GDC’s Impact on Women in Game Development
Women-Led Games is always on the look out for more opportunities to uplift women in the game development industry. So when the biggest Game Development Conference in the world offered 10 free passes to our community we could not pass it up. We are extremely grateful to the wonderful organizers at GDC for their help. Check out some testimonies below!
Clemclue - a first time attendee said:
"My first ever GDC, thanks to Women Led Games, has been monumentally life changing for me. As someone who gave up on their dreams of working in gaming, being around and meeting so many passionate people during GDC has opened my eyes. Every panel I attended, every friend I met, and every connection made, showed me that my gaming dream is something worth fighting for. I felt seen in a sea of people and welcome everywhere I went. To me, video games are the epitome of connection and being surrounded by that feeling all week was surreal! I'm back on my path to work in game art, owed to GDC and Women Led Games for making this possible. Thank you and can't wait for GDC 2027! "
Kim Steiner - CCO of Prime8 Entertainment said in part of her LinkedIn post:
“I haven't been able to attend many GDCs though, not only because of times where it aligned with crunch or deadlines I could not let slip, but also because of the cost to travel to it. Even when living in the Bay Area, the cost to attend GDC is very high, especially as a parent with a teenager. When I was laid off at the start of February, I knew that even though I live RIGHT HERE, and there would be virtually no travel costs, I still wouldn't be able to attend due to the cost of a pass.
That's where #WomenLedGames came in. The group spends it's energy supporting and featuring games made by women. For most people, that would be enough, but not this group. They directly support the women doing the developing as well!”
Samantha Soard - Project Manager at Hidden Ghoul :
“I cannot begin to thank you and Women-Led Games enough for offering me a pass to attend GDC Festival of Gaming! Because of your support, I was able to connect with game writers and producers across indie and AAA spaces. Living outside of a major game development hub, these relationships are often difficult to build. I not only expanded my professional network but also found a circle of peers I now consider friends.
Just as importantly, I’ve already begun giving back. I’ve started reviewing portfolio pieces for other emerging developers I met while at the conference, helping them strengthen their work as they pursue internships. Returning to GDC has helped me continue to support others entering the industry.
At its heart, this industry is about bringing people together through play, and the people I connected with embody that spirit in every sense. I plan to carry these connections forward by uplifting others, sharing what I’ve learned, and giving back the same kindness that helped me find my place here.”
Whether you’ve been in the industry for years or it is your first time attending, it’s apparent that events like GDC will always be at the forefront of connection with those in our industry. We are proud to have had them as our partner and look forward to how we can continue to impact more women in game development in the future.
