The Georgia Game Developers Association (GGDA) today announced that Hi-Rez Studios, independent developer of AAA free-to-play online games, is returning as a key part of the sixth annual Southern Interactive Entertainment and Game Expo (SIEGE). Scheduled for Oct. 4 - 7 at the Marriott Atlanta NW, SIEGE brings together leading game companies, universities and organizations.

“Hi-Rez Studios has been generating a great deal of excitement, both in the South and internationally,” said Andrew Greenberg, president of the Georgia Game Developers Association and producer of the upcoming Noble Armada iPad game. “Its recent Tribes: Ascend game has garnered accolades all over the globe, and its upcoming release of SMITE has become one of the most anticipated titles of the yea

Hi-Rez Studios has been a sponsor of SIEGE ever since the first Expo six years ago. Numerous Hi-Rez designers, programmers and artists have spoken at SIEGE, sharing their experiences developing titles like Global Agenda and Tribes: Ascend.

“SIEGE has always been a great opportunity for Hi-Rez to both share what it has learned and also benefit from the experiences of others,” said Todd Harris, COO of Hi-Rez Studios. “We have always enjoyed presenting our games locally, and receiving feedback from the community here.”

Now in its sixth year, SIEGE features leading figures from a wide spectrum of the game production industry, including artists, programmers, designers, investors, writers, teachers and business executives. Other speakers include government figures, experts on computer game violence, social issues, serious games and more. The event also includes a college fair for high school students looking to learn game design skills, a Games for Health Day @ SIEGE, a game investment conference and many networking events for people looking to enter the industry as well as people already making games.