GDC is dedicated to creating a safe space for all and supporting underrepresented voices and work in the industry through a variety of programs and partnerships. These efforts must be 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 & Inclusion programs below, or visit our sustainability page to see how GDC is working to produce a positive environmental impact as well.

Diversity & Inclusion Programs

New Voices Across the Conference	As conference organizers, we want to support the game industry by ensuring all attendees feel welcome and included at the Game Developers Conference and we are always looking for new, diverse voices. All new GDC speakers are connected with a mentor to provide guidance in crafting powerful presentations. If you are interested in becoming a speaker, please contact the GDC Content Team.
Supporting Social Advocacy	GDC attendees can expect access to a diverse array of talks aimed at supporting aspiring game devs and highlighting broader issues of social advocacy in the game industry through the GDC Advocacy Track, and beyond.
GDC Mentorship Programs	Available to all attendees and featured at all editions of GDC events, the GDC Mentorship program aims to ensure attendees have access to the support and guidance of seasoned game industry professionals.
Supporting Career Development	Through career development sessions and features and a new dedicated student program, a variety of content and networking opportunities are available for new graduates and those looking to start their career in games.
Scholarships and Community Partnerships	Each year, GDC proudly partners with a variety of organizations through which qualified candidates can apply to receive a 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.

Low Income Pass Lottery

The Low-Income Pass Lottery is returning for 2021! The Low Income Pass Lottery awards selected entrants a complimentary Expo Pass to the all-digital GDC 2021 and is intended for people who would otherwise not be able to attend without considerable financial assistance.

Please review the submission guidelines prior to entry:

Enter by July 2 at 11:59pm PT.
One entry per person.
If you are awarded a pass, GDC will automatically register you.
Low income passes are non-transferrable and have no cash value.
If you have already purchased a pass to GDC, you are not eligible.
The lottery drawing winner will be announced via email in July before the event begins.

If you meet the requirements, sign up for the Low-Income Pass Lottery!

Friendship Garden Game Developers
Game Audio Networking Guild
Gay Game Industry Professionals
Girls Make Games
I Need Diverse Games
IGDA Foundation
Indie Games Poland Foundation
Eastern European Indie Games Foundation

New Zealand Game Developers Association
Pixelles
Slovak Game Developers Association
Animation Diversity Foundation
Latam Video Game Federation
Game Devs of Color
Women In Gaming France
Global Game Jam

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.

GDC On-site Inclusion Programs

Childcare	GDC provides access to the on-site childcare program for parents 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.
Nursing Lounges	GDC provides lounges for feeding nursing children throughout the event to ensure there is one less limitation for parents who deserve to be part of the conversation at the event.
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.
Amplifying New Voices	Held in conjunction with GDC, the Amplifying New voices Program, run by AIAS, provides a full day of hands-on training where participants work closely with mentors while learning more about PR and enhancing their public speaking and presentation skills. They will be introduced to likeminded members of a community that inspires to boost new voices to change the face of games, VR & AR industries.
IGDA Speaker Diversity Initiative	Through collaboration with the IGDA Foundation's Speaker Diversity Initiative, we’re proud to work together to achieve diversity of voice, experience, and perspective by helping remove financial barriers to public speaking by covering travel costs for diverse speakers.
Indie Giving	GDC is proud to partner with the Indie Giving charity to donate Independent Games Summit passes to the Indie Giving initiative, with the proceeds and volunteering time going to local charities.
Low-Income Pass Lottery	The Low Income Pass Lottery is intended for people who would otherwise not be able to attend without considerable financial assistance.

Diversity & Inclusion