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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.

 

Explore the Core Concepts Tracks

Advocacy

The Advocacy Track tackles important issues in the game industry, including diversity, inclusion, mental health, and worker rights. Join critical conversations on how to make the industry more equitable and sustainable, while creating a better environment for developers and players alike. 

Audio

Discover the art and science of game audio design and implementation. From immersive soundscapes to the technical challenges of spatial audio, this track equips sound professionals with the tools to enhance player experiences. Explore sessions on sound effects, adaptive audio systems, and the technical side of sound creation to level up your audio game. 

Business & Marketing

Scale your game business with strategies focused on player acquisition, retention, and monetization. This track dives into data-driven decision-making, influencer marketing, and live service models, giving you the business tools to grow your game while keeping players engaged. Leave equipped to thrive in the fast-paced world of gaming. 

Design

Explore the intersection of creativity and strategy in the Design Track. Whether you’re building puzzles or crafting expansive game worlds, these sessions offer fresh insights into how to create engaging, innovative designs. Learn from top designers and return to your project with new ideas that will make your games stand out. 

Production & Team Leadership

Get the tools to steer projects to success, from planning and communication to fostering a strong studio culture. This track covers everything from effective workflows to balancing creative vision with practical execution. Gain the skills you need to lead your team and deliver standout games on time. 

Programming

Take your coding skills to the next level in the Programming Track. From performance optimization to AI advancements, these sessions will help you refine coding strategies, streamline workflows, and build dynamic gameplay systems that enhance player experience. Learn from the industry’s top programmers and engineers. 

Visual Arts

Dive into the world of game art with sessions on concept art, character design, VFX, and environmental storytelling. This track is perfect for artists who want to push the boundaries of visual creativity. Discover the latest tools and techniques that will inspire you to create stunning game visuals. 

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Connecting the Global Game Development Community