GDC Wrap-Up

2003 GDC Coverage - Conclusion

Well, I'm back in Cincinnati now, It's sort of nice to be back in a way, but in another it really kinda sucks, I was really enjoying the warm weather in San Jose, and now I've gotta deal with the annoying cold. I've also got to go back to classes, as well. *sigh* Ah well. At least I'm back in a more familiar area and can get back to playing AC1 and AC2 in my free time again.

Anyway, I just wanted to wrap things up a bit and give my final impressions of my experience at the 2003 Game Developers Conference.

I really had a lot of fun there. I got to meet people in the gaming industry and learn a little more about it. I've also managed to get my name out there a little more, and hopefully it will help me find an internship for the summer. I've also learned a little more about the IGDA and I plan on looking around at my school to see how much interest in game design there is. If I can find enough people, I'm going to attempt to put together a student chapter and maybe even convince my school to look at the gaming industry a little more seriously.

One thing I learned about the conference, though, is that the Expo really isn't the main point. From what I've heard, that's actually a new feature that started last year. It seems that developers mainly use the Conference as a way to socialize with other people in the industry, talk about issues dealing with it, and maybe even learn a few things that they didn't know before. Everyone I met was really great and friendly, and I'm really glad I got the opportunity to attend.

Also, I'd like to give some advice to everyone out there who's maybe interested in getting into the gaming industry. That is, go for it! It's really growing, and everyone I talked to said that they're looking for new blood. If you're a professional looking for a job, or even a student, go check out the IGDA. A lot of developers, both big and small, are members. Also, it's the developers that run the IGDA, so they know a lot about the industry. There's a lot that you can learn from it. Also, if you're a student and you're serious about pursuing this path, apply for the scholarship! Developers do have interest in working with students, it's just difficult at times with their busy production schedules.

A word of warning, though. Although the industry is growing, it's still rough to get a start in it. Don't expect to go in and just be able to breeze through things. You'll have to work well with groups of people, so you need to have some decent social skills. Also, it seems that most games involve a lot of extra effort be put into them. If you've got a significant other, they need to understand that at times this profession could eat up a lot of your time. However, if you're single and don't have such obligations (such as myself) and are willing to work our rear off to make a good game, then from what I've heard it's a good industry to look into.

I'm still in collage, and I've got a ways to go before I get into the position of looking for full-time employment, but I'm really excited about this field and am really going to try to push myself harder to achieve this goal. Going to this Conference helped me understand that it's not going to be easy, but I think its still worth it.

Anyway, I'll reiterate the fact that I had a blast there. Come next year, if I can scrounge up the time and the money to go, I'd gladly go back again. By that time I'll hopefully have had a little more experience and have refined my skills, too. I encourage anyone who has the desire to get into the gaming industry to go to this Conference, if you can afford it. The price may be steep, but it's really worth it.

Well, looks like that's about it for my coverage. It's time for me to get back into the normal routine of classes and stuff. I hope everyone out there enjoyed reading about the conference as much as I enjoyed being there. ^_^

If you've got any questions or comments, feel free to email me at casemerjy@charter.net. Also, if you're at all interested in seeing my personal work, head on over to my portfolio site at http://www.magusknight.com. Or feel free to shoot me a /t if you're on Leafcull in either AC1 or AC2. I'm Shouzuka Natara in AC1 and Cas Emerjy in AC2. ^_^ See you in game!

Cas Emerjy
The Magus Knight