Call for Community Partners
Accepting Applications for GDC Community Partners
The game industry is powered by the community, and GDC Festival of Gaming is where those communities come together.
Our Community Partner Program is designed to support organizations, creators, nonprofits, media outlets, and community leaders who are helping to shape the future of games.
Whether you’re building connections, amplifying underrepresented voices, or creating memorable experiences, we want to hear from you!
Questions? Please reach out to Jordan Stillman.
[Apply Now]
GDC Community Partners categories:
Media
Organizations or creators covering, reporting, or promoting video games and industry news interested in a media barter agreement. Please note that approved Media Partners will not be able to register until our press team is able to review and issue your media pass.
Industry
Organizations across the games ecosystem interested in promoting GDC to their audience through an industry barter agreement.
Scholarships
Nonprofit or community organizations interested in supporting game developers from underrepresented communities through complimentary GDC Festival passes. There are 2,000 scholarship passes available.
Community Activations
Organizations or individuals who are interested in pitching a show feature that will take place within GDC Festival of Gaming spaces produced in collaboration with GDC Show Management.
Community Events
Organizations or individuals who are seeking a complimentary space to host a meet up, networking event, or community-focused event at the Moscone Center. Please note the following:
There is limited space available.
Catering must go through Legends, the official Moscone Center caterer, and will be at the organizer's expense. No outside food is allowed within the Moscone Center.
Complimentary space will be provided “as is.” Any additional audio/visual needs and/or changes to the space (room configuration, etc.) will be at the organizer’s expense. The organizer will be responsible for returning the room to the condition in which they received it.
Indie Arcade
Organizations interested in being considered for the Indie Arcade show feature within the GDC Commons.
Up to (10) organizations will be selected as Indie Arcade participants and will be provided with a shared kiosk space with (1) monitor, (1) seat, and (1) keyboard/mouse in the GDC Commons to showcase the games of their organization members during Festival Hall hours (3 days, 10 AM to 6 PM). See photos for an example of the space.
We recommend participants put together a timeslot-based schedule to highlight different games throughout the day.
Please note these are communal spaces with limited space for display and branding.
Nonprofit Booth Space
Nonprofit organizations interested in being considered for one of our (2) two 6' x 8' nonprofit turnkey Festival Hall booth spaces, including:
(1) 6’w x 4’h ID sign with company name (text only) with GDC show look and feel
Black drape and side rail
Standard black carpet
(1) black draped 6’ counter-height table
(2) counter-height side chairs
(1) 5 amp / 500W electrical drop
(1) wastebasket
(1) A/V package with monitor, mouse, and keyboard
(1) Wi-Fi login for one device
Remember, there are limited Festival Passes and meeting space available, so express your interest early. Applications are open Monday, July 20 to Friday, September 18.
PLEASE NOTE: Community Partnership applications will NOT be considered after September 18. To be considered, please apply by this date.
We look forward to reviewing your application. All applicants will be notified of their status by Tuesday, October 27.
FAQ
What is the application deadline?
Applications are open Monday, July 20 to Friday, September 18. The deadline to apply is Friday, September 18. Community Partnership applications will NOT be considered after this deadline.
How do I apply for a community partnership?
Fill out the form here.
When will I hear back about my application?
All applicants will be notified of their status by Tuesday, October 27
Who should apply for a scholarship?
Nonprofit and/or community organizations interested in supporting game developers from underrepresented communities should apply for a GDC scholarship partnership.
What is the difference between a Community Activation and a Community Event?
A Community Activation is a show feature that takes place within GDC Festival of Gaming spaces and is produced in direct collaboration with GDC Show Management. GDC produces the feature in terms of budget, planning, and any other needed labor.
A Community Event is a meet up, networking event, or community-focused event hosted in a complimentary space at the Moscone Center without direct collaboration with GDC Show Management. Any additional expenses outside of the room as it is provided are the organizer’s responsibility.
What is a nonprofit booth space and what happens if I am selected?
A nonprofit booth space is a complimentary turnkey 6’ x 8’ space situated in the GDC Festival Hall provided for the selected recipients’ use. Applicants MUST be a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
Nonprofit booth recipients will receive the following:
- (1) 6’w x 4’h ID sign with company name (text only) with GDC show look and feel
- Black drape and side rail
- Standard black carpet
- (1) black draped 6’ counter-height table
- (2) counter-height side chairs
- (1) 5 amp / 500W electrical drop
- (1) wastebasket
- (1) A/V package with monitor, mouse, and keyboard
- (1) Wi-Fi login for one device
What is the Indie Arcade and what happens if I am selected?
The Indie Arcade is a shared space where nonprofit and community organizations representing independent developers can allow a selection of their members to demo their games in the GDC Commons.
Up to (10) organizations will be selected as Indie Arcade participants and will be provided with a shared kiosk space with (1) monitor, (1) seat, and (1) keyboard/mouse to showcase the games of their organization members during Festival Hall hours (3 days, 10 AM to 6 PM). See photos for an example of the space. Please note these are communal spaces with limited space for display and branding.
How do community events work?
If you are looking for space to host an activity during GDC week, including a meet up, networking event, or community-focused event, you can request complimentary space within the Moscone Center. Accepted Community Events will be provided a room with tables and chairs for their event. The room configuration is dependent on what spaces are available.
Accepted Community Events can request A/V, which will be provided if a space with A/V is available.
What are the costs associated with hosting a community event at GDC?
Complimentary space will be provided “as is.” Any additional audio/visual needs and/or changes to the space (room configuration, etc.) will be at the organizer’s expense. The organizer will be responsible for returning the room to the condition in which they received it.
Any desired catering must go through Legends, the official Moscone Center caterer, and will be at the organizer's expense. No outside food for a group/catering is allowed within the Moscone Center.
Can I bring outside food into the Moscone Center?
Outside food for a group/catering is not permitted at the Moscone Center. Any desired catering must go through Legends, the official Moscone Center caterer, and will be at the organizer's expense.
I have questions about the Call for Community Partners. Who can I reach out to?
Contact Jordan Stillman with any questions regarding the Call for Community Partners.