That’s right, it’s that time of year once again. The Game Developers Conference (GDC 2025) is just around the corner, and with over 30,000 attendees expected at the Moscone Center in San Francisco from March 17–21, it’s one you won’t want to miss!
With that, here are 10 things to look out for this year at GDC 2025.
AI and AR: The Next Frontier in Game Development
The AI buzz is real, but how will it impact game development? Explore how AI and AR are reshaping game design, storytelling, and player experiences in sessions this year. From generative AI tools to cutting-edge AR integrations, this will dive into both the opportunities and challenges these technologies bring to the industry now and into the near future. And it certainly isn’t the only panel touching on AR and AI this year, so stay tuned for more below!#1ReasonToBe Panel
This iconic panel celebrates diversity and inclusion in game development. Visitors can expect powerful stories and actionable insights from industry leaders working to make gaming a space that continues to appeal to all! You can check out last year’s panel below.
Independent Games Festival (IGF) & Game Developers Choice Awards (GDCA)
Cheer on the year’s most innovative games at these prestigious awards ceremonies at GDC 2025, which recognize some of the most exciting recent releases across the industry! Whether it’s indie gems or AAA masterpieces, these events are a celebration of creativity and excellence in game development across the board.The GDC Expo Floor
Every year, one of the most exciting (and busy) parts of GDC is visiting interesting booths from companies across the gaming industry, including companies like and there will be plenty waiting for you at GDC 2025! From Epic Games to Unity, the expo floor will be packed with industry heavyweights showcasing the latest tools, software, and hardware, all up close and personal.Workshops on Hot Topics
When tens of thousands of game developers come together, it’s the perfect opportunity to learn some new tips and tricks! At GDC 2025, get hands-on with workshops tackling today’s hottest topics—whether it’s mastering new game engines or exploring sustainability in gaming. These sessions are perfect for leveling up your skills with talent from all over the world. By catching as many as you can, you can leave GDC 2025 a better developer while still enjoying all the conference has to offer.alt.ctrl.GDC
Where there’s a will, there’s a way - and the alt.ctrl.GDC panel is all about exploring the limits of gaming in fun ways! This includes games with unique alternative controllers (think bananas as joysticks). Check out all the latest (and wackiest) fun gaming innovations for a nice change of pace!Game AI Summit
GDC 2025 prominently features several AI-dedicated panels exploring its role in gaming, and the AI summit will be one of the most exciting available. Here, dive deeper into AI’s role in gaming, from procedural content generation to NPC behavior, featuring talks from leading experts on how AI is shaping the future of interactive entertainment today, and how to utilize it in development across consoles, mobile, PC, and VR platforms.Game Career Seminar
Whether you’re a student or a seasoned pro looking for your next gig, the Game Career Seminar is your golden ticket to networking with recruiters and learning how to stand out in this competitive industry. If forging a career in the industry is your goal, this is definitely not one to miss!Future Realities Summit
VR and AR enthusiasts, this is another one for you! The Future Realities Summit will explore groundbreaking advancements in immersive technologies that are redefining how we play and create games, and in particular, it will look ahead at how these might develop over the upcoming years as technology exponentially improves.GDC NIGHTS
And finally, a fresh addition debuting at GDC 2025, GDC Nights promises after-hours fun with live music, themed parties, and plenty more networking opportunities—because some of the best ideas are born after dark!responseTitle
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