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 17.
[Achievement & 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
Use Cases (Quick Examples)
- A tools provider booking 6 meetings with AA/AAA engine leads to validate a new workflow
- An indie founder pitching 3 publishers and 2 funders with a playable demo in hand.
- A platform sourcing 5 promising content partnerships across new regions
- A studio lead evaluating 4 external partners for live-ops, UA, or UGC safety
- A media editor locking two briefings and a hands-on demo list for coverage
How GamePlan Works
Set your profile & preferences.
Share who you are, what you’re offering/seeking, and who you want to meet.
Review profiles and make selections.
Browse participants and select who you’d like to meet.
Score-based matches.
Our platform uses double-opt-in matching based on your preferences.
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.
- 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 hosted-buyer. It’s a custom, closed system aligned to the games ecosystem’s realities. No quotas, no guaranteed buys, just facilitated, high-intent meetings.
Do you use AI to match?
No. Matching is human-curated from detailed profiles and stated goals.
How many meetings will I 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
