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Welcome To GDIAC

At Cornell University, overwhelming interest sparked the creation of The Game Design Initiative at Cornell University (GDIAC). This organization is a group of students, faculty, alumni, and community members who are devoted to the establishment of game design as an academic discipline.

The undeniable popularity of games draws the attention of academia, industry, and even the government on areas of design, development, and social impact. The game industry, like the film industry, is an unmistakable force in entertainment. And like filmmaking, game design can only thrive and evolve with the support of a strong academic foundation.

Headlines

	Insomniac Games Information Session
	Representatives from Insomniac Studios are coming to Cornell to talk about their company and job opportunities for new graduates. An information session is planned for Thursday, May 1st. Insomniac Games Information Session Date/Time: May 1st at 4 pm Venue: Upson 205 Description: Come hear about what it's like to work at the award-winning studio in Burbank, CA that make the Ratchet and Clank and Resistance: Fall of Man series of games! Consistently rated as one of the top ten small companies to work for in America, Insomniac employees have a great time making hit games! Company representatives will be on hand for a technical talk and to answer any questions you may have. They are currently hiring, so be sure to bring your resume if you're a senior! You can learn more about Insomniac Games at their website, www.insomniacgames.com. Be sure not to miss this great event! Check out the new Resistance 2 Trailer too!
	2008 GDIAC Games Showcase
	The GDIAC Showcase returns! After being dormant for the fall, GDIAC is once again organizing a showcase displaying Cornell talent from CIS 300, CIS 400, as well as other independent student projects. The showcase is open to the general public. It will be held in the Cornell Undergraduate Computing Lab, so that everyone can play and experience these student projects. Come and meet the game designers and engineers of tomorrow. Date/Time: May 7th from 3 - 6 pm Venue: Upson 361
	Cornell Database Group Works to Improve Game Engine Technology
	The Cornell Database group has been actively researching ways to use database technology to improve the performance of games, particularly those that have a lot of user-created content. Their most recent SIGMOD Record paper outlines some of the major database challenges present in computer games. Check out their research page to learn more.

	Cornell Approves Minor In Game Design
	Starting in Fall 2006, Cornell offers a Minor in Game Design, which is the first-ever undergraduate Ivy-League program! Any Cornell University undergraduate student may take the Minor. See Courses for more information.

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