The Game Developers Conference (GDC) provides a range of options to attend with a free or discounted pass in an effort to be inclusive, diverse, and accessible. GDC partners with organizations that provide free passes through Scholarship programs, conducts an annual Low Income Pass Lottery, and organizes a Conference Associates program where you can apply to work during the event in exchange for a pass. Please review programs, qualifications, and application deadlines.
Partner Organizations
GDC partners with organizations to support the flourishing diversity in our community. Below is a list of 2019 scholarship partner organizations, each with their own scholarship program guidelines. Qualified candidates can apply to receive a complimentary GDC Conference + Summits pass. Additional information will be linked below as the organizations announce their application process.
2019 Scholarship Partner Organizations
- Able Gamers
- Amplifying New Voices
- Argentina Foundation for Videogames
- Audio Mentoring Project
- Blacks at Xbox Community
- CME08
- Dames Making Games
- Different Games Collective
- Diversi
- Eastern European Indie Games Foundation
- ESA Scholarship Foundation Program
Low-Income Pass Lottery
Enter the Low Income Pass Lottery by January 11, 2019 for an opportunity to win a complimentary GDC 2019 Expo Plus Pass, intended for people who would otherwise not be able to attend without considerable financial assistance. Guidelines:
- One entry per person
- You may enter for this pass each year if you have need
- If you are awarded a pass, GDC will automatically register you
- Low Income passes are non-transferrable and have no cash value
- If you have already purchased a pass to GDC 2019, you are not eligible
- The Lottery drawing winner will be announced via email in January before the early registration deadline to allow you to take advantage of the discount if not selected
Conference Associates
Apply to Work for an All Access Pass
If you are eligible to work in the United States of America and would like to work for 25 hours during GDC from Sunday, March 17 through Friday, March 22, 2019, apply to be a Conference Associate (CA). CA's help monitor sessions, scan badges, answer attendee questions, and other tasks in exchange for an All Access Pass that can be used during off hours and a little extra money.
Learn more about the CA Program and application deadlines.
If you have additional questions, please contact the CA Manager, Ian MacKenzie, at [email protected].
