Networking

Networking at the Festival

Nearly 30,000 people attend the Festival of Gaming for one reason above all: connections.

This is where your global game-making community meets face-to-face, builds partnerships, secures deals, finds collaborators, and sparks the conversations that drive our industry forward.

Whether you’re here to close deals, find collaborators, or build lifelong friendships, the Festival is designed to make it happen. Every meeting, every conversation, every introduction has the potential to Change the Game.

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Meet, Discover, Play, Grow

GDC Encounters

GDC’s version of Speed Networking. A fast-track to new contacts, partnerships, and future collaborators. Join us on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday.

GDC Base Camp

Formerly known as GDC Connect, this dedicated lounge in the Festival Hall offers space for both casual mingling and pre-arranged meetings scheduled through the event app.

Festival Hall Lounges

Kick back in the GDC Commons or in each neighborhood's lounge, with pop-up bites, drinks, and plenty of space to relax, recharge, and connect with your peers.

Summit Connect Lounge

Located between Summit classrooms and escalators, this high-traffic area is where attendees naturally gather for spontaneous meetings, easy intros, and strategic networking.

Tabletop Free Play & Playtesting Lounge

Grab a board game and let the games begin! Playtest new board games from our Free Play library, enjoy a little friendly competition, and share feedback directly with the devs.

Day of the Devs

Featuring a curated lineup of standout indie games; jump in and meet new connections over some new demos! Who knows, you might stumble upon your next collaborator.

Speaker Wrap-Up Rooms

One of GDC’s best kept networking secrets - the conversation doesn’t end when the session does! Meet speakers and peers who share your interests.

Summits Communities

16 Summits built for every craft. From Audio and Animation to ML and UX. Your discipline has a home, with space to meet all week.

The Event App

Networking starts before you arrive. Discover attendees, schedule meetups, and map your week, then turn those connections into conversations onsite.

GDC Affiliate Program

GDC-vetted gatherings across the city create more chances to connect. When you see them listed, you’ll know it’s part of the network that matters.

GDC 101

Are you new to the show or traveling solo? Kick off your Festival experience with guidance and orientation, designed to help you find your community right away.

Unexpected Moments

Some of the best conversations aren’t scheduled. From hallway chats to chance meetups to park conversations, the unexpected often becomes the most valuable.

GDC Nights

From concerts and awards to a stadium-sized Monday kickoff at Oracle Park, every night delivers a new way to connect with peers in a festival atmosphere.

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GamePlan

The most intentional way to connect at the Festival.

GamePlan brings together qualified executives, decision makers, and innovators for pre-scheduled 1:1 business meetings that drive results. Build new customer and partner relationships, reconnect with familiar faces, generate leads, pitch ideas, explore funding opportunities, discover emerging technologies, and engage with media.