(A Punk Rock Subtext to Game Audio GDC – written by Damian Kastbauer)
Opening | This Could Be Anywhere
“This could be everywhere” – Dead Kennedys
Calm at the center of a storm. Focused outward, the raw power of nature transforming the landscape around you. Your presence, observing and preparing for change, a vibrational fight-or-flight, on standby and ready for action. The world, in a state of upheaval and flux, movement to stasis, action to rest. Poised on the edge, simultaneously aware and unsure of when a return to relative stability might arrive. Waiting for the quiet that comes after. (If the section titles feel a little intense, well, it’s a punk rock kind of year so far for me. Read on to the end to find out why.)
Whether you carry this analogy to this year’s Game Developers Conference’s newly rebranded and expanded Festival of Gaming, record layoffs across a games industry suffering from unrealistic projections of eternal growth, the unraveling of democratic norms and civil liberties in the United States, or other instances of oppression globally, the weight of reality these days is heavy for anyone paying attention. Which is not to say that changes in format at GDC in any way compare to bigger-picture concerns.
With such seismic cultural shifts taking place around the world, what place does participating in a conference bring to help balance out the instability around us?
Across every presentation, conversation, and interaction, we come to the process of trying to understand different perspectives. Sometimes, we’re in the right place to hear the words, messages, and intentions encoded in this information. Other times, we struggle to bridge the gap between what we know and what’s being communicated. Even when we’ve taken in and digested this new data, it often must be applied in practice to truly understand. Through this process, hopefully arriving with a better understanding than where we started, we begin to grow together.
Maybe you’re new to all of this, wading into a sea of people and possibilities as part of the larger game development community at GDC. Maybe you’ve been on this carousel of annual assemblage for years, as a way to inject and invigorate a career already in progress. Maybe you’re seeking the kind of perspectives that can only be found in person, shared between people, to help make sense of what you’re working on or the world you’re living in. Regardless of the local context on the ground in San Francisco, we are all part of a global context that shapes our experience.
Right, we’re talking about a conference…isn’t that where people go to party?
“Each year I attempt to frame the opportunities that exist in the biggest multiplayer game-of-game developers in the world. A choose-your-own-adventure of: education, community, celebration, and camaraderie. There’s no wrong way to play, no points or high-scores. You’ll need all of your wits, a few maps, a bag of holding, at least some gold (and likely a bit of magic) to get you through. You’ll emerge on the other side having gained experience, witnessed wonders, and hopefully bent an ear, and had your ear bent, in the direction of all that’s good in the world of interactive audio.
You’re an adventurer and an audio advocate on the wild streets of San Francisco, where there’s safety in numbers (and a fair-share of dragons). It’s dangerous to go alone! Take this. I hope that there are some words and ideas to help you through the times ahead.“
Last year, as part of the “Purple Guide to Game Audio GDC,” I said that, for me, “There’s a comfort in repetition.” I came back from GDC last year energized, with feelings about the community and the people participating in game development—in the best way. I still carry the last fumes of that energy with me this year, hoping to fill my tank with good vibrations. I hope that this process of what I think of as “understanding” is an arc that continues to bend in the direction of positivity, for everyone.
Find the community, take care of yourself, and take care of each other. If you see me on the ground, please say hello!
Recurring | Stars and Stripes of Corruption
“So this is where it happens” – Dead Kennedys
Monday – Friday | 8:00 am – 9:00 am-ish | Morning Audio Community Meetup
Like a dawn chorus whose voice fills the forest with ecstatic communication, the Morning Audio Community Meetup is the sound of people coming together to share their experience throughout the conference. An annual conversation grown from the roots of the Game Audio Podcast, this community conversation is all about filling in the gaps of the GDC experience.
- By giving people a platform to surface what happened the day before, it provides access to other knowledge that may have been missed.
- At some point things shift to surfacing plans for the day ahead, a chance to highlight something good while hearing about other possibilities.
- This is simply the best place to find game audio and begin your day informed about events.
The meetup location is just a short block away from Moscone at 222 2nd St. so grab your beverage of choice en-route and start your day in the best way. (…and if you can’t make it in-person, check out the daily recordings and uploads thanks to Jocelle Bautista & Nicholas Soriano Smith, with an extra-special thanks to Anton Woldhek, co-founder of the Game Audio Podcast!)
