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.
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! Check out a game from our Free Play board game library, enjoy a little friendly competition, and share feedback directly with the designers! See full game line-up.
Thank you to our partners Gamescape, Golden Gate Gamemakers, and Unpub.
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.
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.
- Exclusive to Game Changer Pass holders
- Invitation-only for qualified participants
- Purpose-driven meetings that create ROI
Every Conversation Can Change the Game
