10 First-Timer Tips for GDC
Moscone Conference Center Doors, San Francisco 2025
So you want to go to the Game Developers Conference?
When I went to GDC for the first time last year, which you can read about here, I felt like an outsider in the games industry with very few connections. With the right mindset though, I was able to open a lot of doors and have so many meaningful conversations with brilliant people, including Jerrell Bennet, who is graciously helping me share some first-timer tips with all of you!
Jerrell: Hello, my name is Jerrell Bennett, and I’m a gameplay programmer. I went to College of Charleston and got a Bachelor’s in Computing in the Arts in 2020. My degree combines both computer science and the arts together, so my discipline is split between the two. My first attendance for GDC was in 2025, and I had a wonderful time! Hopefully some of the tips help but more importantly remember to have fun!
1. Be Safe
Jerrell: Keep an eye on your surroundings. The Tenderloin district is a place to watch out for. It has cheaper food but avoid going in that area at night unless you’re in a group. When leaving the GDC area make sure to put your badge away. Use phone tracking apps between locations (Brittney used Life360), and check in regularly with a trusted individual about your whereabouts.
2. Things To Bring
Brittney: Spare your back the pain, and try to carry light. Carrying hand-sanitizer is a fast way to make friends, and an extra protein bar will make sure you survive one more panel before your next meal. Bring an external battery to charge your phone on the go, especially if you use phone tracking apps, which can drain battery fast. If you forget something, there’s a Target within walking distance. There is a store on-site with some merch. If any of that interests you, go early to avoid stuff being sold out.
3. Know Your Brand
Brittney: Have an idea of who you are and what you care about relating to games. I was the Narrative Archaeologist, and Jerrell was the programmer who’s really into turn-based RPGs. You’d be surprised how many people will recognize you during and after GDC, if you have a clear brand. Bring business cards that display this brand and have some way to contact you easily visible on the card. Similarly, make sure your portfolio and LinkedIn are up-to-date. You’re about to make a lot of first impressions.
4. Prioritize Spaces that Support Networking
Jerrell: Waiting lines and roundtable events are the best places to have conversations with people. Be proactively social, and get to know people's stories. If you don’t have a topic, ask them about their journey through game development. Had a great interaction with somebody? Grab their business card and continue the conversation later. If you’re going alone and don’t know anybody, leverage LinkedIn and discords for communities you may be a part of. I was a part of many discords like Black in Gaming and International Game Developers Association, which can be a way to meet people going to GDC. Utilize GDCparties.com to find more events.
5. Spend Time with People Outside Your Niche
Brittney: Spend some dedicated time getting to know people outside of your niche. I met some amazing writers, who I will continue to learn from in the future, but my opportunities to consult and write for games came from getting to know programmers and UX designers. If you have the ability to offer someone your help, do so. The people outside of your niche will always need someone with your expertise.
Expo Hall 2025
6. Be Flexible
Jerrell: You don’t need to commit to a planned schedule. There were many times I rearranged my schedule and am better for it. You may discover events or make great connections that weren’t part of your schedule. Prioritize quality connections and experiences over quantity. However, make sure you give yourself breaks to recharge.
7. Be Observant
Brittney: Keep an eye out for faces or name tags you might recognize. One day, I was walking to a talk when I saw someone walk past me, wearing a jacket with “Obsidian” on it. Obsidian happens to be the studio that created one of my favorite games listed in my article about narrative games. I spun around, struck up a conversation, and have since had a couple more conversations with some really cool people from the studio.
8. Follow Up During GDC
Jerrell: If you see a connection while around, feel free to say hi and ask how their day or GDC is going. You’d be surprised how many times you can run into somebody, and how you can meet new people from those existing connections. Additionally, if you learn of an event that’s open, invite anybody you feel would be interested in that event. Not only does this help that person, but it also gives you somebody to talk to at the event and potentially meet other people from them.
9. Follow Up After GDC
Brittney: 2 weeks to 2 months after GDC, go through your collected business cards and make sure you’re connected with everyone. Write down the names of people you want to have more conversations with and invite them to a 30 minutes virtual coffee chat through zoom. This allows you to deepen connections and might introduce new opportunities! This was how I entered a writing mentorship with David Gallaher. Try to keep up with people’s events and periodically check in with them.
10. Have Fun
Brittney: The expo hall is open Wednesday through Friday, and most people will be there during those days. GDC is a whole week, and you’ve probably traveled to a brand new city to be there. Have fun, go out, sit alone in the expo hall and play a video game, try ube ice cream for the first time, visit one of the many museums nearby, or take a stroll around Fisherman’s Wharf like I did. The games industry is really stressful, don’t make your trip stressful too, you deserve to do something fun just for yourself.
Neither Jerrell or I will be at GDC 2026, but we are always open to connecting through LinkedIn.