Game Development-Based Education Gets Another Lift With Latest AMD Foundation Grant to Institute of Play

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AMD Changing the Game Impact Channel Will Serve as a Youth Online Game Design Community Within Gamestar Mechanic Platform

SUNNYVALE, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 11/11/10 -- AMD (NYSE: AMD) today announced the AMD Foundation, in support of AMD Changing the Game, has awarded a $10,000 grant to the Institute of Play for the creation of a social impact game community within the Gamestar Mechanic game development platform.

Gamestar Mechanic, published through a partnership between Institute of Play and E-Line Media, is a new, free, game-based digital learning platform that teaches game design principles, systems thinking and 21st century literacy skills. Gamestar Mechanic features several integrated components, including Game Alley, a Web community for players to publish, review and collaborate on game design with their peers.

The AMD Changing the Game Impact Channel will be a featured element in Game Alley and represents another new vehicle to support youth game development-based education. The AMD Changing the Game Impact Channel, which went live today, will also feature regular game design competitions, with each challenge focusing on a social issue theme of the month, such as energy, the environment or health. The project is targeted toward teens ages 13-18, and is expected to reach thousands of players.

"The Game Alley program and competition are specifically tailored to create successful gaming experiences for youth and to help them engage their peers on important social issues, two key objectives of the AMD Changing the Game initiative," said Allyson Peerman, president, AMD Foundation. "The program is an excellent example of 'stealth learning' in that players will absorb STEM and critical thinking skills while having fun."

"The AMD Foundation has been a real pioneer in empowering youth through game design," added E-Line President Alan Gershenfeld, who was formerly Chairman of Games for Change and Senior Vice President at Activision Studios. "We are very pleased to support their mission of harnessing the power of computer and video games to engage youth in the critical issues that will affect their lives in the 21st century."

The Game Alley competitions are slated to begin immediately and the first challenge runs through Dec. 31. The judging panel will include professional game designers from E-Line Media, representatives from Games for Change, the leading non-profit focused on harnessing the extraordinary power of digital games to address the most pressing issues of our day, along with youth judges from Global Kids, a nationally recognized leader in using digital media to promote global awareness and youth civic engagement. Winners will receive an AMD-based laptop computer.

AMD Changing the Game
AMD Changing the Game is designed to take gaming beyond entertainment and inspire youth to learn critical education and life skills by equipping them to create digital games with social content. The program's purpose is to promote the use of youth game development as a tool to inspire learning and improve science, technology, education and math (STEM) skills. The initiative is rooted in AMD's commitment to and experience in supporting education, and the company's passion and expertise in the graphics processor and gaming industries.

Since its launch in June 2008, AMD Changing the Game has:

About the AMD Foundation
The AMD Foundation connects and empowers individuals with knowledge, thereby opening doors to opportunity. The Foundation's signature program, AMD Changing the Game, supports initiatives designed to help youth harness the power of digital games with social content, while learning critical Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) skills and life skills. The Foundation also funds the AMD Employee Giving Program which supports AMD employees' community interests by matching their personal donations of time and money to local organizations and schools.

Supporting Resources
AMD Changing the Game Facebook page
Gamestar Mechanic game creation platform

About Institute of Play
Institute of Play (IoP) is a non-profit that supports design and research in the area of games and learning. It is a research-based, youth-oriented organization that designs game-based learning environments, curriculum, and professional development programs centered on helping teachers gain fluency in the effective use of digital media and games for learning. Find out more at www.instituteofplay.org

About E-Line
E-Line Media is a publisher of digital entertainment that engages, educates and empowers with a core focus on computer/video games and webcomics/graphic novels. The E-Line team of digital media executives and social entrepreneurs is committed to harnessing the power of digital entertainment for meaningful learning, health and social impact. Find out more at www.elinemedia.com.

About AMD
Advanced Micro Devices (NYSE: AMD) is an innovative technology company dedicated to collaborating with customers and technology partners to ignite the next generation of computing and graphics solutions at work, home and play. For more information, visit http://www.amd.com.

AMD, the AMD Arrow logo, and combinations thereof are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Other names are for informational purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.

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Released November 11, 2010