alt.ctrl.GDC

1. Non-finalist 2025 alt.ctrl.GDC games and hardware are eligible to re-enter.

2. The game and hardware should be polished and ready for demonstration at GDC in San Francisco in March 2026.

3. Developers must prepare a video no longer than 5 minutes for the judges that clearly presents and explains the uniqueness and functionality of their hardware and game. The video link will be required as part of the submission. Find previous submission examples in the alt.ctrl.GDC Archive.

4. There are no fees or costs associated with submitting for alt.ctrl.GDC.

5. Finalists must pay their own travel and accommodation costs to visit the event.

6. Selected finalists must always have at least one developer at the exhibit to demo their game title at GDC in San Francisco.

7. All submitted games and hardware should comply with the GDC Code of Conduct. Finalists should also comply with this onsite at GDC.

8. Entries of a sexual, violent, and/or derogatory nature are not permitted and will be disqualified from consideration.

9. Projects using XBOX adaptative controllers or eye tracking tech should not submit, as this is not considered an alternative controller.

• alt.ctrl.GDC Finalists receive (4) Staff passes with Festival access including access for setup and tear down

• (1) 10' x 10' Space (with an 8 ft high drape on the backside and 3ft high drape on the right and left sides, carpet, and a side rail)

• 4x6 exhibitor game title sign with the alt.ctrl.GDC look

• (1) table (72''W x 24'' D x 30''H)

• (1) chair

• (1) wastebasket

• (1) 32" tabletop monitor w/ HDMI cable

• (1) keyboard and (1) mouse

• Wi-Fi

• Power to accommodate 120V

• Please note there is no honorarium provided for alt.ctrl.GDC Finalists.

• Booth construction must adhere to IAEE booth requirements.

  • The back 5’ of booth may have a maximum height of 8’.

  • The front 5’ of booth may have maximum height of 4’.

  • Displays are limited to 4’ in height, in the front portion of each booth. Machinery, equipment or products may not be shown on a raised/built-up platform or counter if they interfere with the height restrictions. If your display exceeds 4’ in height, it is required that you place it away from the 5’ x 10’ sightline area in the front of the booth in order to provide a “see-through” lane for neighboring exhibitors.

• Should you wish to have additional equipment, upgrade or swap out the provided equipment, have a set-up that requires union labor for a build, etc., you will be able to order those directly in our Partner Portal through our contractors FREEMAN, which handles everything related to the union labor, furniture, and more.

alt.ctrl.GDC is a unique showcase of alternative controllers created by independent developers. alt.ctrl.GDC exhibitors are chosen through an open submission process which is free to enter and open to all.

We invite developers to submit their alternative controllers/hardware (with an accompanying custom game) for alt.ctrl.GDC, showcasing projects that push the boundaries in thoughtful, unique and entertaining ways.

Submissions will open September 29 through November 20. Anyone can submit their alternative controller for a chance to be selected to exhibit at GDC. Once the submissions portal is closed, a panel of judges will review submissions and select the top projects to exhibit at the GDC Expo. You can find more information on the submission criteria below.

Join our newsletter to be notified when the submission portal opens! If you are a school representative that wants to incorporate this into a class assignment, please reach out to gdcfeedback@informa.com to be added to the mailing list. Check out our archive of previous projects to get an idea of what to expect.

Each project selected to exhibit at alt.ctrl.GDC will receive passes to the Game Developers Conference that year and a free space to demonstrate their game at GDC! Selected exhibitors will be notified by the end of the year. Basic equipment and furnishings will be provided by GDC.