GDC 2023: Session guide and tips for new GDC attendees (2023)

Are you going to the Game Developers Conference for the first time? I am interested in the best lectures and networking for new faces onGDC 2023? This handy session guide and instructions will help you plan your schedule.

Game Developers Conference 2023 will feature hundreds of sessions, covering nearly every discipline, topic and focus important to game developers today. It can be hard to choose! That's why we've created this handy First Time at GDC guide - the first in our series of GDC 2023 guides, featuring recommendations for sessions, events, networking opportunities and more.

CGW readers get 10% off AA, Core and Summits GDC passes with discount code: 10off-CGW-8tcdg

This First Time at GDC guide features some of the "greatest hits" that GDC is known for. For beginners, we highly recommend GDC 101, which will be your one-stop-shop for learning the ropes at the event. We also recommend the GDC Main Stage presentation, the Classic Game Postmortem, and the GDCA and IGF Awards, along with sessions related to your focus or discipline that you can learn more abouthere.

This guide also includes tips on how to get the most out of your GDC and links to recommended GDC Vault videos and game developer articles to help you prepare for GDC 2023.

Must-see sessions and events for the first time at GDC

Brandon Sheffield (Game Developer, Necrosoft Games)

Pastype: All Access Pass, Core Pass, Summits Pass, Audio Pass, Independent Games Summit Pass

Description: "A crash course in GDC for beginners! Get the most out of your experience by learning the ins and outs of the show, from choosing sessions, to networking, to just getting around. GDC is a huge event with a lot to do, and we're here to help you prioritize what you really want to get out of the show, while learning all the basics at the same time. Plus, there's a networking event right after the session!"

Chandana Ekanayake (Suosnivač and Creative Director, Outerloop Games)

Jen Oneal (Games Industry Executive, Independent)

Robert Anderberg (CEO of suosnivač, ControlZee)

Pastype: All Access Pass, Core Pass, Summits Pass, Expo Pass, Audio Pass, Independent Games Summit Pass

Description: "In this episode of the GDC Main Stage, 'The Future of Gaming' is a multi-part presentation about how the gaming industry is expanding; being open to new perspectives, opportunities and challenges. It's about looking for ideas and ideals that are increasingly present in the industry and how to make them work for you."

Nobuhiko Momoi (Director, CTO (Chief Tamagotchi Director), BANDAI Co., Ltd.)

Pastype: All Access Pass, Core Pass

Description: "Walk through history and find out what was at the heart of the original virtual pet's success, what Bandai changed about Tamagotchi to keep it fresh and relevant, and what stayed the same to keep the name alive."

Jason Della Rocca (suosnivač, Execution Labs)

Pastype: All Access Pass, Core Pass

Description: "Five GDC Play studios have been selected to pitch their games to an unusual panel of investors and publishers, in front of a live audience (no pressure!)."

Pastype: All Access Pass, Core Pass

Description: "In this fast-paced game-packed session, panelists will showcase a selection of surprising and intriguing prototypes created by innovation-driven game developers from around the world. Demonstrating games that defy convention and tradition in search of new genres and ideas, this session aims to to spark the imagination of all game makers. Come see what's happening in the world of experimental games and get inspired!"

More meaningful session choices

Elena Lobova (mede-oprichter, CBDO, GDBAY)

Pastype: All Access Pass, Core Pass

Description: "When the large-scale war in Ukraine started, the entire GDBAY team was in the country, ready to start the international online game jam that they were going to organize that weekend. In this conversation, Elena will tell you how the team organized the game jam during the first week of the war and what approaches helped to maintain high morale and team motivation under high levels of stress and uncertainty.

Pastype: All Access Pass, Core Pass, Summits Pass, Expo Pass, Audio Pass, Independent Games Summit Pass

Description: "In this session, meet six game creators who challenge the possibilities and, through their own work, advocate for expanding the idea of ​​what games can be and how they are made. Some of these presentations are serious, others are silly. Some will encourage you to get involved in your community, others will encourage you to debate with your friends. They are all thought-provoking."

Stephanie Fisher (suredateljica, Pixelles)

Alison Harvey (Associate Professor, University of York)

Pastype: All Access Pass, Core Pass, Summits Pass, Expo Pass, Audio Pass, Independent Games Summit Pass

Description: "Working with the leaders and members of the Pixelles Montréal community, Stephanie Fisher and Alison Harvey will outline the concrete and specific benefits of participatory organizing in creating change in the short, medium and long term."

