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Diversity & Inclusion

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.

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. The 2023 CA program will be open for submissions soon, please check back for information.

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

Low Income Pass Lottery

The Low Income Pass Lottery is intended to help game professionals who would otherwise not be able to attend without financial assistance by providing a complimentary Expo Plus Pass. The 2023 lottery will open for submissions soon, please check back for information. 

Guidelines for entry include:

  • One entry per person.
  • Low income passes are non-transferable and have no cash value.
  • If you have already purchased a pass to GDC, you are not eligible.
  • The lottery drawing winners will be announced via email shortly after the form closes and before early registration pricing ends.
  • Proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be required and checked when you arrive at Moscone Center for the live event.

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.

2022 Scholarship Partner Organizations

  • Animation Diversity Foundation
  • GANG (Game Audio Networking Guild)
  • Girls Make Games
  • I Need Diverse Games
  • IGDA (Foundation)
  • Indie Games Poland Foundation
  • Eastern European Indie Games Foundation
  • Pixelles
  • Latam Video Game Federation
  • Game Devs of Color
  • Women In Gaming France
  • Global Game Jam

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 is offering a dedicated Career Development 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 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 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.

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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