CMP Buys The Game Initiative, Austin Game Conference

Representatives of CMP (whose Game Group also runs Game Developers Conference, Game Developer magazine and Gamasutra.com) have announced the acquisition of The Game Initiative, a producer of conferences and events targeting game industry professionals. Effective immediately, the deal will allow CMP to expand its offerings to encompass areas such as online game development, casual games, and other topics previously served by The Game Initiative. In addition, as part of this deal, the CMP Game Group will operate The Game Initiative’s Austin Game Conference (AGC), which most recently took place from September 6-8, and was covered in depth by Gamasutra. The CMP Game Group looks to build on the success of the AGC, by leveraging off its conference management experience, marketing resources, and exhibitor support from the Game Developers Conference. Representatives from CMP also noted that the group will also look to enhance the quality of the Austin Game Conference, bringing its experience from the GDC and its editorial products including Gamasutra and Game Developer Magazine as well as its substantial event management resources. “We’d like to congratulate The Game Initiative for a phenomenally successful Austin Game Conference this year; we look to continue to grow and strengthen the show and to serve the attendees, speakers, sponsors and exhibitors with a top quality event,” said Philip Chapnick, senior vice president, Applied Technologies Group, CMP Technology.