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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

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 while also contributing to a local charitable organization. For a donation of $499 and your time on Sunday, March 17, 2024, you’ll receive an All Access pass to GDC 2024 and an awesome t-shirt! Everyone who signs up will take part in a charity event supporting Compass Family Services the day before GDC begins. Your donation is given to Compass Family Services and supports the program.

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. 

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.

Submissions closed December 21, 2023.

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

Equal Opportunity Attendance Program

The application is now closed 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:

  • Submissions close Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at midnight.
  • 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 on Monday, January 22, 2024.

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.

2024 Scholarship Partner Organizations

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 18-22, 2024. Snacks and water will be provided and meals must be supplied by parents and guardians each day. 

The registration deadline is February 19, 2024. 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 and will be open and available for use during conference hours, Monday through Friday. 

Invisible Disability stickersGDC will have Yellow Sunflower stickers available at all of our info booths (in the North, West, and South Halls). Attendees can request one if they have any type of non-visible disability that may require extra help from staff or security. Attendees are welcome to wear the sticker on their shirt, badge, or wherever they feel comfortable displaying it. 

 

 

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.

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