Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2010

Like last year, I attended the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco. I try to go every year or two, and I always go as a volunteer. Going as a volunteer is a win-win because the conference is very expensive otherwise, and the volunteers at the GDC are almost like a second family.

From Water

Before I left for the GDC, I saw this great reflection on my street.











This year for the GDC, I joined a caravan of students leaving from DigiPen. DigiPen is a college that specializes in learning how to make video games. My car was #2 out of 3.


On the way down, we stumbled across the town of Oakland . . . Oakland, Oregon! Who knew?

From GG Bridge w/Mel & Jeanne

We arrived in SF a couple of days early, so I went on a short hike with some former co-workers.

It's been a long time since I saw the Golden Gate Bridge from this angle!



At the GDC, a small army of volunteers stuffed the bags for the conference attendees. (Probably >10,000 bags.) The girl in stripes is Sherol Chen.

From GDC 2010

If you've ever seen the surprising video-game documentary, "The King of Kong," you'll recognize Steve Wiebe (black T-shirt). Steve is one of a handful of people in the world to have scored over 1 million points in the video game "Donkey Kong," and he's a teacher. Next to him is Adam Barenblat.

Unfortunately, I didn't take many pictures this trip. A lot more happened, and I met a lot of old friends and made a lot of new ones. I only feel bad because so much was going on so quickly, that I didn't have time to absorb it all and reflect on it.

I will close by saying that I love the GDC and especially the volunteer program. If anyone wants to volunteer at the GDC, keep in mind that competition is really, really tough to get in, so treat it seriously! (You can e-mail me for more info, too.)