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Application for GDC 2027 Sponsored Festival Pass

Your opportunity to experience the global game development industry!

We're inviting applications from passionate and dedicated game developers, students, indie creators & industry professionals from India who want to attend the GDC Festival of Gaming 2027 in San Francisco, USA.

Through this initiative, Game Designers Network of India (GDNI) aims to help selected individuals experience GDC, build meaningful industry connections, learn from global experts & unlock new opportunities for their careers and projects.

Our support goes beyond providing a sponsored pass. We'll also help you prepare, plan & make the most of your GDC experience!

📍 Event details:
- Dates: March 1–4, 2027

- Location: Moscone Center, San Francisco, California, USA

- Pass Type: Sponsored Festival Pass

- Access: Conference sessions, Festival Hall, GDC Nights, Business Hall & networking opportunities included with the Festival Pass.

⏳ Application Deadline: November 23, 2026

Applications will close on November 23, 2026. All interested candidates must submit their completed applications before the deadline.

Late submissions will not be considered. We strongly encourage you to apply early to avoid missing this opportunity!

What Will You Receive?

Selected applicants will receive the following support:

🎟️ 1. Sponsored GDC Festival Pass

Your Festival Pass will be fully sponsored, giving you access to GDC's conference program, industry sessions, exhibitions, networking spaces & major festival experiences.

2. US Visa Application Guidance

We'll guide you through the US visa application process, including documentation, application preparation & interview guidance.

For eligible Indian applicants, a US B1/B2 visitor visa can be issued with up to 10 years of validity, potentially opening doors to future international opportunities.

Visa approval and validity are determined solely by US authorities.

✈️ 3. Flight & Accommodation Assistance

We'll assist you with planning your flights and coordinating hotel accommodation in San Francisco.

To make the experience more affordable and collaborative, we'll help arrange shared accommodation with another attendee, potentially an experienced founder, game developer or student, matched according to your professional profile and compatibility.

This also creates an opportunity to learn from and connect with fellow members of the Indian game development community.

🤝 4. Pre-GDC Preparation & Meeting Guidance

We'll help you prepare before arriving at GDC, including:

- Identifying relevant developers, industry leaders, publishers & professionals to connect with. - Preparing for professional meetings, introductions, portfolio reviews & project pitches. - Understanding how to approach networking and build meaningful industry relationships. - Planning your schedule around your professional or career goals.

🌎 5. GDC Events, Networking & Community Support

GDC offers plenty of opportunities both inside and outside the conference.

We'll help you navigate:

- Relevant GDC talks, workshops & industry sessions. - Networking mixers, community meetups & side events happening around GDC. - Opportunities to meet founders, developers, publishers & other professionals. - Practical tips, recommendations & guidance from people who have previously attended GDC.

Our goal is simple: Help you arrive prepared, meet the right people & return with valuable knowledge, connections and actionable next steps.

Important: What Is Sponsored?

The GDC Festival Pass will be fully sponsored for selected applicants.

We will additionally provide visa guidance, flight planning assistance, shared accommodation coordination & GDC preparation support.

However, visa fees, flights, hotel costs, meals, local transportation and personal expenses will remain the responsibility of the applicant.

Our team will help you explore practical and cost-effective arrangements wherever possible.

Before You Apply

Please carefully read the following instructions:

1. Complete all sections of the application honestly and accurately.

2. Ensure your personal and professional information is correct and verifiable.

3. Answer subjective questions thoughtfully, with clear examples and specific goals.

4. Explain why attending GDC is important for you and how you plan to use this opportunity.

5. Apply only if you are genuinely interested in attending and are prepared to take responsibility for the associated travel expenses.

Selection Process

This is a competitive opportunity with a limited number of sponsored passes.

Applications will be evaluated based on:

- Your work, experience, projects & contributions to game development. - Your motivation and clarity of purpose for attending GDC. - The potential impact of this opportunity on your professional growth. - The sincerity, effort & quality of your application.

All applications will be reviewed by the organizing committee. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly regarding the next steps.

We're excited to support talented individuals from India's growing game development ecosystem and help them connect with the global industry.

ALL THE BEST! DISCLAIMER: This application form is intended solely for assessment purposes. Submission of this form does not guarantee getting pass. Only a limited number of applicants will be chosen based on the evaluation criteria.

Incase of any query reach out to at Aadijain.work@gmail.com or Visit our Website.