Organizers of the forthcoming 2008 Independent Games Festival, part of the yearly Game Developers Conference, have announced that finalists and winners of this year's festival will be awarded with free assistance and consultation with 'Game Attorney' (and
frequent Gamasutra contributor) Thomas H. Buscaglia.
The mission of the IGF is both to encourage innovation in game development and to recognize and promote the best independent game developers. In order to help this year's finalists utilize the exposure the IGF provides, and to navigate the business offers and deals that typically follow, the IGF is adding free legal consulting to compliment its cash prizes.
Thomas H. Buscaglia, noted game attorney, has graciously offered his services for this year's prize pool. He has donated the following:
All Finalists - All finalists will receive a free copy of Buscaglia's Game Dev Kit. The Kit contains essential information and forms for new independent game developers: Starting a company, contracts and NDAs, and advice on managing copyrights and intellectual property ($295 value).
Category Winners - In addition to the $2,500 cash prize, winners of each of the seven major awards will also receive a free one-hour consultation with Buscaglia ($400 value).
Seumas McNally Grand Prize - In addition to the $20,000 cash prize, the Seumas McNally Grand Prize winner will also receive ten hours of free consultation with Buscaglia ($4,000 value).
Buscaglia says he is committed to helping independent game creators get the right start in the business. He has been representing developers in the game industry since 1991. In addition to his legal practice, Tom sits on the board of directors of the International Game Developers Association and runs the IGDA South Florida Chapter. He speaks regularly at the Game Developers Conference and other venues.
More information on Tom is available on
his website.
