Vogster Entertainment gave us an early peek at their persistent third-person shooter Crimecraft, and we thought we’d pass it along to you. If you’re not already acquainted, the game is set in a post global warming world where civilization seems atavistic and the rule of law has given way to the wild west with cooler guns. Players affiliate with gangs and then duke it out in traditional FPS game types for reputation and experience. Hit the jump to hear all about it.

There were a great many games up for the 2009 IGF awards, and they all had something special to offer. Awards were given for excellence in visual art, audio, design, and titles’ technical excellence. Additionally, games were recognized for their innovation, popularity, and for being best in show for both students and professional developers. Of course, we wouldn’t be much of a games criticism site if we didn’t have our own picks for each category (now possible because we’ve had hands-on time with all the games), so we’ll be posting our picks alongside the panel’s. Hit the jump for the winners of each award and our picks.

We’re back, and boy are our arms tired! Just kidding, it’s our feet. Ow. It was all worthwhile though, because we have delectable GDC content for you. We met some new developers, played some unreleased and unfinished games, and even got a private showing of an upcoming MMO! All this will be yours (except the foot pain) as we write up what we saw at the Game Developers Conference. Stay tuned!

You can find our coverage here.

We’ve spent quite a long time now being very excited about the Game Developers Conference. For just over a month, we’ve brought you daily impressions of games to be featured at the Independent Games Festival, which is held at the GDC. So, what exactly is all the fuss about?

Zeit²
Developer: Technische Universität Berlin
Nomination: Student Showcase
Platform: Windows, XBox Community Games (trailer available)
Website
Description: Sidescrolling shooter you play with yourself. 2008 Dream Build Play finalist, winner Best Game from Germany.

Winds of Orbis
Developer: Carnegie Mellon – Entertainment Technology Center
Nomination: Student Showcase
Platform: Windows with Wii-mote and floor pad (trailer available)
Website
Description: Step up to the dance pad and take on the role of the hero to save the world and get a good workout.

Where Is My Heart?
Developer: Bernie Schulenburg (Universität Ulm)
Nomination: Student Showcase
Platform: Windows, Mac OSX (demo available)
Website
Description: Navigate your way through family life’s happy moments and strife using your awesome platforming skills.

Unfinished Swan
Developer: Ian Dallas (USC)
Nomination: Student Showcase
Platform: Windows (video available)
Website
Description: Spray a featureless field with paint so you can visualize the world around you.

Tag: The Power of Paint
Developer: DigiPen Institute Of Technology: Tag Team
Nomination: Student Showcase
Platform: Windows (free download)
Website
Description: Turn the rooftops into your playground with paint that lets you jump, sprint, and stick to walls.

Kid the World Saver
Developer: Silverware Games
Nomination: Student Showcase
Platform: Windows
Website
Description: Help Kid save the world. With . . . Legos?