The Game Developers Conference in sunny San Jose was a real blast. Not only is the conference an excellent networking opportunity, but (unlike last year) I had a chance to attend many of the round table discussions and larger lectures with some true video game luminaries. Especially interesting was Richard Garriott, discussing the ups and downs of developing his latest MMO, Tabula Rasa.
The only downside to the GDC seems to be that it is simply impossible to see and do everything you might like, which is really a compliment. I met some awesome people (including a few hedgehogs) and did some pretty bad-ass karaoke at a place called 7 Bamboo in Japantown.
As for the "big news" that all gamers look for, well, there really wasn't much to go around. I have to say that Nintendo is doing some pretty impressive stuff these days: I played the new Super Mario on the DS Lite -- both the game and the upgraded handheld justify a purchase. They also announced a Zelda DS title and gave away copies of Brain Age after Iwata's keynote. Sure, I'm still pretty skeptical about the Revolution's "virtual console" -- and I really didn't appreciate a few of Iwata's comments -- but thanks for the cool game, Nintendo!
(And, yes, if you own a DS you should probably go get that one as well.)
The conference closed with a special performance of Video Games Live. Despite some pacing problems and a few questionable creative calls (Holocaust footage to the tune of Medal of Honor?!?), the show was totally cool. What a fun time!
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