Another GDC marathon under my belt (I think this was my 13th)… Seems like I barely survive each time!

While attendance did seem a bit down from last year’s record numbers, there was still probably 15,000 more people than I could handle anyway. And, in fact, the somewhat less crowded halls and line-ups were a welcome change.

Sadly, I didn’t make it to many sessions this year. Was mostly stuck in meetings, and running various IGDA-related stuff. But, by most counts (ie, reading the news and blogs and tweets), folks had a good and valuable show. Also, the degree of indie kick-ass-ness was more palpable than ever before…

I’m now in post scramble mode, not to mention it is my last official day as the IGDA’s executive director. Busy, busy!

Here are some photos I snapped along the way:


Despite the economy, lots of companies still willing the fill the GDC tote bag with piles of spam.

 


Gang of IGDA chapter and SIG leaders out for dinner.

 


IGDA board chair Bob Bates chats with IGDA-Japan head Kiyoshi Shin.

 


Darius Kazemi (Orbus Gameworks) shows off his mad hacker and music skills simultaneously.

 


The class of 2009: The IGDA’s GDC Student Scholars.

 


Scholars visit Daniel James, the pirate leader of nearby Three Rings Design.

 


IGDA founder Ernest Adams and Hal Barwood reconnect at the IGDA party.

 


Throngs of members at the IGDA party.

 


There be giants: Matt Toschlog (Reactor Zero) and Bill Dugan (Torpex Games).

 


The Scotsmen return: Paul Rylance and Malcolm Brown of Wyte Dragon.

 


Huh?

 


The IGF section on the expo floor was always jam packed!

 


The IGDA’s VIP Luncheon.

 


IGDA chairman Bob Bates saying some nice words of thanks.

 


Eric Zimmerman and the Design Challenge panelists.

 


One of the prototype mini-games for Heather+Erin’s design.

 


The career fair was bustling.


The Media Molecule crew pre Choice Award wins: Alex Evans, Siobhan Reddy, Mark Healy, Kareem Ettouney and Kenny Young.

 


Jason Rohrer nonchalantly collects his IGF award for innovation.

 


Hideo Kojima is honored with the Lifetime Achievement award.

 


After Party: Choice Awards host Tim Schafer (Double Fine Productions) with Leah Alexander (Gamasutra) and David Hellman.

 


IndieCade advisors in action: Stephanie Barish, Tracy Fullerton (USC), Eric Zimmerman and Sam Roberts.

 


Tom Crago (Tantalus) welcomes folks to the Australia mixer.

 


Chris Hecker (EA), Clint Hocking (Ubisoft) and Eric Zimmerman in deep discussion…

 


“First Time” winners: Heather Kelley and Erin Robinson at the speakers’ party.

 


Eric leads the annual rant panel. Best one yet, IMHO.

 


At IGDA-Japan’s post GDC group dinner. I was honored to give the opening toast. Kanpai!

 


The after, after party hosted by Jane, Lulu, Caryl and Robin. Fun.

 


Some Rock Band action. Note the dude with the guitar black shirt (pst, it’s Harmonix co-founder Alex Rigopolous).