Creative Wales is excited to announce that we will be showcasing some of our most talented developers and studios at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in 2025.
Reasons to attend GDC:
The Game Developers Conference attracts 30,000 visitors to the Moscone Centre in San Francisco, making it one of the world's largest annual gatherings of game professionals and their loyal fans. It's a jam-packed week full of inspiration, learning, and networking. The expo attracts some of the biggest names in the industry and there are plenty of other things going on too, including networking events, awards shows, festivals, tutorials, lectures, and roundtables led by industry professionals. These cover game-related topics such as programming, design, audio, production, business and management, and visual arts.
Why you should attend with Creative Wales:
We will provide you with the opportunity to showcase your company in the main conference hall alongside Epic Games, Microsoft, Meta, and Unity. You'll gain valuable contacts, build your exports in this sector, and we will be there to support you all the way by:
- covering 50% of the costs for your travel, accommodation, and exhibition fee
- facilitating networking and engagement with key businesses and decision-makers in the market
- sharing knowledge and information
- assisting you with travel arrangements through an appointed travel agent
- add you to all our marketing material
- providing access to the GDC Connect business matchmaking system to organise meetings before travel.
The Cost:
With the support of the Welsh Government, Creative Wales can support companies to take part in this export market visit. We can support a maximum of two representatives per company at a cost of £2,300 per person or £4,000 for two. This will cover:
- Return flights
- In-market transfers (if traveling with the group)
- 5 nights’ accommodation (including breakfast)
- Exhibition pass (including access to the GDC Connect online matchmaking system)
- Exhibition stand and exhibition registration
- Individuals who would like to attend but not exhibit can join the trade mission for £1800.
Event Details:
When: 17 - 21 March 2025
Sectors: Game Development
Where: San Francisco, USA
Itinerary:
16 March - Depart from London, Heathrow
17-21 March – Game Developers Conference (GDC) / Opportunity for companies to have their own meetings / pre-arranged meetings Programme
21 March – Return to Wales, land in London Heathrow 22 March
Arrangement of Meetings Service:
If you would like to maximise your time at the event, we can offer support through our International Trade Opportunities Programme (ITO). Experts based in the area can arrange up to 4 meetings with potential investors or publishers. This service is available from £500.
Please note, if you would like this support, then you must submit your application 10 weeks before the export market visit or exhibition departs.
If your application is submitted after 20 December 2024, then we cannot guarantee that there is sufficient time to effectively provide this additional support.
Deadline for applications:
20 December 2024 (Travel and pre-arranged meetings)
10 January 2025 (Travel only)
If you have any questions about the trade mission please contact Kathryn Wolfe-Adams at Creative Wales – Kathryn.Wolfe@gov.wales
Once you have submitted an application you will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours – if you do not receive this, please contact the trade mailbox – internationaltrade@gov.wales
*Subject to eligibility