Find answers to common questions about GDC
See answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding GDC.
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GDC 2023 Event Details
When is the Game Developers Conference 2023?
GDC 2023 takes place from March 20 through March 24, 2023.
Where will the Game Developers Conference 2023 be located?
GDC 2023 will be held physically in the Moscone Center in San Francisco along with a robust virtual offering online.
When and where can I pick up my GDC Badge?
Registration is located at Moscone South (Enter on the Corner of 3rd and Howard). A valid photo ID, the QR code printed on your confirmation email and proof of vaccination will be required to pick up your badge. Don’t forget your mask!
Registration hours:
- Sun., March 19th 5:00pm - 7:00pm
- Mon., March 20th 5:00pm - 7:00pm
- Tues., March 21st 8:00am - 5:00pm
- Wed., March 22nd 8:00am - 6:00pm
- Thu., March 23rd 8:00am - 5:30pm
- Fri., March 24th 8:30am - 6:00pm
How much does it cost to attend GDC?
GDC offers a variety of passes, with prices depending on the level of access. For details, visit the Passes & Prices page.
Do I need to be vaccinated to attend GDC in person?
Yes, proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be required to attend GDC in San Francisco and you will be required to wear a mask while indoors. The event will also feature fixed hand sanitization units throughout the facility, contactless registration, and enhanced cleaning. You can see all our new initiatives designed to keep you safe on the Health & Safety page.
Are there travel and hotel discounts?
Yes. GDC secures discounted hotel rooms and travel deals for attendees. You can find details and the latest information on the Hotels & Travel page.
What are the details for my pass that was transferred to GDC 2022?
Transfer pass details have been sent via email from [email protected] on November 18, 2022. If you are still having trouble finding this information, please contact GDC Registration.
Registration
Where can I find my invoice, receipt, and/or confirmation after registering?
After you register and pay, you will receive your receipt at the email address you used to register from [email protected]. If you registered as part of a group, your group organizer may have your receipt and confirmation. Email GDC Registration for assistance.
How do I register a group?
Groups of 10 or more attendees registering at the same time can save 10% on the current registration price for the All Access Pass, Core, or Summits Pass types. Additional discounts, such as Alumni, exhibitor, or other special discounts are not combinable with the group discount. Additional registrations by the same group organizer at a later date can receive a 10% discount on the current registration price at the time of submission.
If you are interested in purchasing 10 or more GDC passes, visit Group Registration.
When/where do I pick up my GDC badge?
Please pick up your badge in person, on-site at GDC. A valid photo ID, the QR code printed on your confirmation email and proof of vaccination will be required to pick up your badge. Collecting multiple badges by a single person is not allowed. Badges will not be mailed in advance of the event.
PLEASE TREAT YOUR BADGE AS CASH: Your badge is required for entry at GDC. A non-refundable replacement fee equal to the original purchase amount will apply to all lost, duplicate, misplaced, stolen, or forgotten badge/badge holder requests. If your badge was complimentary, the fee will be the current on-site rate.
What is the cancellation policy?
To cancel, change, or substitute your pass, please email GDC Registration.
Requests for registration refunds or substitutions must be received before February 25, 2023. Refunds, transfers or substitutions are not available after this date, are not available for no-shows, and will not be offered due to lack of or inability to provide proof of vaccination at the event. Paid registrants who cancel or downgrade and do not substitute another person will receive a full refund less a 6% processing fee if notification is submitted in writing to GDC Registration on or before February 25, 2023.
Passes transferred from GDC 2021 are not eligible for a refund, substitution, or downgrade for this event.
If you have any questions, please contact GDC Registration.
Do international attendees need a visa to attend GDC?
Maybe. Please view the United States visa requirements. You can request a letter of invitation when purchasing a conference pass. Your letter of invitation will be attached to your confirmation email.
How do I obtain a Letter of Invitation?
If you require a Letter of Invitation to obtain a visa, you can request it during online registration. Letters of Invitation will only be issued in the name of the registrant and only after the registration is paid in full.
Can I contact a live person for registration help and information?
Please email GDC Registration or call (415) 947-6926 or (866) 535-8997 for assistance and information.
GDC Masterclass
What is the GDC Masterclass program?
The GDC Masterclass program is comprised of day-long or multi-day, small-group workshops that deliver in-depth, hands-on training around some of the most important challenges facing game developers today.
When will the next round of GDC Masterclass courses be offered?
Registration for GDC Masterclass courses is now closed. Upcoming dates are TBD.
How will I access the GDC Masterclass program?
Virtual GDC Masterclass courses will be hosted on Zoom. After registering, you will be sent instructions on how to use and access the platform via email in the weeks leading up to your course.
Diversity & Inclusion
Are there complimentary or discounted passes?
GDC provides limited discounts to sponsors, media partners, community organizations, low income groups, and association partners. More information on these programs can be found on our Diversity & Inclusion page.
How do I apply to become a Conference Associate at GDC?
GDC Conference Associates receive a complimentary All Access pass in exchange for 25 hours during GDC week answering attendee questions, monitoring doors, checking badges, and other responsibilities. Learn more about the GDC Conference Associate program on our Diversity & Inclusion page and apply to participate.
Does GDC have a code of conduct?
Yes. GDC is committed to providing a friendly, safe, and welcoming environment for all regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity, or religion. The GDC Code of Conduct outlines expectations for participant behavior and consequences for unacceptable behavior.
How can I request assistance in accordance with the 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.
Does GDC provide childcare services?
Yes. While no one under the age of 18 (including infants in strollers) is allowed to attend the conference or expo, GDC provides on-site childcare services. Please visit the KiddieCorp website for more information and to register for childcare services.
Does GDC provide a private room for nursing mothers?
Yes. Nursing mothers may use the private Mothers Lounge located on-site.
Other Questions
When/where will conference sessions dates and times be available?
Dates and times for 2023 conference sessions will be added in the months leading up to the event.
What speaking opportunities are available at GDC?
Core Concepts Call for Submissions open July 19 through August 16, 2022 at 11:59pm PT.
GDC Summits, Game Career Seminar, and GDC Masterclass Call for Submissions will be open from September 1 through October 7, 2022
To stay up to date on information about speaker proposals and submission deadlines, subscribe to our Call for Submissions mailing list here!
Can I watch GDC sessions after the event?
Yes. GDC records most sessions and makes them available to view online throughout the year on GDC Vault. In addition, select sessions will be streamed online during and directly following the event on the virtual event platform. Visit the Session Viewer to see if a specific session will be made available online.
Attendees with an All Access pass receive access to GDC Vault through March 2023. Alternatively, you can purchase an individual or studio membership to access GDC Vault.
Is there Internet access available at GDC?
Yes. Wi-Fi is available in the lobbies and session halls of the Moscone Center during the event, but not in the GDC Expo. There is no technical support for Wi-Fi at GDC.
What are the filming and recording guidelines?
Legitimate news media with approved credentials and media badges whose only intention is to gather film clips for a newscast can receive special clearance to film onsite at the Moscone Convention Center, with restrictions.
Please note that there are limitations (even for media badge holders) for filming or recording at the Moscone Center, and filming or recording of GDC content/sessions is strictly prohibited.
Documentary film crews are not considered legitimate news media and therefore union regulations require hiring a Local 16 IATSE representative, in addition to gaining filming approvals from the GDC organizers via the GDC Press Team.
GDC reserves the right to approve all filming and recording within the Moscone Center during the event. Learn more about filming guidelines, including how to hire a labor technician/union representative.
