As the game industry prepares for the 2017 Game Developers Conference, show organizers thought it would be a good idea to offer a preview of all the cool interactive spaces and exhibits attendees will have access to during next year's big event.
These spaces are a perennially popular part of GDC, and they're curated to introduce you to a smorgasbord of the most intriguing work being done by game developers around the industry. The interactive spaces at GDC 2017 will include everything from the world's leading lineup of alternative controller games, to game jam prototypes created on a train during the pre-GDC Train Jam, to an expert selection of tabletop games.
So as you're planning out your GDC 2017 schedule, don't forget to set some time aside to check out the variety of lounges, exhibits, and other events that will be happening across GDC throughout the week. Highlights include:
- alt.ctrl.GDC - The perenially popular alt.ctrl.GDC showcase of alternative controller games returns to GDC for the fourth year running, bringing with it a great lineup of games played with unique, offbeat controllers that attendees can check out for themselves on the show floor.
- Art Boss - The Game Developers Conference is partnering with creative production company iam8bit to present the first annual Art Boss, a new art showcase taking place during GDC 2017! Art Boss aims to be the definitive annual showcase for artists working in the games industry and highlights all forms of artwork created during the production of a game, from concept to release.
- Day of the Devs - Last year's on-site GDC edition of Day of the Devs was so nice, we're doing it twice! GDC 2017 will once again host the indie video game showcase from Double Fine and long-time GDC collaborators, iam8bit. The curated selection of games will be announced in the near future and will include a wide range of intriguing, innovative & smart titles from some of the industry's leading creators - and some surprises, too.
- GDC Movie Night - In the spirit of great video game mysteries, the 2017 Game Developers Conference is kicking off its inaugural Movie Nights with two evening showings for GDC passholders that delve into the unknown: Clue! and The Game. Screenings of both films are open to all GDC passholders at no additional cost, and free popcorn will be provided!
- GDC Retro Play - Don't miss this brand new area at GDC 2017 in San Francisco that specifically concentrates on showcasing retro consoles, computers, games and related memorabilia.
- Indie MEGABOOTH - The Indie MEGABOOTH Showcase, an approachable GDC show floor exhibit of hand-picked indie games, returns for GDC 2017. As always, The MEGABOOTH exists to support indie developers and help pool their resources to enable them to showcase their work to the public and their peers.
- Mild Rumpus - Amid the hustle and bustle of your GDC experience, take a moment to relax and enjoy Mild Rumpus, a space for you to check out beautifully soothing indie videogames in comfort approaching that of your own living room.
- One Life Left - GDC continues its long-running partnership with One Life Left, Britain's premier video game radio show! The charming hosts of One Life Left will be broadcasting from the GDC show floor, joined by Gamasutra staff, throughout the week alongside a rotating posse of super-special guests.
- Shut Up & Sit Down - This tabletop game exhibit, curated by the keen minds behind board game enthusiast hub Shut Up & Sit Down, returns once again to offer GDC attendees a comfortable space to relax and play some of the best card and board games around.
- Train Jam - GDC officials are proud to continue to support the efforts of those taking part in the fourth annual Train Jam (which typically takes place on a train between Chicago and San Francisco the week prior to GDC) by providing a dedicated space at the show where organizers will be displaying select games made during the jam.
These events and more should offer attendees plenty of stuff to stop and check out between sessions. Stay tuned for more announcements about the show in the weeks ahead, and don't miss your opportunity to save money by registering early -- the deadline to register for passes at a discounted rate is January 25, 2017. GDC 2017 itself will take place February 27th - March 3rd at the Moscone Center in San Francisco.
For more information on GDC 2017, visit the show's official website, or subscribe to regular updates via Facebook, Twitter, or RSS.
