GDC goes all-digital for 2021, dropping its in-person plans

GDC has cancelled its original plans to host a hybrid event in 2021, choosing instead to host an all-digital event this year.

That comes from a press release from GDC general manager Katie Stern.

“We will host our traditional week-long, multi-track educational and business focused event online in 2021,” said Stern. “While we can’t wait to gather in the halls of Moscone together again, and we did consider an in-person component this year, we have decided that it’s more important that our speakers, attendees and sponsors be able to plan ahead, to continue to be as safe as possible, and to spend our attention on delivering the best possible GDC.”

GDC 2021 will take place from July 19-23, as an all-digital event. Despite the shift, Stern promises that “this year’s conference will be filled with deep content developed with our advisory board, a focus on community-building, networking and celebrations that GDC is known for.”

GDC will also be hosting GDC Masterclasses from March 4-5, which will offer small-group virtual workshops offering hands-on training. Additionally, GDC Showcase will take place on March 15-19 sees the return of GDC Showcase – a free-to-attend, all-digital event featuring spotlight lectures, AMAs, interactive panels with renowned game developers, live podcasts, and more.

GDC is also working on improving and updating the GDC Vault, featuring talks from previous years, as well as a rebrand and community features planned for Gamasutra.

The event was originally planned as a hybrid event, taking place both online and in the Moscone Center in San Francisco rom Monday, July 19th through Friday, July 23rd.