The 2026 edition of the Game Developers Conference reportedly faces attendance challenges tied to concerns over ICE activity and U.S. safety.
A number of game studios and executives say they plan to skip the 2026 Game Developers Conference, citing safety concerns linked to heightened U.S. immigration scrutiny and ICE activity, among several other factors. As a result, this year’s GDC could look markedly different from recent editions of the event.
GDC is scheduled to take place between March 9 and 13 in San Francisco. The upcoming edition of the annual event has been rebranded as the “GDC Festival of Gaming,” with organizer Informa Festivals pitching it as a broadened, ecosystem-wide B2B industry gathering. Organizers say the shift is informed by community feedback and includes a simplified ticket structure aimed at making the show more accessible to smaller developers and independent studios compared to previous years, alongside a stronger emphasis on networking and cross-industry connections.
I have a friend who visits every year. They’re not concerned because “we’re white”. I wonder if they’ll still go this year after ICE killed (at least) two white US citizens.
The only thing worse than being a known threat is being unpredictable. Tomorrow, next week, or whenever, Mango Mussolini might go on a 4AM rant about how much he hates the gaming industry. Then there’s the ongoing issue of ICE murdering and kidnapping with impunity.
There’s absolutely no way that I’d risk my life or freedom for something as trivial as GDC 2026.
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I wouldn’t go to that country if you paid me. I like being alive, thanks.
I have a friend who visits every year. They’re not concerned because “we’re white”. I wonder if they’ll still go this year after ICE killed (at least) two white US citizens.
TSA was bad enough. Even if you’re white.
I have family in the States I refuse to visit. Not like, distant cousins, I mean siblings.
Oh come on! I live in the united states, and…
…uhhh…
looks around
…uuuuuhhhhhhhh…
…yeah, ok. Fair enough.
My wife skipped her dad’s funeral. Her mom told her it wasn’t safe to come back.
I’m sorry for her loss and I don’t blame her in the slightest.
Thanks yeah, it’s been hard to process the grief being so far from everyone and not being able to attend the funeral.
Most conferences are moving to Canada or Europe if they have a large international contingent. It’s decimating the convention venues.
I really wish SCALE would do that so I could go, but no such luck. I guess the “Southern California” part runs too deep.
Sensible.
The only thing worse than being a known threat is being unpredictable. Tomorrow, next week, or whenever, Mango Mussolini might go on a 4AM rant about how much he hates the gaming industry. Then there’s the ongoing issue of ICE murdering and kidnapping with impunity.
There’s absolutely no way that I’d risk my life or freedom for something as trivial as GDC 2026.