War forces AUC to cancel international tech conference

Instability resulting from the war in Iraq has forced Algoma University College to cancel an international conference on computer game technology.

However, the university is nonetheless planning to proceed with informal sessions on the same subject, on April 4 and 5.

The university has just issued the following statement:

****************************************************************** Computer gaming technology conference cancelled

Algoma University College has cancelled its 2nd Annual Computer Game Technology conference, an international event, due to the current political climate.

"Shortly after the March 17th deadline, we began to receive cancellations from both international registrants and several key guest speakers," notes Gary Spinks, Director of Information Technology Services for Algoma U.

"Because of the loss, and because of the short notice, we felt we had no choice but to officially cancel the conference at least for the time being," Spinks added.

The conference which was to be held April 3-5, featured numerous experts, game designers and educators in gaming technology, speaking on topics such as The Principles of Computer Game Development, The Game Publishing Process, and Global Trends in Mobile Entertainment.

It would have been the second year for the conference, with attendees registered from Michigan, Illinois, southern Ontario and locally.

The CGT Conference is an opportunity to bring together professionals and educators on the subject of computer gaming and have them speak on issues and the processes involved in developing games and simulations.

This is especially relevant for Algoma U. as we continue to promote the development of an Information Technology cluster locally, and await approval on our Masters in Computer Gaming Degree program.

Much to the surprise and delight of Algoma U and the conference organizers, several guests have expressed interest in coming to Algoma U. for an informal get-together despite the cancellation of the formal conference.

Students and professors from Abertay University in Scotland (partners in the Masters of Computer Gaming program), Northern Michigan University, Lake Superior State University, and Central Michigan University have stated that they would like to attend the informal sessions.

"We have decided that the focus will be on the educational side of computer gaming. This new session is targeted to university students and graduates who are involved in computer programming," stated Spinks.

We can still expect sessions from University of Abertay faculty on topics such as "Global Trends in Mobile Entertainment," and "A Visual Odyssey: The Past, Present and Future of Real-Time Interactive Computer Graphics."

For more information or to register for these free sessions to be held April 4 and 5th at Algoma University College, please contact Gary Spinks at 705-949-2301 ext. 123 or send email to [email protected]