A Brand-New Festival-Style Experience at GDC
Introducing GDC Nights, an after-hours experience designed to bring the game development community together for two unforgettable evenings. Taking over all three floors of Moscone’s West Hall on Monday and Thursday (6:30-10:00 PM), we’re bringing you a festival of fun, connection, and creativity – right where the industry gathers.
No more scrambling for plans or hunting for after-hours meetups across the city. GDC Nights delivers a comfortable, engaging, and immersive space for you to relax, make new connections, and experience GDC in an entirely new way.
Add GDC Nights to any GDC pass or grab a standalone GDC Nights pass!
What’s Lined Up?
At GDC Nights, there’s something for everyone. Whether you want to relax with friends, get inspired by live entertainment, or jump into hands-on play, we’ve got you covered.
✅ A Festival-Style Setup: Three floors filled with lounges, gaming, live performances, screenings, and interactive experiences.
✅ Endless Ways to Have Fun – From comedy shows, karaoke, and live music to speed runs, game showcases, and creative activations.
✅ Concessions & Bars: Purchase food, beer, wine, or mocktails to keep the night going. Plus, we’ll have some late-night snacks!
✅ Bring Your Own Fun: Got a Switch, Steam Deck, or favorite board game? Bring them and play with friends!
Two Nights. One Unmissable Experience.
GDC Nights spans two incredible evenings, each packed with unique entertainment, gaming, and social experiences. While both nights bring you hands-on gameplay, live performances, networking lounges, and creative spaces, each has its own special headliners and exclusive content.
What’s Happening Across Both Nights?
No matter which night you attend – or if you go all-in for both – you’ll have access to:
Speed Runs
Watch top Games Done Quick (GDQ) speedrunners break records and push games to their limits.
Tabletop Games
Pick a game and grab a seat in dedicated areas by Shut Up & Sit Down and Dogpatch Games.
Unpub Playtesting
Playtest brand-new, unpublished tabletop games and help shape the future of board gaming.
Day of the Devs
Play new video games, meet the creators, and discover your next favorite indie title.
Global Game Jam
Check out games made during Global Game Jam and chat with the developers behind them.
Community Partner Meet-Ups
Meet-ups hosted by Gay Gaming Professionals, Game Devs of Color, Visual Effects Society, and more!
Karaoke Room
Nothing bonds game devs like belting out classics and one night of karaoke just isn’t enough!
Blood on the Clocktower
Presented by the Tabletop Game Designers Association, dive into this social game of mystery, logic, and deception!
Trivia by MADE
Think you know games? Test your skills with live trivia on both nights by The Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment (MADE).
Hands-on Creativity
Build with LEGOs, make cards for charity, and explore kinetic art solo or as a collaborative group.
Marketplace
Grab exclusive GDC Nights merch and explore SF-based vendors offering unique local goods.
Giveaways
Enjoy fun nightly giveaways and late-night snacks - because great nights deserve fun surprises!
Lobby Lounges
Relax, recharge, and connect in lounges by Xsolla (Level 1) and JetBrains (Level 2).
Yard Games
Challenge friends to some friendly competition! Play corn hole, foosball, Connect4, and more in the lobby areas!
Aw Snap! Photo Booth
Strike a pose with fun props, group shots, and take-home prints to remember the night!
Monday, March 17
GDC Nights Screening: The Remarkable Life of Ibelin
Courtesy of Netflix, join us for a watch party exploring a gamer’s lasting legacy.
Endgames Improv Theater
San Francisco’s hottest and longest-running improv comedy show inspired by your ridiculous relationships.
Society for Game Cinematics & Networking
Watch a 30-minute cinematic showcase, then network with industry professionals from the Society for Game Cinematics.
ASADI & XYE
Asadi & Xye bring music to the forefront of game development with original Persian electronic beats fused with dark, classical soundscapes.
Hulu’s Deli Boys – Screening & Conversation
A special screening and discussion on Muslim representation in entertainment. Featuring:
A screening of the first episode of Deli Boys (premiered on Hulu March 6).
Intro by Arij Mikati (VP of Programs, Pillars Fund) on research and the blueprint for Muslim inclusion.
Panel moderated by Arij Mikati with special guests:
- Asif Ali (Deli Boys actor)
- Saagar Shaikh (Deli Boys actor)
- Abdullah Saeed (Deli Boys creator)
- Osama Dorias (Design Director, Brass Lion Entertainment)
Thursday, March 20
Extra Lives
A choose-your-own-adventure band, mixing live music with classic gaming themes.
Jenny Yang’s Comedy Crossing
A one-of-a-kind comedy show, performed in-person AND inside Animal Crossing.
Deconstructor of Fun Live Podcast
A special live edition of “This Week in Games”, breaking down the latest in game development.
Future Games Show: Spring Showcase
Catch the Spring Showcase replay with the FGS team, featuring exclusive reveals, world premieres, and game deep dives.
GDC Nights Screening: Squid Game
Courtesy of Netflix, watch the hit show and play the official Squid Game mobile game.
Live DJ Set
Keeping the vibes fresh with, great tunes and non-stop music setting the perfect atmosphere all night!
