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Diversity & Inclusion

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!

GDC Community Partners

  • Able Gamers
  • AIAS
  • Amplifying New Voices
  • Argentina Foundation for Video Games
  • Game Designers Network of India
  • Dames Make Games
  • dev/Mission
  • Different Games Collective
  • Diversi
  • 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.

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Connecting the Global Game Development Community