The Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA) was formed in 1977 to protect the interests of the Origins Game Expo. It incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1982. Since then, it has expanded to become the premier trade association for the hobby games industry. Its mission is to promote the general interest of all persons engaged in the buying, selling, licensing, and manufacturing of hobby game products. To that end, GAMA provides member affinity programs such as handbooks, trade and consumer shows, and education programs.

The core of GAMA's mission is to advance the hobby games industry. We work to make doing business in this industry better and easier for all professionals. We execute this mission in a number of ways. Including the Origins Awards and the Adventure Gaming Arts and Design (AAGAD). We have recently added a number of new programs. These include...

Our NEW Credit Card Processing Program.

Our NEW Games to Troops Program.

Our NEW GAMA Association Insurance.

Also GAMA is currently working on other programs of interest to the gaming community including support for a National Game Museum.

GAMA runs two shows, the GAMA Trade Show (GTS) in Las Vegas, NV and the Origins Game Expo in Columbus, OH.

GTS brings together publishers, distributors, and retailers, offering them education on how they can run their businesses better and improving communications between each of the three tiers of our industry. GTS is seen by retailers and distributors as the place to find new products for their stores and learn about important new releases from game publishers. Publishers and distributors use the show to find new business customers for their products. 2008's GTS will be held April 20-24 at its new location Bally's Las Vegas.

Origins Game Fair is a consumer show. Here, game players from across the U.S. and beyond come to play their favorite games, meet game designers, and buy the newest releases from publishers. Origins is the ultimate direct-to-consumer marketing experience for game publishers.