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What it has that E3 doesn’t
E3's new invitation-only setup seems like an attempt to push the expo in the direction of the more serious GDC, but it lacks that certain... je ne sais quoi. GDC actually feels, y'know, important to the industry. GDC's a classy gig, one that rewards freethinking and innovation, whereas E3 conjures impressions of corporate buffoonery and tired, old franchises.
Above: Respected speakers and awards... or Shaun White on a Wii Balance Board?
The show's intellectually satisfying sessions on game theory and the future of the industry feel far more important than the laughable corporate announcements of E3, and its Independant Games Festival encourages unrestricted creative game making. GDC is like a hard-working professor, and E3 is the slovenly trust fund frat boy who continually submits half-plagiarized term papers.
When? Where? Can I go?
GDC isn't exactly a public event - it's mostly attended by industry professionals and journalists - but it's not invite-only like E3. GDC 09 is in its usual spot at the San Francisco Moscone Center, running from March 23 - 27. All access admission has typically cost over $1000, but you can get access to the basics for about $200 or, if you're a student, $75. (Prices based on 2008 rates.)
