GamePlan
The Festival’s Deal Engine
Purpose-built, pre-scheduled 1:1 meetings for people who need outcomes.
GamePlan connects qualified executives, decision-makers, and innovators for focused conversations that turn into partnerships, pilots, funding, press, and pipeline.
- Built for outcomes. Every 15-minute slot has a purpose: buy, build, fund, partner, launch.
- Simple by design. A guided, two-step flow that turns your intent into confirmed meetings – fast.
- Curated, not hosted-buyer. Double-opt-in connections tailored to the games ecosystem.
- Early access, earlier impact. Lock time on calendars before the app opens so you’re in their week from the start.
Capacity is limited. Opt-ins close January 16.
[achievements and use cases]
What You Can Achieve
- New customer and partner relationships: platforms, tools, services, co-dev
- Funding & deal flow: publishers, VCs, strategic investors
- Go-to-market momentum: launch partners, integrations, channel
- Tech evaluation: AI/ML, cloud, infrastructure, monetization, safety
- Media touchpoints: briefings, demos, story leads
Potential Use Cases
- A tools provider booking meetings with AA/AAA engine leads to validate a new workflow
- An indie founder pitching publishers and funders with a playable demo in hand
- A platform sourcing content partnerships across new regions
- A studio lead evaluating external partners for live-ops, UA, or UGC safety
- A media editor locking briefings and a hands-on demo list for coverage
How GamePlan Works
1.) Set your profile & preferences.
Share who you are, what you’re offering/seeking, and who you want to meet.
2.) Review profiles & make selections.
Browse participants and select who you’d like to meet.
3.) Score-based matches.
Our platform uses double-opt-in matching based on your preferences.
4.) Get your lineup.
You’ll receive up to 10 meetings (15 minutes each) with table numbers and time blocks in the Festival Hall.
Key Dates
Opt-in deadline: Friday, January 16, 2026
Selections open: Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Selections close: Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Schedules sent: Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Schedules visible in app: Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Meeting Windows
18 total slots across Wednesday and Thursday to optimize your time at GDC
- Wednesday, March 11: Dedicated blocks between 10:30am-12:15pm and 2:30pm-4:15pm
- Thursday, March 12: Dedicated blocks between 10:30am-12:15pm and 2:30pm-4:15pm
- Each 1:1 is 15 minutes with brief transition time. You may be scheduled for up to 10 meetings in total.
FAQ
Is this a hosted-buyer program?
No. GamePlan is not a hosted-buyer program. It’s a custom, closed facilitated meetings program aligned to the games ecosystem’s realities. No quotas, no guaranteed buys, just facilitated, high-intent meetings. GameChanger pass and other vetted attendees are invited to the program.
Do you use AI to match?
No. Meetings are scheduled from each participant’s individual requests. Our algorithm then schedules meetings based on mutual interest and availability.
How many meetings will I get?
That will depend on how many selections and mutual matches you have. You can get up to 10 across the two days, depending on fit, mutual interest, and availability.
Who can participate?
GamePlan is open to Game Changer Pass holders who opt in, plus a limited set of invited, qualified participants. Selection is based on goals, seniority, and market fit. Questions about eligibility? Email GDCGamePlan@informa.com.
Where does it happen?
In Festival Hall’s Base Camp. You’ll get exact table numbers with your schedule.
What if I need to decline a match?
Tell us during the review window. We aim for double-opt-in style alignment – no forced fits.
What if someone no-shows?
We’ll attempt an onsite re-match or add an extra slot where possible.
Can I bring a colleague?
Meetings are strictly 1:1. There is ample space in the Festival Hall to continue with a larger conversation after the 1:1.
How do I get in?
If you hold a Game Changer Pass, you’ll receive an opt-in email to complete your profile by January 16, 2026. Not a Game Changer? You may be invited based on qualifications. Questions about eligibility? Email GDCGamePlan@informa.com.
What does it cost to participate?
There’s no separate fee for participants. GamePlan access is included with the Game Changer Pass. Invited participants without a Game Changer Pass can join at no additional cost.
Change the Game, Together
