PCGA Adds Capcom, SMU Guildhall Reps To Board

The PC Gaming Alliance (PCGA), a nonprofit corporation promoting worldwide PC gaming growth, announced the addition of representatives from Capcom and The Guildhall at Southern Methodist University (SMU) to its Board of Directors. The organization says the addition of The Guildhall's executive director Peter Raad and Capcom's VP of business development and strategic planning Christian Svensson will help the Board "significantly broaden participation in the PCGA by the publisher and educational stakeholder communities." Founded in 2008, the PCGA counts several other notable industry figures among its members and board of directors such as Epic Games' vice president Mark Rein, Nvidia's director of Strategic Marketing Michael Diamond, and Dell's manager of Gaming Technology & Architecture Rick Carini. The Alliance encourages the exchange of information and views to develop and promote PC gaming worldwide, and shares promotional activity designed to grow the PC gaming industry. Last month, the PCGA revealed a new membership structure designed to draw broad industry participation. Member companies have access to an open forum for discussing the industry with their peers, and also receive the an annual Horizons report, an in-depth financial analysis of the PC gaming industry worldwide. The organization says that promoter members can help develop a set of minimum hardware and software guidelines designed to improve consumer experiences, combat piracy, and publish primary research. Contribute members collectively act as an advisory countil to the Alliance's leadership. "Capcom believes strongly in the value and strength of the PC gaming market as a global platform for our entertainment brands," says Svensson. "Our participation in the PCGA’s activities over the past year has greatly improved our understanding of the market, provided us great business opportunities and allowed us to participate in improving the field of PC gaming. We’re pleased to have a representative on the board in order to directly help shape the future of the PC gaming environment.” Raad adds, "In order to fulfill our mission of providing the future professionals and leaders of the video game industry, we need to be engaged in all aspects of the value chain. We believe the work of the PCGA is vitally needed to ensure that the PC remains a viable platform of choice for gamers worldwide."