Passes & Pricing
Full Access. No Compromises.
Your pass unlocks it all: world-class sessions, the Festival Hall, nightly celebrations, and the connections that drive the games industry forward. Whether you build games, fund them, distribute them, market them, or talk about them, there's a pass for you.
Choose Your Pass
Festival Pass $1199 $649
Advanced Rate
Save $550 before February 20, 2026
Enjoy the full GDC experience. From world-class sessions to citywide celebrations, this pass unlocks the learning, networking, and energy that define the Festival of Gaming.
Benefits include:
Access to all conference content and keynotes
Entry to Festival Hall & networking spaces
Opening Night Social Mixer & Developer’s Concert
IGF Awards & Game Developers Choice Awards
Citywide activations and official partner events
Complimentary pop-up light bites & drinks in Festival Hall
AI-powered networking via the GDC Event App
Exclusive discounts on hotels
Game Changer Pass $2499 $1699
Advanced Rate
Save $800 before February 20, 2026
Take your GDC experience to the next level. All Festival Pass perks plus elevated access, exclusive spaces, and personalized opportunities throughout the week.
Benefits include:
One-year GDC Vault subscription ($649 value)
Daily picnic lunch at Yerba Buena Gardens (up to $100 value)
Access to the Luminaries Speaker Series
GamePlan: Up to 5 double opt-in facilitated meetings
Exclusive lounges & workspaces at the Festival
Priority entry to Keynotes, Concert, Awards & GDC Store
Reserved area at the Opening Night Social Mixer
Premium swag bag
[additional passes]
Application-Based Passes
Early Stage Indie & Start-up Pass
$649 $449
Save $200 before February 20, 2026
For early-stage companies. Same access and benefits as the Festival Pass. Apply to confirm eligibility.
Eligibility:
In operation for less than 5 years (incorporated after Jan 1, 2021)
Fewer than 50 full-time employees
Not owned by a larger corporation or operating as an agency, consultant, law firm, venture capital firm, or accelerator
Limited availability. Applications are reviewed within 3 business days. Once approved, you’ll be notified to complete your pass purchase. If you do not qualify, your pass will be converted to a Festival Pass.
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Academic Pass
$549 $349
Save $200 before February 20, 2026
For verified students and faculty. Same access and benefits as the Festival Pass. Proof of status required.
Eligibility:
Must have a verified academic affiliation
Registration with an academic email address is required
Limited availability. You will be asked to show valid school ID when checking in onsite.
Digital Pass
$799
Join GDC from anywhere. Post-event on-demand access to the learning and insights of GDC. This is a virtual-only pass, no in-person entry.
Benefits include:
- One-year GDC Vault subscription ($649 value)
- Access to the GDC Event App for AI-powered networking