8Bit/Digi

Update as of 3/12/2019: Due to an update in guidelines and city policy regarding the coronavirus outbreak, several events have now been cancelled.

In the aftermath of GDC 2020 being cancelled, numerous event organizers are working to host alternative gaming related events, talks and mixers.

The goal is to provide an alternative gaming event for the many coming to the Bay Area who could not cancel their plans. Many are trying to overcome the challenges of finding space or organizing an an event on such short notice. Also lingering in the back of everyone’s mind is the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

GDC Alternatives

During the week of March 16th to March 20th, there will be several alternatives to GDC. These GDC alternatives will feature demo sessions along with speaking sessions with industry professionals.

IndieDev GDC Networking Mixer & Demo Stations is a three day event hosted by Level Up Entertainment. This pre-GDC event is hosted at Tabletop Tap House starting on March 14th to March 16th (from 5:30 to 10pm). The event allows guests to network while also showcase their games. (Update: This event has now been cancelled)

Plan B Project – Game Industry Gathering is being organized as an alternative to GDC. A group of dedicated organizers are working to put together a list of speakers and gathering for those who are still coming to the Bay Area. This event will be part of the march larger MeetToMatch, one of the largest networking events for the gaming industry.

MADE Unconference for Game Developers is an alternative conference hosted by the Museum of Arts and Digital Entertainment (M.A.D.E.). has announced that they will be open during the week of GDC and are working to organize speaking sessions. (Update: This event has now been cancelled)

altGDC is an alternative to the conference and will continue during the week. This is a free and mostly virtual conference about game design and development. The goal is to allow the indie game community to share their experience while networking among other like minded individuals.

GDC Events Still Happening

GDC is not all about panels along with what is shown on the expo floor. The mixers and off-site parties make it an unforgettable week. Even though GDC has been cancelled, a good number of mixers and after parties will continue as planned.

Courage XL 2020 San Francisco is a mixer that would kick-off the week with some liquid courage. This is a chance to demo some games while enjoying a few drinks with other developers. The event will take place at The Great Northern on March 15th starting at 8pm.

Pocket Gamer Party is a mixer organized by the biggest media outlet for the mobile games industry. The event will take place at The Grand on March 16th starting at 8pm.

Unparty is a gathering of devlopers without the loud music or alcohol. The event will take place on March 17th at 7pm with the location TBD.

Playable is a mixer and demo session hosted by Playable Agency. Guest get to demo upcoming VR and AR titles while networking among other industry pros. The event will take place on March 18th at the Whitcomb Hotel.

Games [4Diversity] Dinner During is a gathering developers that wish to contribute to a better representation in the industry. The event will take place on March 18th at the SoMa StrEat Food Park.

Game Over : The Ultimate GDC Industry Mixer & After Party is how Level Up Entertainment will end the GDC week. The event starts as a mixer but then transforms into the biggest after party during the GDC week. The event will take place on March 19th at the Natoma Cabana. (Update: This event has now been cancelled)

GDC Beach Party has been a long time tradition of ending the week for so many. Everyone gathers at Ocean Beach for a day of fun and unwinding.

More to Come

This is not a complete list and some of these events might be cancelled due to the outbreak. We will update this list with new events or of any cancellations.

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides an insight into the video game community and industry of the San Francisco Bay Area.