Full Sail Welcomes Game Developer Sheri Graner-Ray

Full Sail's continuing Artist Series welcomes Sheri Graner-Ray, Senior Game Designer for Sony Online Entertainment. Sheri Graner-Ray will speak to Game Design students at Full Sail's main campus in Winter Park, Florida.

(PRWEB) May 28, 2004 -- Sheri Graner-Ray, Senior Game Designer for Sony Online Entertainment, will be the featured guest at the May 28th Artist Series* event being held at 7:00pm on Full Sails main campus. Produced by Full Sails School of Game Design & Development, this event is a chance for students to interact with an established gaming industry professional and creative visionary.

Graner-Ray has been in the computer industry for over ten years, and has been a pioneer in considering and shaping the role of women in gaming. Before coming to Sony, Graner Ray served as President of her own studio, Sirenia Software Inc., and also as Director of Product Development for Her Interactive, where she expanded her research into womens gaming habits. She has also worked for Origin Systems as a writer and designer on the Ultima series of role-playing games.

Its important for students to be exposed to the different areas of professional software development," says Rob Catto, Full Sails Program Director for Game Design & Development. Sheri brings a unique perspective on the gaming industry to campus, and I think shell give our gaming students a lot to think about when theyre designing their final projects."

In addition to her professional work, Graner-Ray is also a frequent speaker at the annual Game Developers Conference (GDC), and the co-chair for the Women in Game Development committee of the International Game Developers Association (IDGA). She has also written a book on women in gaming, Gender Inclusive Game Design - Expanding the Market, that is considered essential reading in the industry.

Full Sail students are always eager to speak with our Artist Series guests," says Catto. Theyre at the beginning of their careers, and theres no better way to learn the ins and outs of the industry than by talking to someone who has been there for years. This will be a great learning experience and networking opportunity for our students as they get ready to enter the industry.

Full Sails continuing Artist Series is designed to bring nationally recognized creative artists to Full Sail. The Artist Series events include on-stage interviews, performances, screenings and Q&A sessions for students and staff.

Full Sail Real World Education is an entertainment media college located in Winter Park, Florida. There are over 4,300 full-time students enrolled in Full Sail degree programs. Degree programs include Computer Animation, Digital Media, Entertainment Business, Film, Game Design & Development, Recording Arts, and Show Production & Touring. In January of 2003 Full Sails Game Design & Development program was chosen by Electronic Gaming Monthly as one of the top 5 programs in the country. For more details, call 1.800.226.7625, or visit www.fullsail.com.