In my role as Event Director of the Game Developers Conference, every year provides a new opportunity to connect with the community we love and bring the world together through games. As we come together for GDC 2025, I'd like to take this time to share the many programs we have to ensure everyone joining us feels welcome, safe, and respected.
As part of our commitment to our attendees and the community, GDC staff, Conference Associates, and vendors will be wearing "Welcome to San Francisco" stickers, so you can easily find someone onsite to answer your questions or assist you with any concerns. To demonstrate GDC’s connection to the city of San Francisco, our local ambassadors with SF Travel, Union Square Alliance, and Yerba Buena will also be sporting the stickers.
Safety Measures
- Make sure to read the GDC Code of Conduct, which dictates what behavior is or isn't permitted at the Game Developers Conference.
- Anyone who violates our Code of Conduct, or engages in any type of objectionable behavior, is subject to immediate and decisive response from conference organizers. If someone's behavior is unacceptable and they're asked to stop, they're expected to comply immediately. Otherwise, they risk further action—including possible expulsion from the conference without warning or refund.
- Our Safety Hotline is staffed 24/7 from now until April 5. If you see or experience behavior you feel is unacceptable, you can call +1-925-852-4361 to report it and our conference staff will take appropriate action. You're welcome to report anonymously.
- There are other ways to report unacceptable behavior. You can flag any security personnel, or Conference Associate (wearing orange shirts). You can head to our Show Office at Room 105, South Hall, where you will always find staff members willing to help. If you prefer, you can email me personally at Stephenie Hawkins, or my colleague Katie Tirschel, Event Delivery Director.
- GDC celebrates the diversity of its community, and we're dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive space for all game developers. Offensive comments or behaviors related to (but not limited to) race, gender, gender identity and expression, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or other protected category are prohibited.
Special Events
- This year, we're excited to host GDC Nights, our first official after-hours events, happening on Monday and Thursday from 6:30 to 10:00pm. Don't forget to secure your ticket (admission is included with an All-Access pass). GDC Nights is the perfect post-sessions spot to play games, meet developers, and make connections (head here for a full list of performances and activities). GDC security and staff members (including myself) will be present during the entire event.
- Returning for 2025, we have the the Xsolla Game Night on Tuesday, March 18 from 6:00 to 9:30pm (make sure you register beforehand). You can also join us on Wednesday, March 19 for the 2025 IGF Awards and Game Developers Choice Awards, starting at 6:30pm. All of these events will have a GDC security presence and staff members available.
- Please remember that any after-hours parties or get-togethers, unless hosted by Informa (GDC's parent company), are not official GDC events and will not have GDC security or staff present—but if you see or experience anything at these events, please call our hotline (staffed 24/7) at +1-925-852-4361.
Getting Around Moscone
- The GDC Travel Together program returns, providing opportunities for attendees to find travel companions and groups for getting to and from the Moscone Center. Be sure to join us in Room 303, South Hall on Sunday, March 16 at 7:00pm for our GDC Travel Together meetup, happening right after GDC 101 at 6:00pm.
- The Union Square Alliance also provides walking escorts for GDC attendees staying near the convention center. You can call member services at +1-415-781-4456 to request a walking escort. Please allow 30 minutes. There will be San Francisco police officers and Welcome Ambassadors stationed around the Moscone Center region as well as throughout the city.
GDC is more than an event: it's a global community, where we come together to share ideas, inspire innovation, and shape the future of game development. I can't wait to see you next week at the Game Developers Conference. Thank you for being part of our community.
GDC returns this March 17-21, 2025, and registration is open! Check out our Passes & Prices, and follow the #GDC2025 hashtag on Bluesky and LinkedIn.
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