Embracing Change in the Game Industry: A New Era for GDC

The game industry is undergoing significant changes, and the Game Developers Conference (GDC) is adapting to meet the needs of its community. Mark DeLoura, Executive Director for Innovation and Growth at Informa, discusses the reasoning behind the recent teaser campaign and the introduction of the GDC Festival of Gaming. The campaign aimed to convey that GDC is not the same as it was before, and the changes are designed to benefit the community. The new Festival Pass offers a reduced price, making it more accessible to attendees, while the Game Changers pass provides additional features for senior figures. DeLoura emphasizes the importance of embracing change and working together to address the challenges facing the industry. The GDC Festival will feature a broader range of content, including fireside chats, keynotes, and debates, and will incorporate more of the city, with events in Yerba Buena and other locations. The goal is to create a celebration of development, rather than just a conference. DeLoura also discusses the Luminaries Speaker Series, which will feature speakers who can share insights and expertise with executives and other industry leaders. The series will include speakers from other industries who can provide unique perspectives on game development. The GDC Festival will also feature curated networking, with the goal of introducing attendees to new people and ideas. DeLoura acknowledges that the game industry is diverse and that the conference should reflect that diversity. The GDC Festival will aim to provide a platform for developers to share their experiences, learn from each other, and build connections. The event will also explore new topics, such as the use of game technology in other industries, and will feature speakers who can provide insights into the future of the industry. Overall, the GDC Festival is designed to be a dynamic and inclusive event that supports the growth and development of the game industry.