Find answers to common questions about GDC
See answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding GDC.
If you still have a question that you can't find the answer to, please contact us.
Event Details
When is the Game Developers Conference?
GDC takes place Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 20, 2020. View detailed event hours.
Where is the Game Developers Conference?
GDC takes place at the Moscone Center in downtown San Francisco.
Moscone Convention Center
North, South, & West Halls
747 Howard Street, between 3rd & 4th Streets
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 974-4000
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.
Are there a 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.
Diversity & Inclusion
Are there complimentary or discounted passes?
Yes. You can apply for GDC scholarships or Low Income Pass Lottery, apply to speak, or apply to work as a Conference Associate if you are interested in a free pass. GDC provides limited discounts to sponsors, media partners, and association partners.
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 and apply to participate in the program.
Does GDC have a code of conduct?
Yes. GDC is committed to providing a friendly, safe, and welcoming environment for all regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity, or religion. The GDC Code of Conduct outlines expectations for participant behavior and consequences for unacceptable behavior.
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 child care 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.
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.
Registration
Can I contact a "live" person for registration help and information?
Please call (415) 947-6926 or (866) 535-8997 or email GDC Registration for assistance and information.
Where can I find my invoice, receipt and/or confirmation after registering?
After you register and pay, you will receive your invoice and/or receipt at the email address you used to register. If you printed an invoice and submitted it with your check payment, we will email you a confirmation and receipt once your registration is received and processed. 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 + Summits Pass, Core Pass. 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 with your photo ID. Collecting multiple badges by a single person is not allowed. Please bring a copy of your receipt as verification of your registration. Touch 'N Go NFC badges will be in use at GDC. Badges will not be mailed in advance of the event.
PLEASE TREAT YOUR BADGE/BADGE HOLDER AS CASH: Both the badge and badge holder are 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 download the Registration Update Form and submit your request via email to GDC Registration.
Requests for registration refunds must be received before February 19, 2020. All Access, Core + Summits, Core, Summits, and Audio Passes are subject to a $300 service charge. Independent Games Summit, Expo Plus, and Expo passes are subject to a $100 service charge. Refunds are not available after February 19, 2020, and are not available for no-shows. If you have any questions, please contact GDC Registration.
Do international attendees need a visa to attend GDC?
Maybe. Please view United States visa requirements here. You can submit a request for a letter of invitation after purchasing a conference pass. Please email your request for a letter of invitation to the GDC Registration Department.
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. Additional documentation may be required in order to complete the letter of invitation and verify your payment. Failure to provide the requested documentation by the specified date may result in the fees previously paid being reversed or returned. Please contact the GDC Registration Department.
Other Questions
When/where will conference sessions, dates, and times be available?
GDC starts posting conference sessions on the event website in October and continues to add new sessions leading up to the event. Scheduling details including dates, times, and rooms will be added to sessions in mid-February. You can create your session wish list in the Session Scheduler starting in November or in the GDC Mobile App.
Is there Internet access at GDC?
Yes. Wireless Access is available in the lobbies and session halls of the Moscone Center’s North, South, and West Halls during the event. There is no technical support for the Wireless Access.
What speaking opportunities are available at GDC?
The GDC Advisory Board requests submissions for talks representing interesting and current work in game development to build a diverse, high-quality conference program.
The call for submissions for the GDC Core Concepts closed on August 15 at 11:59 pm PT. The Call for Submissions for GDC Summits, Virtual Reality Developers Conference (VRDC) and the Game Career Seminar closed on September 30 at 11:59 pm PT. View submission details.
GDC sponsored sessions allow you to customize session content to showcase your product or service. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities and work with GDC to ensure that your message is communicated in an effective and targeted manner.
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 strict limitations (even for media badge holders) for filming or recording at the Moscone Center, including but not limited to filming or recording of GDC content/sessions.
PLEASE NOTE: 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.
Can I watch GDC sessions after the event?
Yes. GDC records most sessions and makes them available to view online throughout the year in the GDC Vault. You can view the Session Scheduler to see if a specific session will be recorded.
Attendees with an All Access or Core + Summits pass receive access to the GDC Vault through March 2021. Alternatively, you can purchase an individual or studio membership to access GDC Vault. For more information, please visit GDC Vault.
