Creative Wales is proud to once again exhibit at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco, the world’s premier gathering for the global games industry.
GDC has evolved and 2026 marks a bold new era for the world’s biggest celebration of the games industry. GDC Festival of Gaming
This isn’t just a conference; it’s a five-day festival of creativity, connection, and collaboration at San Francisco’s Moscone Centre. With over 30,000 attendees, GDC brings together the entire ecosystem of developers, publishers, investors, technologists, educators, and media, for a week that redefines what it means to make and share games.
Expect more than an expo. The reimagined Festival Hall features themed areas, interactive experiences, and spaces designed for real conversations. The program is unified and interdisciplinary, with sessions spanning design, programming, audio, visual arts, business strategy, and emerging technologies like VR/AR/MR. From fireside chats and roundtables to hands-on workshops and legendary postmortems, every format is built to spark ideas and open doors.
And when the sun sets, the celebration continues with GDC Nights, from the Opening Night Social Mixer to concerts and two separate awards shows honouring indie brilliance and industry excellence. This is where inspiration meets opportunity, and where the future of gaming takes shape.
Why you should attend with Creative Wales:
Creative Wales is giving you the chance to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with industry giants like Epic Games, Microsoft, Meta, and Unity in the heart of the GDC main conference hall. This is your moment to showcase your studio on a global stage, forge powerful connections, and accelerate your growth in one of the world’s most dynamic sectors.
We’ll be with you every step of the way, offering an unbeatable support package that includes:
• 50% funding towards your travel, accommodation, and exhibition fees
• Exclusive networking opportunities with key businesses and decision-makers
• Expert guidance and insights to help you maximise your impact
• Travel assistance through our appointed agent for a stress-free experience
• Marketing amplification - your studio featured across our promotional materials
• Access to GDC Connect, the official matchmaking system, so you can secure meetings before you even land
How much will it cost:
Thanks to support from the Welsh Government, Creative Wales is offering an outstanding package to help your company take part in this high-impact export market visit. Costs start at £2,000 per person, with the option to include one additional representative for an extra £1,400.
This comprehensive package provides everything you need to maximise the opportunity.
• Return flights to San Francisco
• In-market transfers (when traveling with the group)
• 5 nights’ accommodation with breakfast included
• Full exhibition pass, including access to the GDC Connect matchmaking system
• Your own high-quality exhibition space on the Creative Wales pavilion in the main hall including registration
Event Details:
When: Monday 8 – Friday 13 March 2025
Sectors: Game Development
Where: San Francisco, USA
Itinerary:
8 March - Depart from London, Heathrow
9 – 13 March – Game Developers Conference (GDC) / Opportunity for companies to have their own meetings / pre-arranged meetings Programme
13 March – Return to Wales, land in London Heathrow Saturday 14 March
Deadline for applications: 12th January 2026
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.