GDC 2011: Should I go?
polycounter lvl 17
A few friends of mine and i have been going over whether or not we should go to gdc. None of us have ever been before and it seems that it would be really beneficial for us to go. Only thing is however, we know nothing about the event. The website has bits of info on what is basically going on, but i thought it may be a good idea to ask people who have gone what their opinions of the event are. I know for sure i wont be able to afford an all access pass, and im still unsure about choosing between a summit pass or a main conference pass. Any insight on this would really be appreciated, and hopefully some of you could give me enough info that would convince me to definitely go.
Replies
A lot of the talks are aimed at programmers, pipeline stuff, indie developers, management. You'll get the odd art related one, but most don't reveal anything you can't find on the internet anyway. As an artist, you won't get much from them unless they are workshops rather than talks.
Having access to the main floor where all the booths are, that's what you REALLY want. It's a good place to network, have your folio reviewed by Art Directors from AAA studios, win free shit, play test some of the games and a bunch of other shit.
The biggest thing I got out of it last year, was meeting tonnes of new people and catching up with old friends. Making a great deal of contacts and just having an awesome week goofing around. I'll definitely be trying to make it out there again next year.
Oh, and make sure you bring a printed folio and not just something on a disc. Most of the stalls were refusing to take printed resumes and demo reels on disc. Have a business card and a nicely printed folio. Alternatively, bring a small netbook or something (or an iPad if you swing that way) that way you can show turn arounds of your models and all that jazz.
Which pass would you recommend to someone who has never gone before?
commador, it really depends on why you're attending the GDC.
Are you wanting to attend the talks? Before you answer that, have you looked at the timetable or what talks are available (chances are there won't be anything up yet for next year, but certainly have a look at this years timetable, chances are the talks will be of a similar nature).
If your answer is no, then don't get a full access pass or the main conference pass.
If you are attending to network, have your folio reviewed, meet new people and just hang out for the week, then the expo pass is for you.
There are the tutorials and summit meetings that happen the first two days of the conference. I can't remember exactly what they were, but I believe they were primarily business based and not a great deal to do with art. So by not attending those you'll have halved your pass price just on that alone.
Also get an early registration pass... You'll save even more money doing that than getting your pass late. Also book hotels early as well! With thousands of people flocking to SF for that week, hotels become slim pickings and you'll end up in a really sketchy hotel and paying high prices too.
Open bar parties,
kickass polycounter meetups and sketch sessions,
free stuff,
new game tech,
portfolio reviews by top names at top studios [Blizzard, Naughty Dog, Insomniac,
and of course, TURRRRRBBBOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
really looking forward to it anyway, the only event ive ever been to was the EvolveCG event that took place in ft lauderdale for the past 2 years, and im sure that GDC will blow that event right out of the water. still looking for more opinions tho. just to further the decision.
Just because Austin is a bad ass place to hang out!