Raffael Boccamazzo (Clinical Director, Take This)

Alicia Fortier (Lead Game Designer, Spry Fox)

Osama Dorias (Senior Partner Relations Manager, Unity Technologies)

Anna Brandberg (Lead UX Designer, The Outsiders (Funcom))

Pastype: All Access Pass, Core Pass, Summits Pass, Expo Pass, Audio Pass, Independent Games Summit Pass

Description: "This series of micro-talks provides participants with a basic understanding of what burnout is and its causative factors, before discussing the long-term impact through personal experiences. Recognizing that systemic solutions must be implemented to address the problem, this series provides individuals with tools and actionable steps to strengthen their resistance to burning."

Shinya Kumazaki (CEO, HAL Laboratory, Inc.)

Tatsuya Kamiyama (Professional Director, Development Division, Division 1, HAL Laboratory, Inc.)

Pastype: All Access Pass, Core Pass

Description: "One year after the launch of Kirby and the Forgotten Land, developers Shinya Kumazaki and Tatsuya Kamiyama discuss how they brought traditional Kirby gameplay into a 3D world. It's our favorite way to do it."

Then definitely visit oursSession Browserfor a full list of sessions, talks and events, and start preparing that schedule (we'll update dates and times as they become available).

10 tips to get the most out of your GDC

1. Complete your Swapcard profile: GDC again uses Swapcard as the main system for all GDC networking activities. Be sure to fully fill out your profile as soon as it becomes available (mid-March) to stay connected during GDC. You can also request meetings with any other participant registered through Swapcard - with the ability to search participants by job title, professional interest and other filters.

2. Book your hotel with us: Don't try your luck with some random travel site - GDC has discounts on hotels near the event for attendees. It's the best way to get the best room near the convention center.go therefor hotel reservation information and other travel questions.

3. Join a Roundtable: Our talks and panels are great, but be sure to add at least one roundtable to your favorites during your time at GDC. They're a great way to get hands-on experience with a topic you're interested in and network with industry peers.go therefor the list of GDC 2023 roundtables, with new ones being added regularly.

4. Organize a Quick Networking Session: There are many ways to network at the Game Developers Conference, such as using Swapcard (when available) to hold meetings in our Connect Lounge. But if you're looking for variety and fun, join one of our Speed ​​​​Networking sessions! These are one-hour sessions in which participants rotate around the room, meet new people and establish contacts. No pre-registration is required and it is first come, first served.

5. Attend a Sponsored Talk: Many of our awesome sponsors hold sessions and speak at the Game Developers Conference. Some of them showcase the latest products and services, while others help game developers navigate the opportunities and challenges they've faced themselves. They are open to participants fromall success rates. It's worth checking out which studios and companies are speaking at GDC and which ones interest you!

6. Plan your Expo tour...then go: The GDC 2023 Expo Floor has many booths and exhibitors showcasing some of the latest gaming, technology and career opportunities. Then definitely visit our interactiveCanso you can map the stands you want to visit. But don't forget to set aside some time for an unstructured tour of the Expo Floor. You might be surprised at what you find - I once discovered a popcorn maker! A vital afternoon snack.

7. Check out alt.ctrl.GDC: If you want to see the latest innovations in game programming and alternative controllers, look no further thanalt.ctrl.GDCon the Expo floor. Several developers brought their groundbreaking (and often unexpected) games and controllers to showcase at GDC. Participants of all levels can play them for free and chat with the developers.

8. Relax in our common rooms: It's time to celebrate: common rooms are back at GDC 2023! Not only are they a place to relax during the day, but they are also the perfect place to network with industry peers and potential employers. Go to oursCanto see our shared spaces on the Expo Floor, including interactive spaces for specific disciplines and the GDC Play Lounge.

9. Get Recipes from SF Ambassadors: Trying to find something to eat between sessions? Watch out for the city officialsWelcome ambassadors— in their signature bright orange jackets, with the words "Welcome Ambassador" on the back. They'll be hanging out at GDC and may have recommendations for interesting places to grab a quick bite or a more substantial meal.

10. Attend the GDCA and IGF Awards: Last but certainly not least! On Wednesday, March 22 at 6:30 PM PT, the GDC Main Stage will host the Independent Games Festival and Game Developers Choice Awards - two prestigious ceremonies celebrating the games industry and the standout games and developers of the past year. The best part: it's free for participants of all pass levels.

This is the latest in our series of session guides for GDC 2023, featuring recommendations for sessions, events, networking opportunities and more.go thereto view all previous GDC 2023 session guides.

Of course, the only way to see these sessions, and many others, is to register for GDC!

GDC 2023 will be held March 20-24, 2023 at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco, California, and registration is now open. For more information, be sure to visitGDC-placeand follow the #GDC23 hashtag on social media.

CGW discount codes

CGW readers get 10% off AA, Core and Summits GDC passes with discount code: 10off-CGW-8tcdg