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The Game Developers Conference will take place as planned in March, and we are watching closely for new developments around the Novel Coronavirus (COVID19 or 2019-nCoV) situation in China to keep the GDC community appraised of the latest updates. This page will keep you posted on new information, as well as our approach to keep our attendees healthy and safe.

Update: Feb 28, 2020

We are closely monitoring the COVID19 (coronavirus) situation and want to assure everyone that your health and safety are a top priority. If our assessment of the situation changes, based on new and evolving developments or updated information, we will promptly update this statement regarding the status of GDC 2020 accordingly.  



Update: Feb 25, 2020

We've recently learned of the additional preventative measures instituted by the City Of San Francisco around COVID19. Locally, the California Department of Public Health, the San Francisco Department of Public Health, and the San Francisco Travel Association continue to support the convening of public events, and we are moving forward as planned. 


 

Update: Feb 20, 2020

As the Game Developers Conference approaches next month, we would like to reiterate how much we care about the global game development ecosystem and the health of our attendees and would like to thank you for supporting us and the rest of the community.

We wanted to update you on our preparation for the event as we once again welcome you back to San Francisco. Based on the strict U.S. quarantine around coronavirus and a large number of enhanced on-site measures (see 2/13 post below), we are confident we can execute a safe and successful event for our community. Locally, the California Department of Public Health, the San Francisco Department of Public Health, and the San Francisco Travel Association support the convening of public events. More information can be found here: CDPH Update, SFDPH Statement, Letter from SFTA

We are also continuing to follow the latest CDC and WHO guidance, following in the footsteps of other large international events that are taking place successfully at the Moscone Center.


Update: Feb 13, 2020

Due to stringent U.S. travel and safety restrictions implemented on February 2nd, 2020, all of our China-based exhibitors (around 10 out of the 550 companies hosted at GDC this year) have had to push their participation to 2021 or are sending North American personnel to staff their booth. We are looking forward to hosting them next year. 

In addition, our China-based conference attendees (around 2% of the total GDC attendance) will not be attending this year, since the U.S. Government has restricted visas & travel from areas significantly impacted by COVID19. We’re hoping for a resolution of this difficult situation as soon as practical. 

The health and safety of our attendees and exhibitors is our top priority. We’ve outlined below important safety guidelines that we have put in place, as well as health measures that will be in effect during GDC 2020 in San Francisco. These measures should help all attendees to have a healthy event.

Physical measures implemented at GDC 2020:

  • San Francisco’s Moscone Center, which hosts GDC, is expanding its normal flu season cleanliness protocol to include:

    • The use of disinfecting electrostatic sprayers in high-traffic areas.
    • More frequent wipedowns of all common touch areas, including doorknobs, lecterns, microphones, light switches, escalator rails, trash receptacles, elevator buttons, water stations, and bathroom areas.
    • A significant increase in hand sanitizer stations throughout the Moscone Center.
    • Daily carpet sanitization in the Expo areas.
    • A large number of other incremental cleanliness steps, including daily Moscone employee pre-shift safety meetings to reinforce messaging. 

In addition, GDC is:

  • Specifically following the guidance of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

  • Adhering to the travel restrictions and guidance of the U.S. Department of State.

  • Working with San Francisco Travel to ensure that local hotels and venues are also increasing their cleanliness & hygiene regimes appropriately.

  • Asking GDC exhibitors to regularly disinfect & otherwise clean game controllers and VR headsets that are used by multiple attendees.

  • Encouraging attendees and exhibitors to follow regular CDC guidance for everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses of any kind:

    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
    • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. 
    • Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
    • Stay in your hotel or at home when you are sick.
    • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

We are
closely monitoring the COVID19 (coronavirus) situation and want to assure
everyone that your health and safety are a top priority. If our assessment of
the situation changes, based on new and evolving developments or updated
information,  we will promptly  update this statement regarding the
status of GDC 2020 accordingly.  

 

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