Los Angeles-based Pinnacle College has renewed its platinum sponsorship of the Game Audio Network Guild (GANG), a non-profit professional organization focused on educating in interactive audio. Pinnacle College's relationship with GANG provides valuable input and recommendations on the GAIM Program. A benefit for students enrolled in Pinnacle College's GAIM program is an opportunity to network with leading audio professionals in the gaming industry through GANG.

Additional benefits such as industry recognition are derived from GANG's involvement in and endorsement of the GAIM Program. As the gaming industry has grown so has the need to recruit audio professionals familiar with the concepts and tools required to build immersive, interactive audio environments for games. GANG's endorsement and involvement in Pinnacle College's GAIM Program provides a unique form of industry credibility. By being the first to offer this one-of-a-kind Game Audio Education, Pinnacle College will offer graduates an Occupational Associate Degree. The benefits to graduates of the GAIM Program are many, but the Degree they earn separates and elevates them from the pool of individuals seeking entrance into this growing field.

The members of GANG benefit as well. GANG directly benefits through its relationship with Pinnacle College since the worldwide gaming market is projected to be worth $48.9BB by 2011, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.1%. Thus this segment of audio careers is expected to have pressures to fill entry level positions with the advancement of existing professionals. A void is being created where it will become increasingly difficult to recruit qualified persons into the field. Programs such as Pinnacle College's Audio for Interactive Media mean GANG members will spend considerably less time training or recruiting and more time in production by hiring graduates from the GAIM Program.

"GANG is thrilled to maintain our previously established relationship with Pinnacle College," said Paul Lipson, president of GANG. Lipson went on to say, "Their pledge of continued support directly furthers the programs and missions of our organization to network and educate audio professionals in the gaming industry." The year-long sponsorship includes a donation, public relations support and advertisement of the organization's benefits to Pinnacle College's student population.

"Pinnacle College's support of GANG will have a direct positive influence on our students, the GAIM Program's curriculum, and the Program's recognition within the Game Audio Industry ," said Sal Younis, President of Pinnacle College. "Our students can receive reduced memberships to join GANG, but of course, the real benefit to the students is the instant credibility of being enrolled in the GAIM Program as is shown to them by existing GANG members," added Younis.

About Pinnacle College:
Pinnacle College, formerly Sound Master Recording Engineer School, is a premier vocational school offering certificate in Recording Engineering and Occupational Associate Degree in Audio for Games and Interactive Media. Established in 1972, Pinnacle College has two California campuses (Los Angeles and Sacramento). Currently the GAIM Program is offered exclusively at the Los Angeles campus. Pinnacle College is accredited by Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET), a nationally recognized accrediting agency.

About the Game Audio Network Guild:
The Game Audio Network Guild (G.A.N.G.) is a non-profit organization established to educate the industry and public in regards to interactive audio by providing information, instruction, resources, guidance and enlightenment not only to its members, but to content providers and listeners throughout the world. G.A.N.G. empowers its members by establishing resources for education, business, technical issues, community, publicity and recognition. G.A.N.G. also supports career development for aspiring game audio professionals, publishers, developers and students.

For more information, please visit: Pinnacle College or call 1.877.206.6206.