A record 18,250 game industry professionals attended GDC 2010 in San Francisco.
Held at the Moscone Convention Center from March 9-13, the event surpassed last year's total of 17,000 visitors, according to its organisers.
As well as 400 lectures, panels, summits, tutorials and roundtable discussions, GDC hosted the 12th Annual Independent Games Festival and the 10th Annual Game Developers Choice Awards.
It has been announced that GDC 2011 will return to the Moscone Convention Center from February 28 - March 4 next year.
"Even through hailstorms and turbulent business times, the passion, experience and sheer dedication of the gaming community really showed through this week, to make for an incredible conference," said event director Meggan Scavio.
"I'm proud to see the games industry reinvigorated by the new platforms, inspiring ideas and fresh business models showcased at GDC 2010, and I hope attendees take the lessons that they learned from the event to create tomorrow’s amazing titles."