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.
Business & Marketing Track
Days: Wednesday-Friday
Pass Access: All Access, Core
In the Core Concepts Business & Marketing track, you’ll dive into the essential strategies that fuel growth and success in the gaming industry. This track gathers marketing pros and business leaders to reveal the tactics behind building brand loyalty, optimizing monetization, and driving player engagement.
With expert insights on everything from community management to viral marketing techniques, these sessions provide the tools you need to thrive in a competitive marketplace and position your brand for sustainable success.
Who Attends
If you’re a game developer, marketer, or business leader focused on expanding your audience, boosting engagement, or driving revenue, this track is for you. From scaling a startup to leading a global brand, you’ll gain critical insights into the business side of game development.
Business & Marketing Sessions
Discover the latest strategies in player acquisition, retention, and monetization. Learn how to leverage data, craft marketing campaigns that resonate, and integrate live service models into your business strategy—all without compromising the player experience. These sessions provide everything you and your business need to thrive.
Business & Marketing Roundtables
Engage in collaborative discussions on navigating the shifting landscape of game marketing and business. You’ll exchange ideas on maximizing player engagement, creating authentic connections with your audience, and share real-world solutions that spark innovative approaches to business growth.
2025 Session Highlights
Serving Players' Needs: A New Look at What Players Want
Andrew Pappas (Marketing Consultant, RenGen Marketing)
Video Games and Crowdfunding: Best Practices from Successful Campaigns
Thomas Bidaux (CEO, ICO)
'Eggy Party' UGC Map Recommendation System: The Art of Innovation and Balance
Xingchen Zhou (Engineer, Netease)
