Well I am back from the Bay Area and another week at GDC. I am not sure how I feel about GDC as I have yet to really enjoy the conference portion. I was along to join our HR team in the SOE recruiting booth to look for potential new employees. I know it sounds like a less than joyous reason to attend a Gaming Conference, however our HR team is filled with fun folks and we made a good time of it. The highlight was a rocket war with Disney Internet Group, unfortunately this did result in a few civilian casualties and if you were struck by the flying Nerflike missiles, I apologize.
The nights were filled with drinking and debauchery. No really. Okay you caught me. Most nights I was in my room by 10. Gosh I am old. I did stay out late Tuesday night attending the G.I.R.L.event, which was yet another example of the excellence of the SOE events team. My only complaint, I didn’t get any of the meat on a stick and before you dismiss this comment as general whining, the meat stick was needed as I was indulging in Vodka tonics on an empty stomach. Bah.
I also got to catch up with a lot of old friends and acquaintances. I spent time with folks from the Virgin Worlds collective, Brent, Brendan, Troy and Darren, who are always a great group to spend time with. Thank you for dinner guys! I also inadvertently blew Brent off. As any of you who know me can attest, I am a bit forgetful at times and I left early Friday forgetting I had arranged to chat with Brent, so I owe you one my friend.
I also was fortunate enough to spend a little more time with Michael “Zonk” Zenke, I had met him a few times previous and had read his work for years, but it was very nice to get to sit down and have a shouted conversation from down the table in a crowded Italian restaurant. He is a smart guy, if occasionally volatile, so I plan to try and not give him reason to write about me in anything other than a pleasant tone. =)
Also in attendance was Wilhelm AKA the Ancient Gaming Noob. Who is a passionate writer for MMO’s and another of the crowd that I try to read when I remember. I hope he attends Fan Faire as I envision Zonk, Brent and his crew, Wilhelm and I chatting away to the early hours of the morning in some lobby bar. Good folks indeed.
It is always a good time when you are able to share your passion, MMO’s, with knowledgable and equally passionate folks, and this was no exception.
Most heard comments from SOE players on the show floor;
When are you going to do something with Vanguard? My response: We have, go back and try it.
Is SWG really shutting down this month? My response: No SWG is just fine.
When are you going to update your blog? My response: SOON tm.
So I am home again, after delayed flights both ways mind you, lost luggage, a little too much alcohol and a lot of fun. I will spare you all of the details. =)
Next up, our Influencers Summit. At least I am in the office for a WHOLE week prior! Woo Hoo! The employee harassing begins!
On deck this week;
Finishing our Agency Community Doc which is already late.
Finalizing the Summit
Recording the podcast
Early planning for the next summit
Trying to shrink Grimwells inflated head (seriously the thing is huge)
Remembering to update this blog
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