Advocacy Track

Developing a Better Future for the Game Industry

GDC Core Concepts is where game development expertise meets real-world impact, running from Wednesday to Friday. Curated by GDC’s Advisory Board — an esteemed group of industry veterans and innovators — these sessions and roundtables are designed to offer expert, relevant, and timely insights that will empower you to stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry.

You’ll explore six key pillars of game development: Audio, Business & Marketing, Design, Production & Team Leadership, Programming and Visual Arts, plus critical conversations on Advocacy. Whether you're after tried-and-true techniques, cutting-edge innovations or insights into new creative approaches, Core Concepts delivers invaluable takeaways that you can immediately apply to your projects.

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Three Days
Pass Access: All Pass Types

Core Concepts Advocacy Track

The GDC Core Concepts Advocacy Track is where we come together to shape a more inclusive, ethical, and sustainable future for the game development industry. This track dives deep into critical conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion, labor rights, mental health, accessibility and much more. These sessions and roundtables are designed to empower you with actionable insights on creating positive change — both within your own projects and the broader game ecosystem.

From tackling crunch culture to advancing diversity in leadership, Advocacy is about more than just talking — it’s about making real strides toward a more equitable future in game development.

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Who Attends

This track is for developers, studio leaders, HR professionals, community managers, and anyone committed to building a more ethical and inclusive industry. If you're focused on pushing the social, ethical, and cultural boundaries of game development, this track offers the tools, insights, and community you need to make that happen.

Advocacy Sessions

In these sessions, you’ll explore workplace culture reform, diversity in game content and teams, player well-being, and ethical design. Learn practical strategies for accessible game creation, fostering an inclusive workforce, and navigating labor rights and social impact challenges. These sessions provide both inspiration and real-world solutions you can implement right away.

Advocacy Roundtables

Join open, peer-to-peer discussions with others who share your passion for change. These roundtables provide an interactive space for exploring challenges, sharing experiences, and brainstorming ways to make the industry more inclusive and equitable. Bring your voice to the conversation and collaborate with your peers to drive real, meaningful progress.

2025 Session Highlights

The Black Designer's Dilemma

Carl Varnado
Resident Faculty, Rancho Solano
Kim Belair
CEO, Sweet Baby Inc
Pamela Iluore
Senior Game Product Manager, PlayStation
Jabari Alii
Director, Hidden Genius
Jarory de Jesus
Founder & Director, Coquito Games