Since 1988 the Game Developers Conference has been a place where the people that make the games you love have gathered to share their insights, show off the latest innovations and share their stories from behind the scenes of the games industry. In 2026 the GDC Festival of Gaming carries on that legacy, with over 1000 speakers across more than 700 sessions. IGN will be there reporting from the frontlines, and presenting a panel of its own.
Some of the talk highlights this year include talks focused on Clair Obscura: Expedition 33, Battlefield 6 and Diablo Immortal. It’s not just about the conference during the day either, GDC Nights has a whole program of evening entertainments waiting for attendees, with the Independent Games Festival (IGF) Awards, Game Developers Choice Awards (GDCA) and a live concert from composer Austin Wintory and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
