Game Devs Skipping GDC 2026 Over ICE Concerns, US Safety Fears

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Several game companies and leaders are planning to miss the 2026 Game Developers Conference, largely due to safety worries. Increased U.S. immigration checks and activity from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are major concerns. Because of these issues, this year’s GDC is expected to be noticeably different than in previous years.

Game Developers Conference (GDC) will be held in San Francisco from March 9th to 13th. This year’s event, now called “GDC Festival of Gaming,” is designed to be a more inclusive industry event for businesses of all sizes. Organizers have simplified ticket options and are focusing more on networking and connections between different parts of the gaming industry, based on feedback from the community. The goal is to make the show more accessible for smaller and independent developers.

GDC 2026 Faces Attendance Challenges Amid U.S. Immigration Crackdown

Dominik Bošnjak / Game Rant | Source images: GDC / Informa Festivals

Even though it’s cheaper to attend, GDC 2026 is struggling to attract attendees. Several leaders from European and Canadian game companies told MobileGamer.biz they are sending fewer staff to the event this year, and some aren’t going at all. They mentioned increased U.S. immigration checks and worries about safety as key reasons for reducing their presence.

What Developers Are Saying About Their GDC 2026 Concerns

GDC / Informa Festivals

Cassia Curran, founder of Curran Games Agency, explained that Canadian and European game developers are hesitant to attend GDC 2026 for four main reasons. The most common concerns are the high cost and perceived unpleasantness of San Francisco. Other reasons include a desire to protest U.S. foreign policy, worries about having to share social media information to enter the country, and fears for their personal safety due to the actions of U.S. immigration authorities. Callum Cooper-Brighting, CEO of Netspeak Games, stated his company will no longer attend GDC, citing the current political climate. He said he wouldn’t ask his employees to take a risk he wouldn’t take himself, and believes his company’s inclusive values wouldn’t be well-received in the U.S. right now.

Stateside Immigration Crackdown Tensions Are Escalating

Dominik Bošnjak / Game Rant | Source images: GDC / Informa Festivals

Recent shootings in Minneapolis have increased concerns about federal immigration enforcement. On January 7th, Renee Nicole Good was killed, and on January 24th, ICU nurse Alex Pretti was also fatally shot. Federal officials claim Good tried to hit an ICE agent with her car, but those who support her say video footage shows she was actually trying to avoid a collision.

I wouldn’t feel right sending someone to do something I’m not prepared to do myself.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, a Border Patrol agent shot and killed Pretti in self-defense after he allegedly approached with a handgun and resisted attempts to disarm him. However, Reuters reviewed video footage that challenges this account. The videos show Pretti holding a phone while trying to help protesters who had fallen, and multiple agents then restraining him. Footage appears to show an agent removing a gun from Pretti’s waistband before another officer fired several shots at close range. Authorities confirmed Pretti legally owned and carried a firearm. Following growing criticism of ICE’s “Operation Metro Surge,” President Trump sent border official Tom Homan to Minnesota on January 26th.

GDC Responds to Game Developer Safety Concerns

GDC President Nina Brown stated that the safety of everyone at the event is their biggest concern. They’ve increased safety training for staff, offer security to walk people to their destinations, and have a safety hotline available around the clock. Despite these efforts, attendance at the conference may be lower than in recent years – around 30,000 people attended in both 2024 and 2025. According to industry expert Cooper-Brighting, European gaming events like PGC London and Gamescom in Cologne are good alternatives, offering similar networking opportunities with easier travel. He personally raised $2 million at PGC London and $12 million at Gamescom, and felt secure at both events.

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2026-01-26 20:39