The 2026 Game Developers Conference (GDC) is facing a notable decrease in international attendance, with many members of the global games industry opting out due to safety concerns and the increased presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The decision to skip the event is largely attributed to worries surrounding safety, stricter U.S. immigration regulations, and recent incidents involving ICE agents.
Individuals within the industry, including developers and past GDC attendees, have expressed their apprehensions on platforms like LinkedIn. Recent fatal shootings involving ICE agents in Minneapolis have further fueled concerns, with travelers also expressing unease about unpredictable border checks and overall safety issues.
While the GDC organizers have emphasized that community safety is a top priority and assured close monitoring of U.S. policy changes, some international attendees remain hesitant. Factors such as high costs associated with attending the event, including expenses for accommodations, meals, travel, and tickets, have also influenced decisions to abstain from participating.
With the GDC, now known as the ‘GDC Festival of Gaming,’ scheduled for March 9 to 13 in San Francisco, the absence of international participants raises questions about the event’s global inclusivity and industry engagement.
Source: TechCrunch