an international reputation over these seven years for being the focal point of key learnings in the online games space, we are thrilled to return to Austin in September with expanded content focused on innovative designs and business models within connected games."

GDC Austin returns in 2009 at the Austin Convention Center September 15-18. For more information on GDC Austin and the advisory board visit www.GDCAustin.com.

About the Think Services Game Group

A core provider of essential information to the professional game industry, the Think Services Game Group offers market-defining content, and drives community through its award winning lineup of print, online, event and research products and services. These include Game Developer Magazine, Game Developer Research, the Webby Award-winning Gamasutra.com, GameCareerGuide.com, WorldsInMotion.biz, GameSetWatch.com, GamesOnDeck.com, SeriousGamesSource.com, the Game Developers Conference(R), the Game Developers Conference(R) Austin, the Game Developers Conference(R) Europe, the Game Developers Conference(R) China, GDC Mobile, the Game Career Seminars, the Independent Games Festival and Summit, and the Game Developers Choice Awards. To learn more, visit www.tsgamegroup.com.

About Think Services, a division of United Business Media

Think Services connects specialized communities worldwide using educational events, consulting, training, certification, membership, and innovative media. Providing comprehensive opportunities for people to learn from, network with, and inspire each other, Think Services builds strong brands and works within communities to foster a unique affinity with its products and services. The division's flagship products include the Game Developers Conference, the Webby Award-winning Gamasutra.com, Game Developer magazine, the International Customer Management Institute (ICMI), and HDI. Think Services is a subsidiary of United Business Media, a global media and marketing services company with a market capitalization of more than $1.6 billion. To learn more, visit www.think-services.com.

    Contact:   Brian Rubin / Sibel Sunar
               fortyseven communications
               212.391.4707 / 323.658.1200
               brian@fortyseven.com / sibel@fortyseven.com

               Ahmad White
               Think Services Game Group
               415.947.6207
               awhite@think-services.com

Web site: http://www.GDCAustin.com/
http://www.tsgamegroup.com/