About GameDev.net

Introduction

GameDev.net launched as a resource for game developers in June 1999 with the goal of creating a central hub for the game development community. The site quickly became a popular destination for hobbyists, students, and professionals looking to share knowledge, find resources, and discuss the latest trends in game development.

Our Community

Our staff and moderators have extensive experience, depth, and breadth of knowledge in the technology and development of games. We are developers first. We know the technology, develop games, middleware, tools, and more for the games industry, and we also happen to know how to run an online platform like GameDev.net. Combined, we have centuries of game development and games industry experience.

Sign up for your account and start participating to join a vibrant community that values open knowledge sharing, innovation, and mutual support. View our staff and moderator directory here.

Current Leadership

Kevin Hawkins (@khawk) is the founder, owner, and admin for GameDev.net. Kevin has worn every hat at GameDev.net over its lifetime and continues as the site admin, working with partners, developing new features, and ensuring GameDev.net continues its mission to provide a free, independent resource for game developers. You can learn more about him on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Our History

GameDev.net was created for the sole purpose of providing a public site where game developers could freely exchange information, inspire each other, and connect throughout the industry. We are primarily funded by advertising, affiliate programs, and paid memberships through GDNet+.

A Brief History of GameDev.net

Origins and Early Days (1998-2003)

GameDev.net was founded in 1999 by several game development enthusiasts with the goal of creating a central hub for the game development community. In its early days, the website quickly became a popular destination for hobbyists, students, and professionals looking to share knowledge, find resources, and discuss the latest trends in game development. The founders, including prominent figures like Dave Astle and Kevin Hawkins, envisioned a platform where developers of all skill levels could come together to learn and collaborate.

The site offered a variety of content, including tutorials, articles, forums, and news updates. Its forums, in particular, became a vibrant space where members could seek advice, share projects, and network with others in the industry. This period saw the growth of a passionate community that valued open knowledge sharing and support. Industry veterans began to join the site during this time, particularly around 2002-2004, bringing their expertise and experience to the growing community.

GameDev.net June '99

In 1998, the founders originally ran their own game development sites. At the time, the web was small and generally segregated, and making the list in the Yahoo directory was a major achievement. The founders started talking about working together, eventually leading to the idea of a one-stop destination for "all your game development needs"—our original slogan.

By early 1999, the "gamedev.net" domain was purchased—representative of "game development network"—and design and layout discussions began. On June 15, 1999, all traffic from the individual sites was rerouted to GameDev.net, and GameDev.net was live. As the "game development network," GameDev.net consisted of the main site, the Wotsit's Format file format directory site, the Game Development Search Engine, and Demonews for the demo scene. Soon after launch, we also added NeHe Productions, the most popular site to learn OpenGL.

GameDev.net in 2001

Expansion and Professionalization (2003-2010)

Starting around 2003, GameDev.net began to expand its offerings to include more advanced content tailored to professional developers. The team introduced new sections, such as career resources, job listings, and detailed articles on complex topics like graphics programming, artificial intelligence, and game design theory. This professionalization helped attract more industry veterans and companies who recognized the value of engaging with the community.

During this time, the site also began to host events and contests, further solidifying its role as a central gathering point for developers. The annual Four Elements Contest, for instance, challenged developers to create games based on specific themes, fostering creativity and innovation within the community.

GameDev.net also launched the "GameDev.net Collection" book series, which included titles that became essential resources for developers. These books further established GameDev.net as a cornerstone of game development education.

Challenges and Modernization (2010-2018)

The rise of social media and other specialized forums in the early 2010s posed significant challenges to GameDev.net. The site's traffic saw fluctuations as users began to explore new platforms for discussion and networking. Recognizing the need to adapt, the GameDev.net team embarked on several modernization efforts to stay relevant.

One major initiative was a comprehensive redesign of the website, focusing on improving user experience and integrating modern web technologies. Around this time, GameDev.net introduced a paid membership program, offering exclusive features to members, which helped sustain the site's operations without restricting access to essential content.

Rebirth and Ongoing Evolution (2018-Present)

In recent years, GameDev.net has continued to evolve, leveraging the latest web technologies and community management practices to maintain its relevance. The site underwent another significant redesign, adopting a more streamlined and responsive interface that works well across various devices. This period also saw a continued focus on integrating with popular social media channels and linking to relevant YouTube videos, ensuring that discussions and content reach a broader audience.

