GDC Exodus: Why Devs Are Skipping the US Show?
The Game Developers Conference (GDC) has long been a cornerstone event for the gaming industry, drawing tens of thousands of developers and producers to San Francisco annually since 1988. However, a growing trend is casting a shadow over this tradition: a significant number of international developers are choosing to skip the US show, citing concerns about safety, political climate, and increasingly restrictive border policies. This year’s event, rebranded as the “Festival of Gaming,” faces a potential attendance dip as developers weigh the value of networking and industry insights against perceived risks.
The Rising Concerns: A Shift in Sentiment
Dozens of developers have voiced their anxieties to GearTech in recent months, expressing a growing unease about traveling to the United States. This isn’t simply about health concerns, lingering from the COVID-19 pandemic. The core issue is a perceived disregard for the safety and rights of international travelers, particularly those from minority groups, the transgender community, and individuals with outspoken political views. The feeling is that the US is no longer a welcoming or safe destination for many in the global game development community.
From COVID Cancellations to Political Scrutiny
While the pandemic initially disrupted GDC, leading to the cancellation of the 2020 event and a smaller Summer GDC, it also prompted a reevaluation of the event’s value proposition. “The value of in-person events has kind of stepped off since COVID pushed things virtual,” one anonymous developer shared. However, the election of President Donald Trump and subsequent policy changes significantly amplified these concerns.
What began as reports of stricter enforcement of immigration laws quickly escalated to increased scrutiny of tourists at the border. Stories emerged of visitors being detained, questioned aggressively, or even denied entry, especially those with a public record of political statements. This created a climate of fear and uncertainty.
Real-Life Experiences: Stories from the Border
The anxieties aren’t theoretical. Developers are sharing firsthand accounts of negative experiences. Nazih Fares, a French-Lebanese creative director at indie studio Le Cabinet du Savoir, stated, “Hearing European citizens getting arrested by border control over their views on the US is not something I would like to test for myself.”
The 2025 GDC saw a surge in reports of intrusive questioning and suspicion. Neha Patel, a freelancer and audio director at Pamplemousse Games, recounted her experience: “The agent at the border was very intrusive, more than the usual ‘Ah, brown people’ racism. They asked a lot of questions regarding my employment, roles, and studio. I lied and said that I did not have American clients nor did I admit I work as a freelancer. I was too scared.”
Company Preparedness and Personal Precautions
Some companies attempted to mitigate the risks for their employees. A developer from a large studio, requesting anonymity, revealed, “Last year, every studio representative got an additional safety briefing and [our company] helped prepare legal paperwork for everyone in case they got in trouble with ICE or immigration. Luckily, nobody did, but there was definitely some fear going around among the people that went and those that opted not to. For 2026, we’re not planning any physical presence as far as I know.”
Individual developers also took extreme precautions. JC Lau, a senior producer at Twirlbound, shared his strategy: “I felt compelled to send copies of my itinerary, passport and other IDs, speaker information, etc., to at least three other people who weren’t attending, with the instructions that if I didn’t contact them by a specified time to let them know that I had landed and cleared security, that they should take my information to the Australian consulate.” Emilio Coppola of the Godot Foundation even “scrubbed my social media timelines just in case I posted something that could get me in trouble.”
The Impact on Attendance and GDC’s Response
While a GDC representative claimed the 2025 show “saw strong attendance from international attendees that was generally in line with previous cycles,” the underlying sentiment is undeniable. The border policies and stories that were emerging a year ago have now become a critical factor in every potential attendee’s decision-making process.
The concerns extend beyond border security. Reports of tourists being detained, having their phones searched, or being turned away at the border have further fueled the exodus. Eline Muijres, founder of Cohop Game, stated, “I read a few long reads about how UK/German tourists ended up detained, and that was the final straw for me. I have a unique name, and it is very easy to find my political views on the Internet. It doesn’t feel safe for me.”
A Broader Pattern of Fear and Exclusion
The fear isn’t limited to those with obvious reasons for concern. Even developers who have previously had no issues traveling to the US are now feeling unwelcome. An Xbox employee, also requesting anonymity, noted, “I work for Xbox, and I am white, so it shouldn’t be a problem for me. Until it is. You can’t seem to be safe… We are also having Xbox events this year in the US. Many international folks are not coming in person because of the political situation.”
Political Views and Gender Identity as Risk Factors
Developers with strong political views are particularly vulnerable. Neha Patel expressed fear that her involvement with the Composers for Palestine charity album could raise red flags. Jörg Friedrich, whose game Through the Darkest of Times tackles political upheaval, worried, “It feels way too dangerous entering the US as people who are outspoken against fascism and autocracy and make art that stands for democracy and rule of law.”
Transgender developers face additional risks due to potential discrepancies between their presented gender identity and the gender listed on their identification documents. Felix Kramer, a Toronto-based freelance producer, explained, “I’m a visible trans man, and I don’t make any attempts to hide myself, but my ID still says ‘female.’ The fear is that, should anything go wrong… there are now just more ways for people to legally exercise bigotry.” Erica Lahaie, an art director from Montreal, echoed this sentiment, stating, “I can’t stomach the possibility to subject myself or my wife to something like that where customs now has effective carte-blanche to treat us as disrespectfully as possible.”
San Francisco’s Challenges Add to the Reluctance
Beyond the national political climate, the setting of GDC – downtown San Francisco – is also contributing to the reluctance of some attendees. Concerns about safety, homelessness, and public drug use are deterring potential visitors. Martin Pichlmair, a Danish indie developer, described his impression of the city as “mesmerizing” in its apparent indifference to social issues. The high cost of travel to a city perceived as unsafe is a significant deterrent.
GDC organizers have implemented safety measures, including a 24/7 hotline and security escorts, but these efforts haven’t fully alleviated the concerns.
The Future of GDC: A Call for Change
The overwhelming sentiment among international developers is that significant changes to US leadership and border policies are necessary before they feel comfortable returning to GDC. Domini Gee, a Canadian game writer, stated, “If I have to get a burner phone, have people tracking my destination, and have to worry that I’m going to get singled out by someone looking to fulfill a quota, then it’s not safe for me or others.”
Many developers are now opting for international events or virtual participation. The loss of in-person networking and community building is deeply felt. Ashley Cooper, a Motive Studio writer, lamented, “Like a lot of [developers], I have friends all over the world, and many in the US. GDC is where I get to hang out with them in person. It sucks since it’s where I find community and the one time a year I see a lot of friends.” Alexei Peters, a Canadian technical systems designer, added, “But I’ve had to accept I just won’t see my American friends unless we can meet in Canada or elsewhere because it just feels wrong on many levels to spend any time in the USA right now.”
As Patel powerfully concluded, “Despite its prohibitive costs, terrible location, and general lack of inclusivity, I still have to admit that [GDC] did help my career. But no amount of grants and opportunities can convince me to step on American soil.” The GDC exodus serves as a stark warning: the gaming industry is global, and its future depends on fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all developers, regardless of their nationality or beliefs.