International developers fear U.S. immigration policies at GDC

The Game Developers Conference (GDC), held annually in San Francisco, is a major event for video game professionals. This year, many foreign developers felt anxious about attending due to fears surrounding U.S. immigration policies under the Trump administration. Some opted out entirely, while others decided to take the risk for their careers. The convention, which spanned from March 17 to 21, brings together thousands of industry members. While some attendees expressed concerns about potential mistreatment at U.S. borders, many still made the journey. They felt GDC was crucial for networking and career advancement, especially in a time when the industry is facing significant layoffs. Developers reported heightened fears about traveling due to stories of people being detained at the border. Dutch-Egyptian developer Rami Ismail took steps to assist his peers, offering to help coordinate plans for those worried about immigration issues. He highlighted the lack of legal protections for travelers at the U.S. border. Despite the worries, GDC organizers emphasized their commitment to attendee safety. They increased visibility of safety programs and offered resources for foreign attendees to help them navigate potential challenges. Still, many were filled with anxiety, fearing detentions. Several attendees noted a decrease in diversity this year, and many expressed concerns that the atmosphere might discourage international representation at future events. Some developers stated that attending GDC was an important step for their careers, especially when seeking funding and connections to keep their studios running. Traveling to GDC is expensive, with high costs for passes and accommodations in San Francisco. Yet, many felt that the potential benefits of attending outweighed the financial burdens. Some developers, despite their fears, made the trip to seize valuable opportunities for networking and sharing their work. Overall, while most attendees returned home safely and found the experience rewarding, many remain apprehensive about the future of international travel to U.S. events like GDC amid ongoing political changes.