MELBOURNE – Monday 5 July, 2010 – The Game Developers’ Association of Australia’s announced the introduction of a new Committee at its recent Annual General Meeting, held last Friday afternoon. Headed by new President, Anthony Lawrence, Studio General Manager of 2K Marin-Canberra, the new GDAA Committee is truly representative of the Australian game development industry and brings together members from across the sector – from the smaller start up studios to larger core development studios alike – to work towards the common goal of driving the future of the industry in Australia.

“I am very proud and pleased to take on the role as President of the Game Developers’ Association of Australia and will relish the challenges ahead. The entire board is fully committed to encouraging the growth and development of the Australian games development industry and we look forward to what we all feel are exciting times ahead,” commented Anthony Lawrence, President, Game Developers’ Association of Australia

The new GDAA Committee will discuss the needs of the Australian industry across every sector and will collectively determine those initiatives aimed at supporting and encouraging the growth of Australian game development industry.

Amongst its core goals for the future, the new GDAA Committee lists a strong focus on engaging with the education industry and a drive to engage with government in order to increase awareness of the games industry and reinforce the importance of the creative industries to the future of the Australian economy.

“I am thrilled to have the support of a new committee that aligns in structure so well with our industry and is a truly national representation of the game development market. We share a common vision and mutual goals and I believe that together we can help elevate the game development industry in Australia to a new level, on many fronts” commented Antony Reed, CEO of the GDAA.

“What’s more the excellent relationships that the GDAA now has with high level government representatives will be sure to assist us in positioning our industry for success,” Mr Reed added.

New GDAA President, Anthony Lawrence will be supported by Vice Presidents Shainiel Deo of Halfbrick Studios and Ross Symons of Big Ant Studios.

Other Committee members include Amelia King, former Manager of the Digital Media program at Film Victoria, John Passfield, Creative Director of 3 Blokes Studios, Kevin Chan from THQ BlueTongue, Martin Wilkes from FMOD, Neil Boyd from AIE and Paul Callaghan from Freeplay