GDC Festival of Gaming 2027 moves to four-day format
GDC Festival of Gaming is shifting to a four-day format for its 2027 edition. The event will now take place from Monday, March 1, to Thursday, March 4.
Organizers described the change as a deliberate step toward creating a higher quality and more focused experience. By analyzing community data, they aim to concentrate programming and networking opportunities during the days when industry activity is at its peak, making it easier for attendees to balance the event with their professional and personal commitments.
The 2027 program is expected to feature:
- more hands-on workshops and interactive experiences;
- expanded networking opportunities;
- larger session rooms and robust conference programming.
The venue usage will also be adjusted: the new Business Hall at Moscone West and all conference programming will be available throughout the four days. However, the Festival Hall at Moscone South will operate only from Tuesday to Thursday. These updates follow earlier announcements regarding the Business Hall and enhancements to the GDC Summit.
In related news, the Game Developers Choice Awards (GDCA) announced a change to their submission process. For the first time, publishers and developers will be able to submit entries directly, moving away from the previous nomination-based voting system via the International Choice Awards Network. Eligible games must be released on PC or console between January 1 and December 31, 2026. The submission deadline is set for November 1, 2026.