Some international attendees are skipping 2026 GDC due to safety fears and growing ICE presence

The upcoming 2026 Game Developers Conference (GDC) is facing a potential decline in international participation, as many professionals from the global gaming industry express their apprehension on platforms like LinkedIn. Their reluctance to attend stems from rising safety concerns, stricter U.S. immigration policies, and an increased presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at events. Numerous developers, seasoned GDC attendees, and industry insiders have taken to social media to share their worries. Reports of ICE activities in various U.S. cities have heightened fears, particularly following tragic incidents in Minneapolis where ICE agents were involved in fatal shootings earlier this year. As one attendee remarked, "It’s not worth taking the risk of going," while another stated, "The U.S. is just a very problematic location for an international event." Scheduled to take place in San Francisco from March 9 to 13, the rebranded GDC Festival of Gaming aims to foster community and collaboration. However, the mounting safety concerns and the high costs associated with attending—covering travel, accommodation, and event fees—have deterred some indie developers and smaller studios. Many are voicing that the expenses are simply too prohibitive. In light of these issues, GDC president Nina Brown emphasized the organization’s commitment to attendee safety. In a statement, she noted that they are actively collaborating with local authorities and legal experts to stay updated on U.S. policy changes and provide guidance to international participants. Brown advised prospective attendees to initiate their visa applications early and to check with their embassies for any specific requirements. To enhance safety, GDC is implementing several measures, including a 24/7 safety hotline, training for event staff, and security escorts available upon request. Additionally, the San Francisco Safety Community Ambassadors program will support attendees throughout the event. Regarding costs, GDC has revamped its ticketing structure to provide more affordable options. The new Festival Pass, which replaces the previous All-Access pass, is now 45% cheaper, starting at $649 and allowing access to all main event programming, aiming to make the conference more accessible for smaller developers and indie studios.