The long-standing Game Developers Conference (GDC) has announced a significant rebranding, officially changing its name to the GDC Festival of Gaming. This strategic shift reflects the evolving landscape of the video game industry, aiming to foster greater connection, visibility, and support for its community. The next iteration of the event is slated for March 9-13, 2026, in San Francisco.
Key Takeaways
- The Game Developers Conference is now known as GDC Festival of Gaming.
- The rebranding aims to address industry changes like tighter budgets and fractured attention.
- A new pass structure will offer "more access" with full access as the baseline.
- The next event is scheduled for March 9-13, 2026, in San Francisco.
Acknowledging Industry Shifts
Organizers cited a transformed industry landscape as the primary driver for the rebranding. They highlighted challenges such as tighter budgets, fractured attention spans, and increased difficulty in discovery. Furthermore, the proliferation of new technologies and tools has redefined who can create games, necessitating a more connected and supportive community. The GDC Festival of Gaming is positioned to meet these evolving needs, bringing the entire industry together at a crucial time.
Enhanced Access and Opportunity
The GDC Festival of Gaming promises a new pass structure designed for "more access" with "no more trade-offs." The previous "All Access" pass will be replaced by a "Festival Pass," offered at a significantly lower price point. This change aims to make full access the standard rather than an exception, ensuring attendees can engage with a broader range of content. Discounts for start-ups and academic institutions will also be available.
Looking Ahead to the Festival of Gaming
The upcoming GDC Festival of Gaming will continue to be held at San Francisco’s Moscone Center. The 2025 event saw nearly 30,000 attendees, matching the previous year’s figures, with an increase in exhibitors from 325 to 400. Over 1,000 speakers participated, delivering content across 750 sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities. The introduction of GDC Nights, an after-hours event, also proved popular, attracting over 6,000 attendees in its inaugural year.
Sources
- Game Developer Conference rebrands as GDC Festival of Gaming: "the industry is changing and so are we" |
GamesIndustry.biz, GamesIndustry.biz. - The Game Developers Conference is rebranding as GDC Festival of Gaming, Video Games Chronicle.
- Game Developers Conference Rebranded as GDC Festival of Gaming, VGChartz.
