GDC 2021: Dates, News, Announcements, Rumors, and More

The Game Developer's Conference aka GDC is exactly what it sounds like: A gathering of game developers where problems are solved, ideas are exchanged, and the future of gaming is inspired by the conversations of programmers, artists, and others who actually build and market the games the rest of us play.

What Are the Dates of the Next Game Developers Conference?

This year, GDC will on July 19-23, 2021. It's a hybrid event: Some activities will occur on-site in San Francisco, while others will happen online. COVID-19 restrictions could change, of course, so it's likely that the on-site activities will undergo some adjustments before the event.

GDC Registration Info

Registration is live for the event. Pass pricing starts at $199. There are a variety of pass options (All Access, Audio-specific, Career Development, etc.) so visit the Passes & Prices page to get more details, register, and fork over your cash.

What Will Be Announced at GDC?

Products and major industry announcements aren't typical at GDC. The conference's goal is to exchange ideas and help all those involved in game creation connect through workshops and industry talks.

However, a product announcement is not entirely out of the question. Microsoft, for example, announced the original Xbox console at GDC in 2000. It's a long shot, but some rumors are floating Nintendo could announce an expected new iteration of the Switch at GDC.

Instead, watch for developer opportunities. For example, a company might announce a new partnership that could impact how developers create games. Google for Games announced its partnership with Activision Blizzard in 2020. Rumors say Microsoft is building a gaming partnership that it could announce at GDC this year.

The following video is an excellent example of a GDC workshop. In this 2018 GDC talk, Ubisoft's David Monroe shows developers how to make great art to greet players before beginning their journey with a game.

The Independent Games Festival

Part of the fun at GDC is a festival that showcases independent games and their creators. The festival will accept entries for all of the IGF categories through February 1, 2021, and will likely announce finalists in early May 2021.

The finalists are chosen by industry peers, which makes the festival particularly meaningful for developers. Categories include Excellence in Visual Art, Excellence in Audio, Excellence in Design, Excellence in Narrative, and Best Student Game.

How to Stream and Watch GDC

This event requires registration to obtain the streaming links and access codes. Stay tuned to this spot: As soon as we have registration information, we'll post it here.

The Latest GDC News

While you can always read the latest gaming news on Lifewire, here are some pieces of interest about GDC in particular.

We'll have more GDC news as it becomes available. Stay tuned and check back here for the latest details!