Game Development Essentials

Jeannie Novak is the lead author and series editor of the widely acclaimed GAME DEVELOPMENT ESSENTIALS series (with over 15 published titles), co-author of PLAY THE GAME: THE PARENT'S GUIDE TO VIDEO GAMES, and co-author of three pioneering books on the interactive entertainment industry--including CREATING INTERNET ENTERTAINMENT. She is also co-founder of Novy Unlimited and CEO of Kaleidospace, LLC (dbaIndiespace), providing curriculum development and consulting services for corporations, educators, and creative professionals in games, music, film, education, and technology.Novak served as director of the Game Art & Design and Media Arts & Animation programs at the Art Institute Online and has taught game courses at UCLA, Art Center College of Design, DeVry University, Westwood College, ITT Technical Institute, and the Academy of Entertainment & Technology at Santa Monica College. She holds a B.A. in mass communication/business administration from UCLA and an M.A. in communication management from the Annenberg School at USC. She also serves on the Online Gameplay Committee for the Academy of Interactive Arts &Sciences and has served on the executive boards of the International Game Developers Association (Los Angeles) and Women in Games International. An accomplished composer and performer, Novak was chosen as one of the 100 most influential people in technology by MicroTimesmagazine and has been profiled by CNN, Billboard Magazine, the Sundance Channel, Daily Variety, and the Los Angeles Times. William Muehl is Senior Producer at Midway's headquarters in Chicago, IL, where he facilitates the development of globally shared technology, art, and design initiatives across six studios and multiple game teams. He was also a Development Director for the central animation, cinema, audio, character, environment, concept, and user interface departments for Midway titles including John Woo Presents: Stranglehold, Mortal Kombat: Armageddon and NBA Ballers. Prior to joining Midway, William was a producer at High Voltage Software and an online analyst at Sony Computer Entertainment America. He has also written and performed voiceover roles for several published titles and volunteers as Business Committee Coordinator for the Game Audio Network Guild to promote excellence in interactive audio. William received a BA in English from the University of Wisconsin.