Game Developers’ Conference: Free Giga Pass or Scholarship?

Posted in Bargains, Conferences, Contests, IGDA, Previews, Promotions by ubersoldat on November 27th, 2005.

The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) is now accepting applications for their 2006 Game Developer’s Conference (GDC) Scholarship Program. To be considered for the scholarship, students first need to join the IGDA as a student member at the cost of $30 a year. Once you’ve become a member, simply fill out a basic form and write a few short essays (100 words or less) on several questions–it could earn you a fully paid ticket to the Conference beginning March 20th, 2006.

This is a must-do for any serious gamer whose prospects in life are in the gaming industry. The conference is one of the most prestigious in the world, boasting educational lectures and hordes of fun on the side.

However, there is another way to attend the conference for free. Even though this alternative will most assuredly demand that you work to the sweat, I can assure you that it does not in fact involve prostituting yourself. First of all, apply to be one of the hundred or so Conference Associates (CAs). As a CA, it is your duty to spend 20 hours during the entire conference doing grunt work (think guarding doors, managing lines, stuffing goodie bags, entering information into databases, and other menial tasks). And what do you get for all this work? Quite a bundle:

+ The program’s managers (Tim Brengle and Ian MacKenzie) run a really tight ship. You’ll learn a lot from them.

+ Lunch and breakfast Monday through Friday are included

+ CAs receive full Giga pass privileges ($1325 value) when not on-duty

+ Access to all events and parties including the IGF and Game Developers Choice Awards (part of the Giga pass)

+ Reduced hotel costs by sharing rooms with other CAs

[via Joystiq]