The Game Developer Conference has been rebranded as the GDC Festival of Gaming, reflecting the evolving nature of the industry. "The industry is changing and so are we," the organization stated in their announcement.

In March 2026, the traditional Game Developer Conference will transition to the GDC Festival of Gaming, held in San Francisco, California, from the 9th to the 13th.

The rebranding was unveiled via social media, citing the transformation of the industry and the need to adapt accordingly.

The organizers noted changes in the industry environment, pointing out that financial constraints, divided attention spans, and evolving technology have made discovery challenging. They emphasized the necessity for stronger connections, increased visibility, and improved support within the community.

Described as a unifying event for the entire gaming sector, the Festival of Gaming aims to enhance connection, opportunity, and relevance.

This new event model turns the GDC into an all-encompassing journey for game creators.

The March 2026 event will introduce a revised pass system that offers comprehensive access as standard. The new Festival Pass, taking over from All Access, will come at a notably reduced cost, with discounts for start-ups and academics.

The upcoming GDC Festival of Gaming will occur at the Moscone Center in San Francisco from March 9-13, 2026.

The previous Game Developers Conference in 2025 drew nearly 30,000 participants, matching the numbers from 2024, while the number of exhibitors rose from 325 to 400. This year’s conference offered over 1,000 presentations, including sessions, workshops, and discussions, alongside networking opportunities. The event also featured the inaugural GDC Nights, which took place on March 17 and 20, attracting over 6,000 attendees.