The Game Developers Conference (GDC) has unveiled plans for a significantly revamped "GDC Festival of Gaming," set to return to San Francisco from March 9-13, 2026. This five-day event will mark the 40th edition of GDC and aims to foster connection and celebration within the global gaming community.
Key Takeaways
- The GDC Festival of Gaming will take place in San Francisco from March 9-13, 2026.
- The event will celebrate the 40th edition of the Game Developers Conference.
- A wide array of activities, including networking, workshops, and social events, are planned.
A Week of Connection and Celebration
The GDC Festival of Gaming is designed to bring together a diverse group of industry professionals, including game makers, publishers, investors, founders, technologists, marketers, educators, and press. The week-long festival will offer a comprehensive schedule of learning, networking, and engaging activities.
Attendees can expect a variety of programming, such as:
- Speed networking events
- Workshops and content programming
- Individual sessions with industry leaders
- Speaker series and social mixers
- Concerts and gaming award ceremonies
Mark DeLoura, GDC executive director of innovation and growth, emphasized the event’s purpose: "In a time of great change, we can build walls or build bridges and the game industry has always thrived by coming together. The GDC Festival of Gaming strengthens those connections, celebrating creativity and supporting everyone who brings games to life, from napkin sketch to global launch."
Registration for the GDC Festival of Gaming is now open on the official GDC website.
