The International Game Developers Association (IGDA), a nonprofit membership organization that supports videogame makers, recently weighed-in regarding claims leveled by "wives of Rockstar employees" at developer Rockstar. At the heart of the matter, accusations that excessive overtime requirements during the development crunch for the upcoming open-world old-west adventure, Red Dead Redemption, have led to the deterioration of working conditions, employee morale, and the quality of life of their family members.

The IGDA response states, "with the stresses imposed by the declining economy, game studios, like other independent businesses, are under increased pressure and therefore are more susceptible to production concerns." They also assert that although many studios are good about ensuring the quality of life for their employees, "unhealthy practices are still far too common in our industry." Read more »

The International Game Developers Association and Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences, both organizations dedicated to furthering the video game industry, revealed today that they have partnered for the annual Interactive Achievement Awards.

AIAS president Joseph Olin claims that the partnership "basically makes the IAAs the awards of the games industry," with any IGDA member now able to vote in the Game of the Year categories. Traditionally awarded at the AIAS' yearly D.I.C.E. summit, the Interactive Achievement Awards have been running since 1998. Read more »