BERLIN, April 9 /PRNewswire/ --

The Game Developers Conference(R) Europe has appointed an advisory board comprised of industry executives from leading developer studios, technology and consultancy firms to help guide the conference program and ensure the event meets the needs of the European audience. Combining keen insights from the advisors with the GDC's proven reputation for delivering the most relevant and inspiring industry content, GDC Europe looks to take center stage as the must-attend developer event for the European community this year.

GDC Europe takes place August 17-19 at the Cologne Congress East Center in Cologne, Germany, and will host more than 80 sessions addressing the needs and opportunities for developers and business professionals throughout Europe today.

Among the advisory board members is none other than games veteran Bob Bates, who sold more than five million games during his 23-year career and is today Chair of the IGDA. In addition to Bob Bates, Don Daglow, the 2008 Technology Engineering Emmy Awards winner, and one of the most influential video game designers of all time has also joined the board. Also named is Alexander Fernandez, founding member and CEO of Streamline Studios, known for their work on major franchises which have generated more than US$500 Million in retail revenue, including Gears of War, Saints Row and Ghost Recon.

From Germany, one of the most influential personalities in the industry, Tom Putzki, has joined. He is the former president of the German game developers association and today runs Tom Putzki Consulting. He is accompanied by Harald Riegler, CEO of Austria's largest and most successful game development studio, Sproing, which won the 2008 Console Game of the Year Award at the recent German Game Developer's Awards.

The board also includes well known international game industry marketing and strategy veteran, Sean Kauppinen, Founder CEO, of the International Digital Entertainment Agency, who has launched more than 400 titles and is known around the world for his strategic vision and ability to help companies maximize their business and product potential. Bob Wallace, principal of Strategic Alternatives brings decades of experience to the board as a high-level strategist, orchestrating the company growth and exits including the sales of Ensemble Studios to Microsoft, and Big Huge Games to THQ. The advisory board of GDC Europe 2009 is completed by GDC Europe Conference Director and Vice President of Business Development at Think Services, Frank Sliwka. Sliwka has extensive experience in organizing events in Europe and Asia that have led to stronger local development relationships, greater industry education and international network growth for attendees.

The members of the board are all contributors who will work diligently to champion GDC Europe and guide the program so that we can elevate the level of discussion at the conference and ensure value for our attendees, said Frank Sliwka, GDC Europe event director and Think Services VP of European business development. These experts from Europe and North America will help uncover the key issues facing the game industry so we can prosper as one global development community.

GDC Europe will be held in conjunction with gamescom, the leading game industry European event for consumers, publishers, and trade professionals. Learn more about GDC Europe at www.gdceurope.com.

About the Think Services Game Group

A core provider of essential information to the professional game industry, the Think Services Game Group offers market-defining content, and drives community through its award winning lineup of print, online, event and research products and services. These include Game Developer Magazine, Game Developer Research, the Webby Award-winning Gamasutra.com, GameCareerGuide.com, WorldsInMotion.biz, GameSetWatch.com, GamesOnDeck.com, SeriousGamesSource.com, the Game Developers Conference(R), the Game Developers Conference(R) Austin, the Game Developers Conference(R) Europe, the Game Developers Conference(R) China, GDC Mobile, the Game Career Seminars, the Independent Games Festival and Summit, and the Game Developers Choice Awards. To learn more, visit www.tsgamegroup.com

About Think Services, a division of United Business Media

Think Services connects specialized communities worldwide using educational events, consulting, training, certification, membership, and innovative media. Providing comprehensive opportunities for people to learn from, network with, and inspire each other, Think Services builds strong brands and works within communities to foster a unique affinity with its products and services. The division's flagship products include the Game Developers Conference, the Webby Award-winning Gamasutra.com, Game Developer magazine, the International Customer Management Institute (ICMI), and HDI. Think Services is a subsidiary of United Business Media, a global media and marketing services company with a market capitalization of more than US$1.6 billion. To learn more, visit www.think-services.com.

Media, Europe, +49-0-251-7481123, Simon Wondracek, sw@fragster.de, or Gerriet Ohls, go@fragster.de; or North America, Ben Veechai, +1-415-947-6280, bveechai@think-services.com, or GDC Europe, Frank Sliwka, VP European Business Development, +49-0-171-1288898, fsliwka@think-services.com, all of Think Services Game Group