Global Devs Avoid San Francisco - Why International Talent Is Skipping GDC 2026

International game developers are boycotting GDC 2026 over border detention fears, fracturing gaming's global networking ecosystem.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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With the upcoming Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2026 in San Francisco, many international game developers are choosing to skip the event due to concerns over potential border detention, phone searches, and other issues they may face when entering the United States. Developers from countries like Spain, France, Canada, and the Netherlands have expressed fears about their safety and are opting not to attend the premier industry networking event, instead exploring alternative conferences in Europe and Canada.

Why it matters

GDC is a critical event for the global game development community, allowing international studios and talent to collaborate, share ideas, and advance their careers. By boycotting the conference, developers are fracturing this important networking ecosystem, with concerns that the absence of global voices will negatively impact the industry as a whole.

The details

Developers cite specific incidents of intrusive questioning and profiling at the border, with trans developers and those from certain ethnic or political backgrounds feeling particularly vulnerable. GDC organizers have touted safety measures, but many developers see this as 'safety theater' that does not address the real-world risks they face. The boycott is expected to significantly impact GDC's attendance numbers, with the true measure being which global voices choose to stay away rather than risk their safety.

  • GDC 2026 is scheduled to take place in San Francisco in March 2026.
  • In 2025, developer Neha Patel from Pamplemousse Games faced intrusive questioning at the US border.

The players

Emilio Coppola

A representative from Spain's Godot Foundation who stated that he does not know of any non-US developers planning to attend GDC 2026.

Neha Patel

A developer from Pamplemousse Games who faced intrusive questioning at the US border in 2025.

Nazih Fares

A French-Lebanese developer who now worries about arrest over his political views when entering the US.

Felix Kramer

A trans developer who describes a 'perfect storm' of ID complications and heightened profiling when traveling to the US.

Rami Ismail

A seasoned traveler who notes that scrutiny once reserved for Arab visitors now affects his 'white friends' as well.

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What they’re saying

“I honestly don't know anyone who is not from the US who is planning on going.”

— Emilio Coppola, Representative, Godot Foundation (Ars Technica)

“It doesn't feel safe for me.”

— Eline Muijres, Developer, Cohop Games (Ars Technica)

What’s next

As developers explore alternative conferences and productivity tools for remote collaboration, the true impact of the GDC 2026 boycott will be seen in the event's attendance numbers, which will reflect which global voices chose to stay away rather than risk their safety.

The takeaway

The boycott of GDC 2026 by international game developers highlights the growing accessibility crisis in the industry, as global talent chooses safety over professional advancement. This fracturing of the industry's networking ecosystem could have far-reaching consequences, underscoring the need for event organizers and policymakers to address the very real concerns of marginalized developers.