Come with us to Game Developers Conference!

The UCF Game Development Knights are organizing a group trip to the 2027 Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco, California.

GDC is one of the largest professional conferences for the game development industry, featuring talks, panels, workshops, networking opportunities, career events, and an expo featuring tools and technologies used throughout the industry.

This is an opportunity for students to attend GDC as a group at a reduced rate.

What is the Game Developers Conference (GDC)

Game Developers Conference (GDC) is one of the largest professional conferences for the video game industry. Hosted every year in San Francisco, it brings together game developers, artists, programmers, designers, students, educators, and other industry professionals from around the world.

Throughout the conference, attendees can participate in talks and panels, explore industry showcases, learn about new technologies and development tools, attend career events, and connect with other people working in the game industry.

For students, GDC is an opportunity to learn directly from industry professionals, explore different careers in game development, build professional connections, and experience one of the industry's largest events firsthand.

For those preparing for internships and full-time positions, GDC can also be a valuable opportunity to practice introducing yourself, discussing your work, networking professionally, and learning what studios look for in potential candidates.

Trip Information

• Conference: Game Developers Conference 2027
• Location: Moscone Center, San Francisco, California
• Conference Dates: March 1 - 5
• Travel Dates: February 28 - March 6
• Cost: estimated $600-700*

*Costs subject to change.

Cost

The trip is expected to cost approximately $600–$700 per student. This estimate is based on current projected expenses and is subject to change if necessary. If the cost changes, students will be notified as soon as possible.

Students will pay via a payment link and will have two options:

• Pay in 3 installments according to the provided payment deadlines
• Pay the full amount at once

For example, last year's payment schedule was approximately: First payment: $150 due late October. Second payment: $250 due in November. Third payment: $250 due in December

The exact payment amounts and deadlines for GDC 2027 will be provided to selected students.

Missed Payments

Students must submit each payment by its stated deadline. If a student does not pay the required amount by the deadline, they may be removed from the trip and their spot given to another student on the waitlist.

Any students selected from the waitlist will be given additional time to submit their payments.

The trip cost will cover:

• GDC Badge (Academic Pass)
• Hotel accomodations
• Round-trip airfare to San Francisco

Students will be responsible for any other personal expenses, including food, local transportation, and other activities or purchases during the trip.

For GDC 2027, the Academic Pass is essentially the full GDC experience at a reduced price for students. It includes:

• All conference sessions and talks
• Festival Hall access Tuesday–Thursday
• GDC Nights, including the Developer’s Concert, Game Developers Choice Awards, and Independent Games Festival Awards
• Friday Career Faire and career-focused sessions
• Business Hall access

Note: It does not include GDC Vault access.

Eligibility

This trip is open to current UCF students interested in game development and related fields. Space is limited to 20 students.

How are students selected to go?

Priority will first be given to students who completed our GDC 2027 Interest Form earlier this summer.

If additional spots become available, students may join a waitlist. Students on the waitlist will then be prioritized based on class standing, with seniors receiving priority.

How to Apply

1. Complete the GDC Interest Form

During the summer, students were able to submit a GDC 2027 Interest Form to indicate that they were interested in attending the conference. Students who completed this interest form will receive priority consideration for the trip.

The interest form for GDC 2027 is now closed.

2. Complete the Official GDC Trip Application

All students who wish to attend the trip must also complete the official GDC 2027 Registration & Waitlist Form, which will be released early October.

Important: Completing the summer interest form does not automatically register you for the trip. Students who previously completed the interest form must submit the official application as well.

Students who completed the summer interest form will still receive priority when applications are reviewed.

If additional spots become available, students may join a waitlist. Students on the waitlist will then be prioritized based on class standing, with seniors receiving priority.

3. Confirm Your Spot

If you are selected to go, you will be contacted by a GDK officer to confirm your spot.

Note: Space on the trip is limited. Completing these forms does not guarantee a spot on the trip. Students will be contacted with additional information regarding selection, funding, travel arrangements, and required documentation.

Timeline

1. Interest Form (July 2026): Students completed the GDC 2027 Interest Form to express early interest in attending the conference.
2. Official Registration (October 2026): Students who completed the summer interest form will be contacted and given access to the official GDC 2027 registration form. Completing this form will confirm their interest and secure their place on the initial trip roster.
3. Waitlist Registration (October 2026): Students who did not complete the summer interest form may still submit the official waitlist form to be considered if additional spots become available. Waitlist students will be prioritized based on class standing, with seniors receiving priority.
4. Finalize Funding & Trip Costs (October–November 2026): GDK will continue working with UCF Student Government to finalize funding and determine the final trip cost and payment schedule.
5. Trip Payments Begin (November 2026): Selected students will begin paying their required portion of the trip cost. Students may pay in installments or pay the full amount at once.
6. Complete Additional Requirements (November 2026–February 2027): Students will complete any additional forms, documentation, or requirements needed for the trip and university funding.
7. Finalize Travel Arrangements (January–February 2027): GDK will finalize group travel arrangements and provide students with additional information about the trip.
8. Receive GDC Pass & Flight Information (February 2027): Students will receive their GDC passes and flight information shortly before the trip.
9. Travel to San Francisco (February 28, 2027): We will travel to San Francisco as a group, pick up our GDC passes, and check into the hotel.
10. Attend GDC (March 1–5, 2027): Students will have the freedom to explore GDC and San Francisco on their own. The group will come back together for our return travel at the end of the trip.
11. Return Home (March 6, 2027): We will travel back to Orlando as a group.

Note: This timeline is an estimate and may change as funding, registration, and travel arrangements are finalized. Students will be notified of any significant changes.

Frequently Asked Questions