About GameDev.net

Since 1999, GameDev.net has been a place to learn, share, and connect around game development.

Our Mission

GameDev.net exists to help game developers learn from each other, share their work and knowledge, and connect throughout the industry. We are committed to fostering a community that values open education, creative collaboration, and mutual support.

From beginners shipping their first prototype to veterans solving advanced engine problems, we aim to be the most practical and welcoming game development community online. We strive to provide resources that support the professional development of game developers at every stage of their careers.

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.

Learn

Tutorials, guides, and deep technical discussions across programming, design, art, audio, business, and production.

Share projects, devlogs, portfolios, and work-in-progress updates to get thoughtful feedback and momentum.

Connect

Meet peers, mentors, and collaborators through forums, guilds, and topic-driven communities.

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.

A Brief History of GameDev.net

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.

Origins and Early Days (1998–2003)

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.

The site offered tutorials, articles, forums, and news updates. Its forums became a vibrant space where members could seek advice, share projects, and network with others in the industry. Industry veterans began to join the site around 2002–2004, bringing their expertise and experience to the growing community.

Expansion and Professionalization (2003–2010)

Starting around 2003, GameDev.net expanded its offerings to include more advanced content tailored to professional developers. New sections covered career resources, job listings, and detailed articles on complex topics like graphics programming, artificial intelligence, and game design theory. This professionalization attracted more industry veterans and companies who recognized the value of engaging with the community.

The site also began hosting events and contests. The annual Four Elements Contest 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. The site's traffic saw fluctuations as users began to explore new platforms for discussion and networking. Recognizing the need to adapt, the team embarked on several modernization efforts.

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

Rebirth and Ongoing Evolution (2018–Present)

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. This period also saw a continued focus on integrating with popular social media channels, ensuring that discussions and content reach a broader audience.

Despite competition from platforms like Reddit, Stack Overflow, and various specialized game development communities, 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.

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 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. As the industry continues to evolve, GameDev.net remains committed to its founding principles of knowledge sharing, community support, and fostering innovation.

Leadership & Founders

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.

Past Founders

Although the following founders are no longer involved with GameDev.net, their contributions were instrumental in creating and shaping the site:

Dave Astle (@Myopic Rhino) – A key figure in the site's early development whose expertise and leadership helped establish GameDev.net as a credible resource.
Michael Tanczos (@Michael Tanczos) – Played a crucial role in the site's growth and community engagement.
John Munsch – Essential in the creation and maintenance of the site's infrastructure.
Don Thorp (@dthorp) – Contributed to the site's development and fostering of a collaborative community.
Ernest Pazera (@TANSTAAFL) – Known for deep knowledge and passion for game development, shaping educational content.
Greg Howland (@ghowland) – Initial involvement and focus on innovation contributed to the site's foundation.
Nick Murphy (@Nick Murphy) – Early contributions 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.

Join Us

Learn from experienced developers, share your projects and ideas, and connect with a global community of game creators. Together, we can continue to advance the art and science of game development.

Create an account and introduce yourself.