GDC 2004
I would like to thank Tracy Fullerton, Jen Stein, and Scott Fisher for organizing our “junket” to the GDC this year. I’ve attended other conventions including IAAPA, Siggraph, CES, and E3. However, this was my first time to the GDC and the passion and dedication to the evolution of the gaming industry was expressed throughout the event.
The generosity of shared information at the GDC was only surpassed by the enthusiasm in which the information was conveyed. This infectious zealous of the gaming community encouraged an exchange of knowledge that was extremely helpful. It was also delightful to make new connections with others in the community. I look forward to evolving symbiotic alliances in the near future.
I found all of the lectures, included in the expo pass, to be helpful on some level. However, the “Game Design Challenge: The Love Story” was the most informative and entertaining. Raph Koster (Sony Online Entertainment), Warren Spector (Ion Storm), Will Wright (Maxis), and Eric Zimmerman (GameLab) had great insight into the opportunities and challenges of story and characters within games. The panel also helped quantify and elaborate on potential strategies, and design processes, applicable to other forms of story based interactive media.
I also learned that, in addition to her vast knowledge of game design and theory, Tracy Fullerton is a master promoter. Her acid green calling cards/puzzle pieces were a huge success and acted as a catalyst to accelerate the promotion of the CNTV-IM program. Our matching T-shirts became the buzz-beacons of the convention and matched the envy of other schools (not to mention Chris & Tracy’s new book cover). She may have even invented the new color for Tommy Trojan!