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GDC is dedicated to creating a safe space for all and supporting underrepresented voices in the industry through a variety of programs and partnerships, many of which include free or discounted passes. These efforts are ongoing and evolving; we are committed to actively deepening our relationship and support of existing organizations that serve these communities.

Learn more about our Diversity Equity & Inclusion programs below or visit our sustainability page to see how GDC is working to produce a positive environmental impact as well.

Indie Giving Program

Check back for updates on when you can register for GDC 2024 through the Indie Giving Program. We'll get kicked off in December 2023 for the 2024 event.

The Indie Giving event is a special program designed to help game developers attend the 2024 Game Developers Conference in San Francisco at a discounted rate as while also contributing to a local charitable organization. Everyone who registers and signs up will get the chance to take part in a charity event to support Compass Family Services, taking place the Sunday, March 17, 2024 in San Fransisco.

Indie Giving is working with Compass Family Services again this year collecting unused hygiene product donations from our attendees that will be distributed to our houseless community via care packages. Donation tables will be located near registration in South Upper Lobby near the front entrance.

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Conference Associates Program

If you are eligible to work in the United States and would like to work for up to 25 hours during the live GDC event in San Francisco from Sunday, March 17 through Friday, March 22, 2024, apply to be a Conference Associate (CA).

CA's help monitor sessions, scan badges, answer attendee questions, and other tasks in exchange for an All Access Pass that can be used during off hours and a little extra money.

Click here to submit an application if you are interested in being a CA. Submissions close December 21, 2023.

If you have additional questions, please contact the CA Manager, Ian MacKenzie.

Equal Opportunity Attendance Program

Check back here for updates. Submissions will open prior to Early registration ending for GDC 2024.

The Equal Opportunity Attendance Program (previously known as the Low Income Pass Lottery) is intended for those who would otherwise be unable to attend the Game Developers Conference without considerable financial assistance. This is for an Expo pass to GDC live in San Francisco, March 18-22, 2024. The Expo floor is open March 20-22 that week. Fill out the submission form to apply. Up to 1000 applicants will be given a complimentary Expo pass via this program.

Guidelines for entry include:

One entry per person. Complimentary passes are non-refundable, non-transferable and have no cash value.
If you have already purchased a pass for GDC 2024, you are not eligible
Those granted Expo passes from the Assistance Program will be emailed shortly after the application closes.

Scholarship Program

Each year, GDC proudly partners with a variety of organizations through which qualified candidates can apply to receive complimentary GDC passes. These partners are helping to shape the future of the industry make-up by providing opportunities to and amplifying the work of game developers from marginalized communities. Each partner has their own scholarship program guidelines and application process. Additional information will be linked below as the organizations announce their application process. Check back over the next month or two (Oct-Nov) - we'll be adding links to partner applications here.

FundAV (Argentina Foundation for Videogames) (Ends Dec 7, 2023)
Game Audio Diversity Alliance (Ends January 8, 2024)
Game Designers Network India
Game Devs of Color Expo
Game Audio Networking Guild (G.A.N.G)
Gay Gaming Professionals
Girls Make Games
Global Game Jam

IGDA Foundation
IGEA (Ends Jan 15, 2024)
I Need Diverse Games (Ends Dec 15, 2023)
Pixelles (Closed November 5, 2023)
Stan LePard Memorial Scholarship
Latam Video Game Federation
Women In Games France
Women in Games International
WINGS (Ends December 10, 2023)

Additional Diversity & Inclusion Programs

Supporting Advocacy	GDC attendees can expect access to a diverse array of talks aimed at supporting aspiring game devs and highlighting broader issues of advocacy in the game industry through the GDC Advocacy Sessions and beyond.
Supporting Career Development	Through career development sessions and features, GDC offers a dedicated Friday Only Expo Pass which includes a variety of content and networking opportunities available for new graduates and those looking to start their career in games.
Community Partnerships	GDC works with a select group of community partners focused on bringing like-minded game developers together to push the game creation process forward. These local groups exist to help game developers of all kinds find community, peers, and support in their area and many provide resources through networking opportunities, educational events, game jams, and more.
Childcare	GDC has partnered with KiddieCorp to provide on-site childcare for parents and guardians who would not otherwise be able to attend GDC. The childcare team is racially/ethnically diverse, gender-mixed, and age-diverse, with team members that are able to comfort even the most hesitant children and help them enjoy their time with us. Attendees can enroll their children at a rate of $12 per hour, per child. KiddieCorp is available Mon-Fri of the event, March 20-24, 2023. Snacks and water will be provided and meals must be supplied by parents and guardians each day. The advance registration deadline is February 20, 2023. Register early as availability is limited and handled on a first-come, first-served basis. KiddieCorp must receive the registration form and payment in full to hold any advance reservations. You are also welcome to register on-site, however, there is no guarantee and it is not recommended.
Lactation Lounges	(2) Mamava nursing pods will be located on the Moscone South Lower Mezzanine next to Room 50. One of the pods is ADA-accessible. We also have (1) Mamava nursing pod on Level 2 of Moscone West by Room 2024. Download the Mamava app to book an appt, and you will receive an access code to open the pods. App can be downloaded here: https://www.mamava.com/mobile-appMoscone There isn’t a refrigerator inside the pods to store milk, but we will allow Parents to store milk in the Show Office fridge (Room South 105).
Pronoun Tags	GDC supports the flourishing diversity in our community, and do our best to create a space to reflect that. As such, when arriving to pick up event badges for GDC attendees will also be given the option to pick up pronoun tags as well.
Gender Neutral Bathrooms	Gender-neutral bathrooms are available during the conference, and their locations will be marked for attendees.
Americans with Disabilities Act	If you require special assistance, auxiliary aids, interpreters or other reasonable accommodations while at the conference and/or expo, please contact Michelle Montoya by February, 16, 2024 for accomodations.
Prayer Room	Attendees can access a Prayer Room with a quiet space for prayer onsite. The room location is South 305. The doors will be locked, but keys will be available to check out at the show office, South 105. If the room is being used a lot, we will proceed to leave the room open. Hours are as follows: Monday, March 20: 9am – 6:30pm Tuesday, March 21: 9am – 6:30pm Wednesday, March 22: 9am - 6pm Thursday, March 23: 9:30am - 6:30pm Friday, March 24: 9:30am – 5pm

Code of Conduct

For nearly a decade, the GDC Code of Conduct has guided the expectations of attendee conduct at our events. Participation in GDC requires that all attendees be considerate and respectful of their peers and will not tolerate demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech.