Game Developers Conference (GDC) is part of the Informa Tech Division of Informa PLC

This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Registered in England and Wales. Number 8860726.

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. 

Game Career Development Track

Days: Wednesday-Friday
Pass Access: All Pass Types

Discover strategies for pitching your game, effective communication, how to land an investor/publisher, business development, and how to build your career in the game development directly from industry experts. Attend interactive sessions, learn from industry experts, and meet HR reps from leading game companies at the Game Career Seminar designed for students and others interested in starting a game development career.

2024 Session Highlights

Getting Hired with a Personal Touch

David Ventura (Creative Director / CEO, Ichigoichie)

Now Is the Time! Workers in Games Are Ready to Form Unions

Chrissy Fellmeth (International Representative, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE))

Matthew Vimislik (Project Manager, Workinman Interactive)

Xavier Coelho-Kostolny (Character Customization Lead, Hidden Path Entertainment)

Lauren Lehmann (Animation Director, Terrible Posture Games)

Andrew Buczacki (Game Designer, Drifter Entertainment)

Surviving Your First Steps into the Management Journey

Marc Espinola Berestein (Lead Animator, Lab42)

2024 Game Career Seminar Session Highlights

The Game Career Seminar is a one-day program designed for students and individuals interested in learning how to build a career in the video game industry. Attendees will experience interactive sessions, network with industry professionals, and most importantly, learn how to get their careers started in the video game industry.

Build Your Promotability or Honor Your Values? Why Not Both!

Sonia Michaels (Assistant Professor/ Department Chair, DigiPen Institute of Technology)

QA Career Path: Evolution from an Industry Entry Point

Bryce Broadrick (Test Engineer, Bungie)

Christopher Rios (Raids and Dungeons Test Lead, Bungie)

Steam Best Practices: Developing an Audience While Developing Your Game

Kaci Aitchison Boyle (Communications/PR, Valve)

Advertisement

Connecting the Global Game Development Community