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

Indie Giving & GDC 2023

Support a local charity and join us at GDC in San Francisco, March 20-24, 2023. Everyone who signs up will take part in a charity event in SF on Sunday, March 19, 2023.

Additionally, Indie Giving is working with Compass Family Services again this year on-site. We will be 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 Hall by the building entrance.

Learn More

Conference Associates

If you are eligible to work in the United States of America and would like to work for 25 hours during the live GDC event from Sunday, March 19 through Friday, March 24, 2023, 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.

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

Equal Opportunity Attendance Program for 2023

Now Closed - Ended January 22, 2023

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 20-24, 2023. The Expo floor is open March 22-24 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 2023, 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.

2023 Scholarship Partner Organizations

Additional 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 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 21-25, 2022. Snacks and water will be provided and meals must be supplied by parents and guardians each day. Advance registration ends February 21, 2022.
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.
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 at least four weeks prior to the event date.

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.

Diversity & Inclusion