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).
My article on global game development clusters went up at The Escapist. It is an extension of some of the thoughts I expressed during a past keynote I did at the Ontario Game Summit.
Such a complex topic. I’m just barely scratching the surface… Watch this space.
I had the privilege of attending the DICE Summit in late February in Las Vegas for the first time. It is a somewhat exclusive event for high-rollers hosted by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS).
I was curious as to what the vibe was going to be like.Surprisingly, folks were quite upbeat. One agent, repping AAA titles/developers, said that they are still insanely busy meeting the demands of the publishers. Hinting that there will always be a demand for top quality games and talent. Nice. Though, EA’s CEO John Riccitiello gave a somewhat sobering talk on tactics for tough times. Wow, he looked tired up on stage (see photo below)…
In fact, it seemed like it was business as usual for most attendees. Doing deals, lining up content, etc. Several stated that the current tough economy was serving as a good excuse for companies to trim fat/waste. Others noted that the massive profits from past years mainly just hid all the inefficient processes and bad decisions of the past. Meaning, business is still good, but we need to be a lot smarter about it now.
Despite the overall business as usual vibe, there were a few heretics discussing new models and approaches to the business. Gabe Newell’s opening keynote on Valve’s move to a service model of entertainment was particularly enlightening and inspiring. Gabe easily demonstrated the benefit of taking a more proactive - and direct - role in engaging with your customers instead of relying on intermediaries. Industry veteran/guru David Perry also had a lot to say about the move away from single-player games as the norm and the future of the free-2-play model.
The awards portion of the event was fun. I got to be a presenter and see things in action behind the scenes. Jay Mohr was hilarious, though perhaps not always appropriate/respectful at times…
Anyway, some photos:
AIAS president Joseph Olin kicks off the conference.
Tom Wudjek (Autodesk) attempts to visually capture the “visual fight club” discussion.
Gabe Newell (Valve) showing off his impressive curves!
Torpex dudes Jamie Fristrom, Bill Dugan and Richard Garfield endure the chilly opening party.
Jun Takeuchi (Capcom) explores the challenge of cross-cultural games.
As a non-game industry speaker, Randy Jackson’s perspectives on building communities (real ones!) was fascinating.
A tired looking Riccitiello.
Into the Pixel art up for auction.
Fresh from space travel, Richard Garriott chats with Daniel Arey and David Perry on their way to the red carpet.
Epi’s dapper dua Cliff B. and Mike Capps.
Behind stage at the awards ceremony, queuing up for my turn to present the visual arts awards.
Bruce Shelly inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Todd Howard (Bethesda) claiming best RPG for Fallout 3.
Alex Evans (Media Molecule) collects 8! trophies for LittleBigPlanet awesomeness. Kudos.
