Interactive Audio Experts Launch Two Free Information Sites
IASIG Interactive Audio Wiki and Ask the IASIG sites to go live at GDC 2007
Details at the 12th Annual Town Meeting and Mixer
San Francisco, CA - March 7, 2007. The Interactive Audio Special Interest Group is launching two free websites to help anyone interested in learning about interactive audio. The IASIG Interactive Audio Wiki site (www.IASIG.org/wiki) is aimed at educators and those seeking a career in interactive audio. It features tutorials written by IASIG members, a glossary of interactive audio terms, directories of essential tools, a sample course description and syllabi for instructors, and more. The complementary Ask the IASIG site (www.IASIG.org/answerboard ) is a public web forum designed to answer questions about the art, craft, and technology of creating interactive audio. The IASIG designed the two sites to work together, with questions on the forum answered in detail on the wiki and articles on the wiki inspiring discussion on the forum.
Details: IASIG Interactive Audio Wiki
The Interactive Audio Wiki site is the core project of the IASIG's Audio Education Working Group (AEWG), which consists of sound designers, musicians, and educators who saw the need to better prepare others for careers in interactive audio. The development process included a preview for members of the Independent Game Developers Alliance (IGDA), which approached the IASIG seeking audio resources for its own Education SIG.
AEWG chairman Michael Sweet remarks, "Our membership really went above and beyond in creating this free resource. I am confident that this effort will serve as a valuable tool for anyone wanting to know more about interactive audio, and that it will continue to grow with the input of educators and audio experts around the world."
Professor Susan Gold, chairwoman of the IGDA Education SIG, says, "The IGDA Education SIG is pleased the IASIG has an audio-specific education Working Group. The IASIG's new Interactive Audio WIKI site is a useful start to aiding educators and students in learning more about interactive audio."
Details: Ask the IASIG
The Ask the IASIG forum calls upon the pool of knowledge within the IASIG itself to answer interactive audio questions quickly. Unlike proprietary "experts exchange" sites, Ask the IASIG is open to everyone. Visitors don't need to register to view the forum's resources, and anyone with an insightful question or useful answer is encouraged to contribute. In true interactive fashion, the IASIG is launching Ask the IASIG in an "open mic" state. If you've ever had a question about interactive audio, now's the time to ask.
Events at GDC
The launch of both sites coincides with two events the IASIG will host at the 2007 Game Developers Conference (GDC), which runs March 5-9 in San Francisco. The first event is the annual IASIG Mixer, the premier opportunity for the most influential people in game audio to mingle. The mixer will be held Wednesday, March 7; it is sponsored by Dolby Labs and features audio prizes from Backbeat Books, BIAS, Creative Labs, O'Reilly, and Wave Arts. The Mixer is open to audio professionals; details can be found in GDC attendee bags.
The second event is the 12th Annual IASIG Town Hall Meeting, Friday March 9, from 1:15-2:15 PM in Room 2007 (West Hall). The IASIG will report on its activities and solicit new challenges from the audience. All GDC attendees with an interest in interactive audio are welcome.
About the Interactive Audio Special Interest Group
Since 1994, the Interactive Audio Special Interest Group ( www.IASIG.org) has existed to enable developers of audio software, hardware, and content to freely exchange ideas about interactive audio. Its goal is to improve the performance of interactive applications by influencing hardware, software, and tool design. The IASIG provides resources in the form of standards creation and maintenance, research reports, and recommended practices, and has helped numerous multimedia companies define their directions for the future. Anyone with a commercial interest in multimedia audio is encouraged to become a member and participate in IASIG discussions.
