AND if that wasn’t enough, we’re also working with some other events between now and August to tide you over until we kick off.

Read on to find out everything you might want to know…

Speakers and Sessions…

Freeplay 2011′s theme is ‘Handmade’ and our focus is on the specific craft aspects of game development, as well as the individual’s place in the creative process and how games manifest as player constructed experiences.

Just like in 2009 and 2010, we’re putting Freeplay together a little differently from other events. Rather than pitching sessions to us – although you can do that if you want – we want to hear from you about what you do, why you do it, and how that fits with Freeplay.  When we have that info, we’ll put you where you might not be entirely comfortable, but where we’re sure you’ll be interesting.

We’re also very interested in alternative structures for presenting. Obviously we’re keeping lectures and panels and workshops, but we’d also like to incorporate playful sessions or microlectures or anything anyone else might pitch to us.

We also have some possible additional space to run more active events as part of our public program, so if anyone has something totally outlandish, drop us an email at speakers@freeplay.net.au to discuss.

You can register to be a speaker for our by filling out the google form here.

Volunteering…

Freeplay wouldn’t be possible without the support of volunteers, and this year we’re looking for them early to better integrate them into the event and the library infrastructure.

Volunteers are needed to help usher and check tickets in the conference centre, staff the information table in Experimedia, hand out feedback forms, direct attendees, and provide additional event support.

We’re also looking for some volunteers to help support other events that we’re running, including during the Emerging Writers’ Festival and the State of Design Festival.

You can register for volunteering by filling out the google form here. If you have any questions, email us at volunteers@freeplay.net.au

Indie Expo…

As with last year, we’re having an expo space in Experimedia and we’d like to showcase even more of the exciting and innovative work happening in Melbourne.

To register an expo project, you can fill out the google form here. If you have any further questions, email us at expo@freeplay.net.au.

Associate Producers

It’s looking more and more like Freeplay 2011 is going to be bigger than ever been and to help us manage that we’re looking at bringing in some associate producers to co-ordinate specific events.

Associate Producers will be responsible for working with the festival directors and program advisory committee to help shape and deliver an event during Freeplay, following it from programming to production. These are volunteer positions.  Email us to register your interest.

Freeplay Board

And if all of that isn’t enough, Freeplay is currently looking for two board members to join us. Board members are volunteer positions and provide organisational direction, support, and governance.  Not for profit experience is desirable for either role, but not essential. Knowledge of the games sector is an advantage, but also not essential. Email us to register your interest.

Treasurer

The Treasurer is responsible for monitoring Freeplay’s financial compliance, providing financial and commercial advice, contributing to the organisation and festival budgeting process, and providing as needed support to Freeplay directors.

Secretary

The Secretary is responsible for handling Freeplay’s administrative compliance, supporting the board, managing Freeplay’s articles of incorporation, contributing to the organisation and festival planning, and providing as needed support to Freeplay directors.

Sponsorship

Freeplay is currently open to sponsorship opportunities and partnerships. Email info@freeplay.net.au for a prospectus or to discuss options.

State of Design

As part of this year’s State of Design festival, we’re running a game jam event based on Adam Saltsman’s Idea Bucket from Gamecity 2010 on July 23 & 24 at the Royal Exhibition Building. Details here.

We’re looking for a few developers (and volunteers) to come along and spend 8 hours on the 24^th making a game – in public – out of the pictures the kids draw on the 23^rd. To register your interest, drop us an email.

Emerging Writers’ Festival

Lastly, we’re running some playful events with the Emerging Writers’ Festival from May 26 – June 5. We want to keep some of those a secret for now, but we figured a heads up wouldn’t hurt. Keep an eye on their website for details.

And that’s everything for now. If you have any questions or comments about Freeplay 2011, feel free to email us on info@freeplay.net.au. We’ll also be at the next IGDA Melbourne May meetup if you’d rather talk face to face.

The IGDA (http://www.igda.org/) is an organisation dedicated to improving developers’ careers and lives through: Community, Professional Development, and Advocacy. It is open to anyone, from students to professional developers, and the Melbourne chapter encourages everyone involved in game development locally to come along and help to build the local community. This first meetup will be a chance to learn how to get involved, to plan for the future, and to have input into what you’d like to see at upcoming get togethers and events.

Freeplay is pleased to support the formation of this new local chapter, and co-director Paul Callaghan will give an overview of alternative funding models and opportunities for indie game developers.

When: Tuesday 10 November 7pm onwards
Where: The Embassy, 1 Queensbridge St Southbank
http://www.clubembassy.com/index.html