Game Developers Conference introducing new virtual event methods

The Game Developers Conference, GDC, is one of the most well-known, well-regarded, and well-established events in the video game industry. It attracts all types ranging from software engineers, artists, writers, journalists, and many more. Thanks to the ongoing pandemic and strict social-distancing rules in place, the powers that be have elected to restructure all future events to follow health guidelines.

Seeing as large gatherings of people are highly advised against, or even illegal, GDC 2021 will be a “hybrid event” that still takes physically but will also offer a “robust virtual offering." There isn't any confirmation as to what precisely the offering entails. Still, judging from previous industry digital events such as PlayStation State of Play and the Xbox Games Showcase, it most likely will include live-streams of panels, keynote speeches, gameplay demonstrations, and other similar items.

GDC is also launching virtual workshops known as ‘GDC Master Classes' later this year, which explore in-depth the many different aspects of game development. Gamasutra, industry news and developer forum owned under the same umbrella as GDC, are also launching informative streams focused on smaller topics in "game development and business trends.”

Then from March 1 through March 5 next year, GDC is launching the 'GDC Community Celebration,' which features lectures on major game releases, talks from industry leaders, Q&As, and other events. There is no word yet about who will be lecturing, but more information is coming later this year.

All this comes in the wake of GDC Summer, which was virtual in its entirety. "Built from the ground up" to be completely online, GDC Summer ran from August 4 to August 6 and had over 9,700 unique members registered over the event's three days. Like other GDC events, GDC Summer featured all the informative and communal learning experiences they are known for as well as new community engagements.

GDC 2021 will be the template for all GDC hybrid events moving forward and will continue to develop and change in response to COVID-19 and future health guidelines. GDC 2021 will take place in the Moscone Center in San Francisco, or online, from July 19 through July 23.