Game Developers Conference (GDC)
The Premier Global Gathering for Game Creators, Engineers, and Designers
Founded in 1988 by Chris Crawford, the Game Developers Conference (GDC) is the world's largest professional video game event focusing on development craft, tools, programming, and innovation.
From a Living Room Gathering to Moscone Center
GDC originated in 1988 when designer Chris Crawford hosted 27 fellow game creators in his California living room under the banner of the Computer Game Developers Conference (CGDC). It rapidly expanded, moving through Silicon Valley before settling at San Francisco's Moscone Center, accommodating nearly 30,000 professionals annually.
Engineering Milestones and the Indie Movement
GDC has served as the launchpad for transformational game technologies including DirectX, the Unreal Engine, Havok physics, and real-time ray tracing. Furthermore, by hosting the Independent Games Festival (IGF) and the Game Developers Choice Awards (GDCA), GDC sparked and nurtured the global indie gaming revolution.