GDC Pitch
The GDC Pitch Competition
GDC Pitch is the Festival of Gaming’s live pitch showcase, hosted and co-organized by Jason Della Rocca, a global expert in funding, pitching, and studio acceleration (Execution Labs; former Executive Director of the IGDA).
Over two days, 10 hand-selected finalists (5 each day) present their games onstage to a jury of publishers, investors, and industry leaders, with a packed audience cheering them on. It’s high-energy, high-visibility, and one of the most career-defining moments an emerging studio can have onsite.
Whether refining your pitch, seeking your first publishing deal, or putting your studio in front of the people who can move your game forward, GDC Pitch is your moment.
Meet the 2026 GDC Pitch Jury
Victoria Tran
Communications Director
Innersloth
Snow Rui
President and CFO
Hooded Horse
Rebekah Saltsman
Co-founder and CEO
Finji
Ibrahim Hafeez
Investor
Griffin Gaming Partners
Kelly Wallick
Investor
MEGABOOTH
Sigurlína Ingvarsdóttir
Founding Partner
Behold Ventures
[What is GDC]
What is GDC Pitch?
GDC Pitch is a two-day, live, onstage pitch competition where 10 finalists (5 each day) present their games to a panel of publishers and investors.
After each pitch, the jury provides real-time feedback, guidance, and questions that help sharpen your message and strengthen your pitch craft.
Winners receive:
A 2027 Game Changer Pass
Major visibility across the Festival
Recognition that opens doors to meetings, deals, and real momentum
Who Can Participate?
You are eligible if you meet ONE of the following:
- You have a booth in the GDC Play Pavilion or an indie with a presence in any of the state or international pavilions
OR
- You have a Game Changer Pass
All eligible participants will receive submission instructions by email.
Submission Deadline: February 2, 2026
Only 10 finalists (5 each day) will be selected for the live competition.
[What is GDC]
Where It Happens
Live at the Festival Hall Theater! GDC Pitch takes place inside the Festival Hall, surrounded by crowds, energy, discovery, and opportunity.
Expect:
A full theater setup in the middle of the Festival
A large, engaged audience
Spotlight lighting and full-stage recording you can share with publishers, partners, or backers
Visibility you simply can’t replicate anywhere else
If you want the whole industry to see your work, this is where you pitch it.
Why Participate?
Studios often describe GDC Pitch as “career-changing.” Here’s why:
Expert Pitch Coaching: Finalists receive 1:1 coaching, guidance, and pitch-deck feedback from host Jason Della Rocca, one of the most respected voices in game funding and pitching.
Instant Visibility: Your game is showcased live to publishers, investors, media, and fellow creators.
Expert Feedback: Jurors provide high-impact feedback, asking the questions decision-makers care about.
Meaningful Momentum: Finalists often see increased booth traffic, requests for meetings, press attention, and, in some cases, deal conversations.
[What is GDC]
Past GDC Pitch Winners
Celebrate the studios that took home top honors and see where they are now.
- 2025:The Coldest Winter + Vibe XP & The Moonfaces + Fictiorama
- 2024:Heroes of Mount Dragon + RuniQDay &The Rabbit Haul + Caldera Interactive
- 2023: Zing Games Inc. + Zombie Rollerz: The Last Ship & Lofty Sky Entertainment + Sky of Tides
Watch Past Pitches
See how previous finalists brought the energy, clarity, and creativity that won over the jury.
Key Dates & Questions
Eligibility Requirements: Must be a GDC Play exhibitor OR a Game Changer Pass holder
Submission Window: Opens December; closes February 2, 2026
Live Pitch Sessions: Wednesday & Thursday at the Festival Hall Theater
Winner Announcement: End of each day’s session
Questions? Email: gdcregistration@informa.com