However, the rebirth phase has not been without its challenges. Competing platforms like Reddit, Stack Overflow, and various specialized game development forums and social media groups have provided alternative spaces for developers to gather. These platforms often offer broader or more specialized focuses, making it difficult for a niche community like GameDev.net to maintain its unique position.

Despite these challenges, GameDev.net has embraced the shift towards more interactive and community-driven content. The forums remain active, complemented by regular updates, user-contributed articles, and collaborative projects. The platform has maintained its commitment to free access to valuable content while providing additional features for paying members.

Impact and Legacy

GameDev.net's impact on the game development community cannot be overstated. Over the years, it has played a crucial role in democratizing access to game development knowledge and fostering a global community of developers. The site's extensive resources, active forums, and influential "GameDev.net Collection" book series have helped thousands of developers learn, share, and connect, propelling their careers into the games and broader technology industries.

Many successful game developers and industry professionals started their journeys on GameDev.net, benefiting from the wealth of resources and the supportive network the site offers. GameDev.net has been instrumental in shaping the careers of countless individuals, who have gone on to make significant contributions to the gaming and technology fields.

As the industry continues to evolve, GameDev.net remains committed to its founding principles of knowledge sharing, community support, and fostering innovation. Its enduring presence is a testament to the site's ability to adapt and grow, ensuring that it remains a vital resource for game developers around the world.

Our Mission

At GameDev.net, our mission is to provide a public platform where game developers can freely exchange information, inspire each other, and connect throughout the industry. We are committed to fostering a community that values knowledge sharing, innovation, and mutual support.

We aim to be the premier resource for game developers of all skill levels by offering high-quality content, including tutorials, articles, and forums. Our goal is to create an inclusive and collaborative environment where developers can learn, grow, and succeed.

We are dedicated to maintaining free access to valuable resources while offering additional features through our paid membership program, GDNet+. This approach allows us to sustain the site and continue our mission without restricting essential content.

GameDev.net is driven by a passion for game development and a commitment to supporting the global game development community. As we evolve alongside the industry, we remain steadfast in our dedication to helping developers achieve their goals and advance their careers.

Community Engagement

We encourage our members to get involved by contributing articles, participating in forums, and joining our events and contests. Your participation helps us build a vibrant and dynamic community.

Educational Goals

Our commitment to education is at the core of our mission. We strive to provide resources that support the professional development of game developers at every stage of their careers, from beginners to seasoned professionals.

Support for Diversity and Inclusion

GameDev.net is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that a variety of perspectives strengthens our industry and our community, and we are committed to creating a welcoming environment for all.

Join Us

We invite you to join our community, participate in discussions, and take advantage of the resources we offer. Together, we can continue to advance the art and science of game development.

Founders

GameDev.net has always been a passion project for its founders and volunteers and has continued to grow and evolve as the games industry has evolved. The dedication and vision of the founders laid the groundwork for what GameDev.net has become today—a thriving community and a vital resource for game developers worldwide.

Current Leadership

Kevin Hawkins (khawk) is the only founder still involved with GameDev.net. Kevin has worn every hat at GameDev.net over its lifetime and continues as the site admin, working with partners, developing new features, and ensuring GameDev.net continues its mission to provide a free, independent resource for game developers.

Past Founders

Although the following founders are no longer involved with GameDev.net, their contributions were instrumental in creating and shaping the site. Without their efforts, GameDev.net would not be the great resource that it is today:

• Dave Astle (@Myopic Rhino): A key figure in the site's early development, Dave's expertise and leadership helped establish GameDev.net as a credible and valuable resource for game developers.
• Michael Tanczos (@Michael Tanczos): Michael played a crucial role in the site's growth and community engagement, ensuring that GameDev.net remained a welcoming and supportive space for developers of all levels.
• John Munsch: John's technical skills and vision were essential in the creation and maintenance of the site's infrastructure, helping to build a robust platform that could support a growing community.
• Don Thorp (@dthorp): Don's contributions to the site's development and his commitment to fostering a collaborative community were vital in the early stages of GameDev.net's evolution.
• Ernest Pazera (@TANSTAAFL): Known for his deep knowledge and passion for game development, Ernest's input and dedication helped shape the educational content that has benefited countless developers.
• Greg Howland (@ghowland): Greg's initial involvement and focus on innovation and quality contributed to the site's foundation in its first year.
• Nick Murphy (@Nick Murphy): Nick's early contributions in the site's development played a role in GameDev.net's launch and initial success.

Together, these founders created a platform that has stood the test of time, continuously adapting and growing alongside the game development industry. Their legacy lives on through the countless developers who have learned, shared, and connected through GameDev.net.