Games

Since SIGGRAPH 2006, the ACM Sandbox Symposium has explored the expressive nature of video games; the relationships among game design practices, technologies, and player experiences; and the intellectual challenges that face game designers, developers, researchers, and players. Starting in 2009, the Sandbox Symposium is no longer a separate event but is integrated into the main SIGGRAPH conference, living on through The Sandbox, Game Papers, and more.

In addition to being a major industry, games and game development have been a driving force in pushing the state of the art in real-time computer graphics technology. In recent years, the technical sophistication and production values of real-time games have rivaled those of feature films.

For SIGGRAPH 2009, workshops, demos, galleries, and the Indiecade showcase the best work in experimental game art direction and independent development.

SIGGRAPH 2009 highlights games in many ways:

  • Keynote Speaker
    Will Wright, video game designer, creator of Spore™ and The Sims series.
  • Game Papers
    Presentation of scholarly and research papers in the realm of game design, development, and research, juried for presentation at SIGGRAPH 2009 and publication in Sandbox 2009: ACM SIGGRAPH Video Game Proceedings.
  • Real-Time Rendering in the Computer Animation Festival
    The Computer Animation Festival includes a selection of animations rendered in real time.
  • The Sandbox
    Workshops, demos, and galleries showcasing the best work in experimental game art direction and independent development.
  • GameJam!
    SIGGRAPH 2009 and Sandbox are hosting the first annual GameJam! This competition is your chance to show the world what kind of video game your team can create - in 24 hours! There will be art, characters, stories, themes, audio, graphics, surprises, game play, awards, and lots of excitement all in the same day! Caffeinated beverages included.
  • Courses, Talks, and Panels that focus on games.
  • Social Game
    SIGGRAPH 2009 is hosting a Social Game to enhance attendee experience and interaction.