Here’s a map, so you don’t get lost:
Monday – Friday | 12:00 pm | Daily Lunchtime “Behind” the Carousel
Lunch behind the Carousel is always a thing. The default location for audio community sustenance and an open invitation for unwinding in-between. When the weather is good, behind the Carousel (ideally, in the amphitheater set-back from the road) is simply the best place to target when you’re looking for a place to land during lunch. Grab some food and see you there! (In-case of rain, feel free to head over to the Audiokinetic Community space at the Metreon Theater!)
Wednesday – Thursday| 12:30 pm | CarouselCon “Behind” the Carousel
Photo Credit: Dinah Bakeer
In 2017, Matthew Marteinsson began organizing and hosting a series of crowd-sourced presentations under the name CarouselCon, running parallel to the lunchtime game audio meetups behind the Carousel (see above). Since then, CarouselCon has been handed off to the community as a way to continue surfacing community perspectives in an equitable and inclusive way. This event is a great way for folks to share top-of-mind experiences, important findings, and random thoughts, or just plain connect over a shared experience as part of a free and open platform to listen and participate. Find the folks pulling it together and get signed up to share—or sit back and listen to the voices of the community.
“Carousel Con will be taking place Wednesday March 11th – Thursday March 12th, starting around 12:30 each day. Will run half an hour+ depending on how many talks we have. Meet at the Amphitheater in the Yerba Buena Public Square, up the steps behind the Carousel. Come bring something to talk about for a short length of time, anywhere from 30 seconds to 5 minutes. Looking forward to seeing you all again!”
Online | Discord: Game Audio GDC!
Folks have been rallying over at the Game Audio at GDC! server that was spun up over the past few years to support communication on the ground. There’s some great discussion over there about what to expect for your first time, with great perspectives being lent by the community. I’ve seen folks call out for accompaniment on a late-night walk, spontaneous evening plans form from a suggestion, and the best of our community pulling together in service of the greater good. I expect that as the conference kicks off, things will get real-time with folks coordinating and updating previous plans. While it’s totally cool to unplug and lead through in-person conversations and group dynamics, it’s always nice to have a place to check in.
Invite here: https://discord.gg/dae9RPuShy
…and there’s always the Game Audio Pavilion (coordinators of multiple meetups and working behind the scenes) that stays active year-round as an alternate community to keep your eyes on: https://discord.gg/gdqXU3GApY
Online | BlueSky: #GameAudioGDC
Whether you keep it tuned to servers on Discord or trained on the #GameAudioGDC hashtag or grab this #GameAudioGDC Feed link over on Bluesky/ Socials, information (still) travels faster in the modern age. Be sure to blast out your experience on the ground to the wider world across socials to share the knowledge.
Events | Nazi Punks Fuck Off
“If you’ve come to fight, get outta here” – Dead Kennedys
With a week of presentations yet to unfold, planning your time outside the conference can be the most exciting and overwhelming task—if you let it be! Another path you can take is to go with the flow. But before you go, here’s what I know: the best conference experience is one that balances the known and the unknown in equal measure. So, give yourself a chance to improvise; let the mood and the moment determine the way forward. Carve out a memorable path through the nonstop opportunity space of San Francisco in the spring.
Meanwhile, the School for Video Game Audio 10 Tips for #GameAudioGDC 2025 includes wisened perspectives for a successful experience. Dig in deeper for more tips on how to prepare, be present and proactive, while maximizing your conference experience.
Here’s what Leonard J. Paul has to say about pacing yourself during the marathon week of the conference:
6) Pace Your Eating, Party & Sleepy Times
- Usually parties are where I chat with new people the most and talking over meals (outside is often an option) is a great way to connect with people whenever you can.
- It’s important to be respectful of others and the GDC has a great set of guidelines to help out as well as a mandate to improve diversity: DIVERSITY EQUITY & INCLUSION. Everyone wants to have a fun time at GDC and it’s good to do what you can to support this great community.
- It’s good to take a chance, dive in and just talk with people. You’ll never know what the future holds if you’re not willing to take some risks. Note that networking isn’t an even playing field so it’s good to be mindful to help support the community. The GDC CODE OF CONDUCT does its best to help set the tone for the conference.
- Try to stay healthy by drinking plenty of water if you happen to go out drinking and book in your sleep. Although morning coffee is fine, I’d recommend getting up later and getting more sleep if you’re just going to be a zombie all day. Packing snacks is good too.
