So it’s all over and we’re home and mostly cleared of the jetlag. Overall it was a busy show, the effect of E3 dying is obvious to see, GDC is now as much about business development as it is about games development. I actually found it a bit frustrating to get around simply due to the number of people present. And I didn’t get a T-shirt.

I can’t believe I’m going to say it but… I think the iPhone is going to be a great gaming device. Damm Apple and all their ultra popular design. I was turned off touch screen by a generation of weak underpowered devices who didn’t have enough processor grunt to refresh the touch and update the screen, let alone run any games, but then I saw the LG Viewty. At last there was a touch screen device that responded to a touch with out having to wait a week for anything to happen. Nearly. Then I relented and allowed myself to be in the same room as an apple device for a short time, and found that I was deeply impressed. The screen is huge, both in resolution and real estate and the touch is so responsive, it almost feels predictive. The motion sensor works and the multi touch pinch is fun. This could be a great gaming platform. I’ve never been at a show where there was more anticipation for one technology release, namely the official iPhone SDK (now delayed untill march).

The main event also had it’s moments. I have been thinking a lot about PS3 Home, and I can’t help thinking that it’s not going to be a mediocre so-so. It will either be the most laughable attempt at community ever or a brilliant success. My game of the show was Chat Noir which I thought was perfect in every way. The experimental gameplay sessions, was terribly disappointing except for a few notable highlights, namely Ricky showing off Bernie, which was brilliant and a preview of the awesome Crayon Physics Deluxe. Where was the indie game jam? The whole event seemed to be lacking the energy of previous years, it was the first time in 6 years that I’ve seen empty seats in that room.

It rained a lot too.