Our organization

Note: All contact persons and communication data are listed in detail under contact.

The General Assembly is the highest body of the Game Designer Association. It elects the executive board, appoints working groups and meets at least once per year. Each member who has published at least one game has voting rights at the general meeting. Regardless of this, all members have the right to submit proposals and to speak.

The executive board, working in an honorary capacity, consists of three members and is elected by the General Assembly. It represents the SAZ in the public and coordinates the activities of the association. The executive board appoints the advisory council and, if required, more board members. The prerequisite for being elected to the board – i.e., eligibility for office – is to have published at least three games.

The advisory council is appointed by the executive board; it consists of representatives of the working groups and committees. The task of the advisory council as part of the administrative board is to oversee the executive board, to enhance the board's proficiency and to involve all bodies in the processing of information and decision-making in an optimal way.

The working groups and working committees are the core of active work in the association. At present, the following working groups and committees exist:

• The working group "Contracts". It focuses on all problems and questions about intellectual property rights and forms of contract regarding the transfer of rights of use in games. Members can contact the working group in problematic situations and obtain well-founded advice. Note: This consulting service is based on the expertise gained by members and does not constitute legal counseling.
• The working group "Public Relations". It coordinates and puts into action the members-only information journal, SAZ Newsletter; the website; presence at fairs; and additional public relations activities of the SAZ.
• The working group "Cultural Council". It coordinates and puts into action all activities and initiatives of the SAZ in the different expert committees of the German Cultural Council.
• The working group "ALEX Media Prize". The ALEX media prize is offered by the SAZ to foster and award outstanding journalistic achievements on the subject of games. The working committee forms or appoints the jury and is in charge of the procedure.

The administrative board consists of the members of the executive board and of the advisory council. It is the highest body in between the general meetings and has more authority than the executive board, e.g., in terms of fiscal action.

The SAZ office is the administrative and communication center. It receives applications for membership, collects membership fees and sends out the SAZ Newsletters and announcements.