GDC is primarily about networking with other game developers rather than closing deals. The document provides tips for attending GDC as an indie game developer, including having an elevator pitch prepared, attending social events and parties to meet others, exploring exhibits and talks, and taking advantage of opportunities to play new games and speak with presenters. The main takeaway is that the value of GDC comes from networking and building connections with others in the industry more so than any business meetings.

1. “GOING ALL INdie AT GDC”
– Genuine tips on dull slides –

2. ABOUT ME
Designer & Producer at Glitchnap
Attended GDC since 2013
Experience as a newbie, exhibitor and speaker
• Lucked into GDC 2013
• Exhibited @ Ouya booth - Alt.Ctrl.GDC - Indie Megabooth
• Speaker at Experimental Gameplay WS
Main takeaway: GDC is about networking, pitching and “teambuilding”

3. #0
GDC is about networking, not closing deals.
I have a very specific focus at GDC (so your mileage may vary)
- Social / networking
- Presenting / exhibiting
- I’m there as co-founder of tiny studio with many projects

4. #1
It's the best, most money you can spend.
Even on the cheap, attending GDC is about 12k dkk. But to me it’s always worth it.
Why we prioritise GDC
• Form network with indies
• Put the industry in context
• Business meetings (though not all they’re made up to be)
• Showing off our games.

5. #2
You’ll have 99 problems, but a
personal pitch shouldn’t be one.
You’ll be introducing yourself constantly, so have a casual, personal pitch memorised:
"I'm Jonas, I'm a designer and producer at a small Copenhagen-based studio where we make silly mobile games that you want to play with your friends in real life.”

6. #3
There are three types of meetings:
“Walk & Talk”
“Hotel Room”
“Conference Room”
• Prepare for these types of meetings individually
• I’ve met with publishers, collaborators, platform holders and investors.
• Pitched both Glitchnap and specific projects.

7. #4
Bring a presentation (but keep it in your bag).
• Have stuff memorised and just get a conversation going.
• Pull up visual presentation with demos, videos.
• Skip the bullet points and just show content

8. THE SOCIAL SIDE
• The social side of GDC is hugely important
• You should be smart about this and consider it your “job” there.
• If I didn’t have a pass, I would still go to SFO

9. #5
Yerba Buena Park is the teenage mall for indies.
• The park is the hub of Indie GDC
• Go there, spot someone you know and join a circle
• Best at lunch or at 17:00 after talks, but before dinner

10. #6
You can skip the alcohol, but never skip the party.
• Get into as many off-conference events as you can.
• Publishers will have mixers (get invited)
• Spot which bars indies designate as the unofficial hangout and go there.

11. #7
Play games that you can only play here.
Take advantage of the physical opportunity to experience new games
• Alt Ctrl GDC
• IGF Exhibit
• Indie Megabooth
(But skip most of the biz expo)

12. #8
Talks will be on the vault, but the presenter won’t.
Go up after an interesting talk and ask the presenter questions
Some good talks
• Microtalks (if they're still there)
• Indie Soapbox
• Tech Toolbox
• Experimental Gameplay Workshop

13. OTHER STUFF

14. #9
Get data on your phone.
Get data at the Sprint or T-Mobile stores close to Moscone.

15. #10
Use jetlag to your advantage.
Getting up early means 1-2 hours for yourself.

16. #11
Don’t stress about access.
• GDC is about networking so just being there can be enough
• Passes are crazy expensive, but there are ways to get in for free (being speaker, selected for exhibits etc.).
• Most value happens off-site and socially
• If you’re strung for cash get the cheapest access pass you can buy and it’ll still be worth your while.

17. QUESTIONS?
@jmaaloe
@glitchnap
jonas@glitchnap.com