Friday at San Diego Comic Con brings an influx of enormous crowds as they make their way towards, in and around the geek mecca. The exhibit floor is wall to wall people but if you are patient, there is still plenty to see and do.

Here at SDCC they do not clear rooms in between panels so it is best to come early and enjoy the presentations that are before your “critical” or “must see” panel. I cannot tell you how many times I have shown up early and have been treated to a wonderful experience out of happenstance. While Hall H can mean expansive long lines and disheartening wait times, many other smaller rooms host some really amazing content with notable celebrities and masters of their field.

Another place to get away from the crowds, enjoy the air conditioning and perhaps spend a 1/2 hour experiencing a new game would be the Comic Con Game Area. Located in the mezzanine Rooms 14AB, 15AB, 16AB, and 17AB; these rooms feature board, card and dice games. As well as role playing games and LARPS.

There is not a lot of attention given to this area which is a shame because a lot of SDCC attendees would love what these tables have to offer. We stopped in for a bit in 15AB and spoke with new and upcoming games “Thug Life” by Horseshoe Games and “Battle of Souls” by No Limit Games. Both are trying to gain funding through crowdsourcing. Take a few minutes, enjoy the minimal crowds and play a round with these folks and many other who take their passion for gaming and turn it into something everyone can enjoy.

Today was the real kick off to some marvelous cosplay. From anime to Stranger Things to everything super hero and beyond, the photo ops are here for the taking…if you can find the space!

The activations are in full swing in Downtown San Diego. While several of them are on the app, we came across a few that are surprises. (Taco Bell 2032, anyone?) If you didn’t get a badge for Saturday or Sunday, think about taking the time to enjoy what these activations have to offer. Or you can hang out in the Gaslamp and people watch! You never know who you’ll run into here…