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Attending the Game Developers Conference: A Reflection on Industry Passion
The year 2024 marked a significant milestone for me as I attended the Game Developers Conference for the first time. With a decade of experience in the gaming industry, I had heard countless stories and seen numerous pictures from previous conferences. Finally, it was my turn to experience this event firsthand. The sheer amount of walking during the conference helped me shed five pounds, and I savored the most delicious garlicky noodles on this planet. More importantly, I had the opportunity to meet many industry professionals in person, individuals whom I had known primarily through online interactions for years. The experience was nothing short of amazing.
However, what truly stood out to me was the remarkable level of passion demonstrated by everyone in attendance. This passion extended beyond a mere love for game design; there was a palpable interest in using games as a tool for social change. During the awards ceremony, this interest was particularly vocal, highlighting the industry’s commitment to utilizing games as a medium for representation and societal impact.
Indie Game Success and Opportunities
One engaging conversation I had was with the developers of Venba, which won the Seumas McNally Grand Prize for Best Independent Game. They shared insights into their game’s success and the unique opportunities available to indie developers. One developer expressed, “I think games are unique in the sense that you only need a computer to create a game. Unlike music or movies, which have higher barriers to entry, the indie game landscape allows for innovative projects to emerge from limited resources. Indie developers will continue to thrive, even in challenging environments.”
Diverse Industry Experience
Another highlight for me at the conference was the vast array of industry experience on display. From high-level executives to developers with valuable insights from the trenches, to respected members of the press, I had the privilege of interacting with a diverse range of professionals. However, navigating the conference venue itself proved to be a challenge, with the layout often leaving me disoriented as I explored the various booths on the expo floor.
During my journey back from GDC, the ever-fashionable Princess Peach and her iconic costume changes provided a whimsical companion. Now, as I return to my gaming endeavors, I look forward to diving into the latest releases that came out during the conference, including Rise of the Ronin and Dragon’s Dogma 2. Amidst the gaming excitement, I anticipate making time for the upcoming release of Tales of Kenzera: Zau next month, although the busy gaming schedule may pose a challenge.
What to Play This Week (and Last Week)
What’s new:
- Dragon’s Dogma 2
- Rise of the Ronin
- Princess Peach: Showtime!
- Alone in the Dark
- MLB The Show 24
- South Park: Snow Day!
- Open Roads
- Pepper Grinder
- Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles
- Millennia
- Outpost: Infinity Siege
New on subscription services:
- Lightyear Frontier (Xbox Game Pass)
- The Quarry (Xbox Game Pass)
- Evil West (Xbox Game Pass)
- Terra Invicta (Xbox Game Pass)
- Diablo IV (Xbox Game Pass)
- Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 – Turbocharged (Xbox Game Pass)
- NBA 2K24 Kobe Bryant Edition (PlayStation Plus Extra+Premium)
- Marvel’s Midnight Suns (PlayStation Plus Extra+Premium)
- Resident Evil 3 (PlayStation Plus Extra+Premium)
- LEGO DC Supervillains (PlayStation Plus Extra+Premium)
- Mystic Pillars: Remastered (PlayStation Plus Extra+Premium)
- Blood Bowl 3 (PlayStation Plus Extra+Premium)
- Super Neptunia RPG (PlayStation Plus Extra+Premium)
- Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot for PS5 (PlayStation Plus Extra+Premium)
- Jak and Daxter The Lost Frontier (PlayStation Plus Premium)
- Cool Boarders (PlayStation Plus Premium)
- Gods Eater Burst (PlayStation Plus Premium)
- Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy (PlayStation Plus Premium)
- JoJos Bizarre Adventure AllStar Battle R (PlayStation Plus Premium)
- Palia (GeForce Now)
- Tchia (GeForce Now)
- F-Zero: Maximum Velocity (Nintendo Switch Online)
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