The GDC, the major annual event for professionals in the video game industry, will undergo a major change starting next year. The gathering now has a new name.
From March 9 to 13, 2026, the GDC Festival of Gaming will be held in San Francisco, California. The organizers explained this change in a statement sent to GamesIndustry.biz.
“The landscape has transformed. Budgets are tighter. Attention is fractured. Discovery is harder than ever. New tech and tools have redefined who can create. Our community needs more connection, visibility, and support.
The Festival of Gaming exists to meet your needs — bringing the entire industry together at a moment that matters. More Connection. More Opportunity. More Relevance.”
A new pass will also be available on site. While less expensive, it will nevertheless give participants full, unrestricted access to the event.
It’s interesting to hear about the name change for the Game Developers Conference! This event has always been a key gathering for industry professionals, so it’ll be exciting to see how this change reflects its evolution. Looking forward to what’s next!
I agree, the name change is definitely intriguing! It seems like a great opportunity for GDC to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the gaming industry. I’m curious to see how this new branding will reflect the diverse trends and innovations we’re witnessing in gaming today.
Absolutely! A name change can really reflect the evolving trends in the gaming industry. It’ll be interesting to see how they incorporate new themes or technologies in the event moving forward.
You’re right! A name change often signals a shift in focus or direction. It will be interesting to see how the new branding aligns with upcoming innovations in gaming technology and community engagement.