2009 Game Developers Conference Austin Focuses on Connected Games

7th Annual Leading Online Game Developer Event Returns with Stronger Focus and
Added Advisory Board Members

SAN FRANCISCO, May 11 /PRNewswire/ -- The Game Developers Conference(R) Austin
(GDC Austin) returns this September with three days focused on connected games
including online games, virtual worlds, and social networking. Now in its 7th
consecutive year, GDC Austin will continue as the mecca for online game
developers worldwide to convene and share best practices, new perspectives,
and business opportunities in connected games. GDC Austin conference tracks
focus on the disciplines of Business and Marketing, Design, Social Networking
and Community, Services, Production and Programming. 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, TexasSeptember 15-18, 2009.

The 2009 GDC Austin Advisory Board expands to include international game
communities and perspectives with new members: Thomas Bidaux of ICO Partners,
creator of successful European MMO titles, Dark Age of Camelot, Guild Wars and
City of Heroes, and Min Kim of Nexon, creator of the critically acclaimed
Maple Story. John Blakely of Sony Online Entertainment, Eugene Evans of
EA/Mythic Entertainment, Mike Goslin of Hangout Industries, formerly of Disney
where he developed Pirates of the Caribbean Online, and Sheri Graner Ray of
Schell Games also round out the new lineup.

"The online gaming space continues to change and expand. GDC Austin addresses
the latest trends and challenges in connected gaming," said event director
Izora de Lillard. "With an updated advisory board, attendees can expect the
same quality of technical sessions presented in previous years but also
specialized focus in areas like globalization and localization, micro
transactions, security, and social networking success in games."

GDC Austin will also feature two-day Summits: Game Audio, Game Writers,
Independent Games, and the newly introduced iPhone Summit, on September 15-16,
2009.

Online registration for GDC Austin opens in early June. 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, the Game Developers Conference(R) Canada, 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

SOURCE Think Services Game Group

Brian Rubin, +1-212-391-4707, brian@fortyseven.com, or Sibel Sunar,
+1-323-658-1200, sibel@fortyseven.com, both of fortyseven communications, for
Think Services; or Ahmad White of Think Services Game Group, +1-415-947-6207,
awhite@think-services.com