GDC PLAY
GDC Play is an interactive and dynamic platform for indie developers to demonstrate their innovative games and creative projects, connect with industry professionals and gain visibility and recognition from their peers. It’s a space to celebrate the diverse and imaginative vision that indie developers bring to the game community.
Overview
Best in Play
Indie exhibitors, who booked before February 8th, had the opportunity to participate in the Best In Play and GDC Pitch (hosted by Jason Della Rocca) competitions. Winners will receive recognition as "Best in Play" and two free All Access passes to GDC 2025.
GDC Pitch
Celebrating exceptional and distinctive games featured at GDC Play, a distinguished panel of industry experts will crown the "Best in Play" throughout the event week. Recognizing outstanding achievements, winners will be awarded the coveted title of "Best in Play" along with two complimentary All Access passes to GDC 2025.
SHOWCASE AT GDC PLAY
GDC Play was developed with the needs of indie developers in mind, giving them a unique low-cost way to showcase their finished or in development games and other IP to the studios/publishers, game industry media, and investors at GDC. GDC Play is housed in its own pavilion right on the EXPO floor (in proximity to the IGF pavilion) and features 6’x8’ (4.46 M²) turnkey booths with electrical, wifi, basic furniture and AV package included.
Your Chance to Win Best in Play
Contact our team
Choose your prime spot in the GDC Play zone on the expo floor as a sponsor to reach GDC's global audience. GDC also offers two exclusive free opportunities for GDC Play exhibitors to launch their games and gain attention from developers, investors, and media. Selected exhibitors get a chance to pitch their games to a panel of investors and publishers in front of a live audience, with winners receiving one GDC 2025 All Access pass.
Showcase your game
Secure a 6x8 booth space with carpet, black drapes, and a side rail at GDC. Your installation includes a 4x6 exhibitor name sign with the GDC Play Show look, a black-draped counter with chairs, electrical drop, wastebasket, and AV package. Enjoy Wi-Fi for one device, and Expo Floor security. Sponsorship grants 5 expo passes, 3 exhibitor staff passes, and discounts on up to 5 GDC passes!
Be Best in Play
Participate in GDC Play and apply to win for a chance to be honored as 'Best in Play.' Winners receive tabletop marketing material, two GDC 2025 All Access passes, and exposure to influential individuals, opening doors to partnerships, collaborations, and media coverage. Winning provides both recognition and tangible benefits, enhancing the success and visibility of your game in the competitive gaming industry.
2024 GDC Pitch Judges
Jason Della Rocca
Execution Labs
Day 1 & Day 2 Moderator
Rebekah Saltsman
Finji
Day 1 Judge
Bobby Wertheim
Nocturne Games
Day 1 Judge
Snow Rui
Hooded Horse
Day 1 Judge
Anlu Liu
Kowloon Nights
Day 2 Judge
iAsia Brown
Xbox
Day 2 Judge
Justin Woodward
MIX+Humble
Day 2 Judge
GDC Pitch 2024 Finalists
- ER Studios LLC
- Grecico
- Twisted BrainZ
- RuniQ
- Thousand Stars Studio
- ANIMO
- Massive Damage Games
- Caldera Interactive
- One Way Eleven
- Springfox Games
GDC Best in Play 2023 Winners
- Turtles - Twisted BrainZ
- Hamster on Rails - DX Gameworks
- Zombie Rollerz: The Last Ship - Zing Games Inc.
- Speed Crew - Wild Fields
- Nullspace - Kaigan Games Entertainment (MDEC Malaysia)
- Shave&Stuff - HyperVR Games
- The Wandering Village - Stray Fawn Studio
- Evil Wizard - Rubber Duck Games
GDC Pitch 2023
- WINNER: Zombie Rollerz: The Last Ship - Zing Games Inc.
- Ultimate Godspeed - Ninoko
- BlackThorne Keep Chronicles - Limiar Studios
- Tower of Samsara: Hidden Treasures - Ilex Games
- Munch - Mac n Cheese Games
- WINNER: Sky of Tides - Lofty Sky Entertainment
- Mark of the Deep - Mad Mimic
- Aloft - Astrolabe Interactive Inc.
- Unsung Empires: The Cholas - Ayelet Labs LLC
- Psychotic Bathtub - natsha