Overview
- Mobilegamer.biz and TechCrunch report many non‑U.S. studios plan to skip San Francisco or send fewer staff, citing ICE enforcement and rising travel costs.
- LinkedIn posts highlight anxiety about border checks and a stronger ICE presence following two January fatalities in Minneapolis involving ICE agents.
- GDC has rebranded as the GDC Festival of Gaming for March 9–13 and launched a Festival Pass starting at $649, described as 45% cheaper than last year.
- GDC president Nina Brown says the organization is monitoring policy, urging early visa applications and offering a 24/7 safety line, staff training, escorts, and city ambassador support.
- Some large companies plan business as usual, while many smaller EU and UK studios are scaling back or choosing alternatives such as Gamescom and PGC London.