GDC FESTIVAL OF GAMING

GDC Festival of Gaming 2026 – The Ultimate Game Industry Gathering

About the Event

The GDC Festival of Gaming 2026 is scheduled to take place March 9-13, 2026, at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California. This event brings together the full spectrum of the games industry—from developers and designers to publishers, marketers, investors, and even the cultural and business sides of gaming. Across the five-day conference attendees will find world-class content including sessions on code, design, business, culture, and more. There’s a strong emphasis on networking opportunities: curated matchmaking, lounges for facilitated meetings, and dedicated spaces for conversation.  Beyond the formal program, the festival will also host the “Festival Hall” featuring innovation showcases, indie games, partner booths, and celebratory events like GDC Nights, which include mixers and awards, making it not just a learning venue, but a community-driven celebration of game-making culture. 

The event is organized by Informa PLC, a well-known global event group. In 2025, the conference saw about 30,000 people, with over 1,000+ speakers and 400+ exhibitors. The 2026 edition is expected to be even larger, with around 573 companies joining as exhibitors.

This year, the event has been reimagined as a “Festival of Gaming” — combining learning, fun, and networking into one exciting experience.

Speakers and Leaders

The GDC Festival of Gaming will feature top experts, creators, and leaders from the game world. Some names include: Celia Hodent – Game UX Strategist, David Lightbown – UX Director at Ubisoft, Kate Edwards – CEO and Co-founder of Geogrify / SetJetters, and Caleb Epps – Audio Director at Brass Lion Entertainment

Speakers and founders from AAA studios, indie developers, and game tech companies will share ideas, showcase projects, and talk about the future of gaming.

Why You Should Attend

The GDC Festival of Gaming is not just about talks — it’s a full experience that connects people from across the Gaming World.

Here’s what makes it special:

Global Networking: Meet developers, publishers, investors, and creators from 100+ countries.

Learn and Get Inspired: Join hundreds of sessions on coding, design, business, and new tech like AI, VR, and AR.

Boost Your Visibility: Startups and tool-makers can showcase products to a worldwide audience.

Spot the Future of Gaming: See the newest trends, tools, and innovations shaping the industry.

Grow Your Career: Find mentors, job openings, or collaborations to take your career to the next level.

What to Expect at GDC 2026

Key Sessions: Talks on AI in games, XR/VR/AR, indie success stories, and more.

Expo Hall: Explore new games, tools, and startups from around the world.

GDC Nights: Enjoy after-hours parties, live shows, and networking events.

Matchmaking & Partnerships: Use lounges and apps to connect with publishers, investors, and partners.

Indie & Startup Zones: Discover new ideas, indie games, and opportunities for young studios.

Global Culture: Experience gaming from many countries and cultures.

Plan! The event is huge — so pick your sessions early and schedule meetings in advance.

Summary

The GDC Festival of Gaming 2026 is where the entire gaming world comes together. For five days, San Francisco will be the center of creativity, learning, and connection.