- GDC is like a workout. Eat healthy when you can and stay rested. You’ll be walking around a lot, which is fun but also really tiring. Earplugs are essential, plus protecting your voice too!
Sunday, March 8 | 6:00 pm | Pre-GDC Game Audio Meetup by Game Audio Pavilion
Bender’s Bar and Grill (806 South Van Ness Ave)
Early adventurers can find their way to Bender’s Bar in the Mission District on Sunday night for a little informal pre-event coordinated by Dylan Seligman of the (aforementioned) Game Audio Pavilion/Game Audio at GDC Discords.
“Come hang out with your fellow game audio friends and professionals at Bender’s in the Mission before the conference starts! Bender’s has a great selection of food and drink, and is easily accessible by MUNI and BART. See you there!” – Partiful, FB, Luma
If you are so inclined, after jumping on BART heading south, it’s just a short walk from either the 16th or 24th St. Mission stops. It’s a nice way to get acclimated to life on foot for what will be a week of straight-up hustle on the streets of San Francisco. Excited conversations full of speculation for the days to come should be expected… and, if I remember correctly, plenty of tater tots!
Tuesday, March 10 | 6:00 pm | Game Audio Denizens & GADA Pizza with a Purpose
GADA Charity Event: California Pizza Kitchen (53 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94103)
The time is set to gather for dinner as part of the Game Audio Denizens group meetup, Meanwhile, the donation is possible ALL DAY LONG, so even if you stop by for lunch, mentioning GADA will donate 20% of the bill – at no additional cost to you! Mention the Game Audio Diversity Alliance on your visit to the 53 Third Street California Pizza Kitchen on March 10th, 2026 and CPK will donate 20% of its food and beverage sales to the Game Audio Diversity Alliance!
The Game Audio Diversity Alliance is a 501(c)3 Charity dedicated toward building a more inclusive and diverse game audio industry; by creating career advancement opportunities for underrepresented voices through education, mentoring, networking, and financial support.
You can learn more at: https://www.gameaudiodiversityalliance.org/
Tuesday, March 10 | 6:00 pm | Game Audio Overflow
Golden Gate Taproom, 449 Powell St
The fine folks at the Game Audio Pavilion Discord have been coordinating an overflow event for folks who are looking for an alternative or post-pizza hang at the nearby Golden Gate Taproom. So whether the line is too long, the noise-floor too high, or you’d just rather find your way to another conversation, the Overflow has you covered. Partifu, FB, LUMA
Tuesday, March 10 | 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm | Asian Game Audio Network Meetup
Behind the Carousel
“Join us for our GDC in-person meetup from the Asian Game Audio Network. Our mission is to advocate, highlight, and mentor members of the Asian game audio community and act as an open, welcome space to grow together. We are also focused on nurturing local communities within the Asia region. Let’s have a great time together before checking out the GADA Dinner or GDC Concert!”
Tuesday, March 10 | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm | GDC Developer’s Concert
GDC Main Stage, North Hall – Required Pass Type: Festival Pass, Game Changer Pass
“Now taking place after conference hours as an official GDC Nights event, come experience this unique show at the Main Stage on Tuesday evening of GDC week, for an awe-inspiring night of music led by the Grammy-nominated and BAFTA-winning composer Austin Wintory. Known for his groundbreaking scores for Journey, Abzû, The Banner Saga, Sword of the Sea, Stray Gods, and many more, Austin has redefined the role of music in games, earning global acclaim for his innovative and emotionally resonant compositions.”
Tuesday, March 10 | 8:00 pm – 1:00 am | Audio Community Karaoke
The Mint Karaoke Lounge (1942 Market St.)
Audio Community Karaoke has been happening, in various places and configurations, for years. The past few have seen Elvira Bjorkman coordinating a full buyout at The Mint Karaoke Lounge funded by (first) Two Feathers and (last year) by a handful of karaoke minded audio companies (A Shell in the Pit, Audiokinetic, Firelight, Sound Cuts, Team Audio)
It’s been a hit these past few years, and by popular demand, the event is back this year – fully sponsored by Audiokinetic! Just like last year, we have the whole karaoke venue to ourselves to celebrate the community with song! On the day of the karaoke, we will send a password for you to gain access at the door. Please invite and bring your Game Audio friends and allies and make sure that you RSVP.
Wednesday, March 11 | 10:30am – 5:00pm | Audiokinetic – AMC Metreon Theater
AMC Metreon 16 Theater 14 (135 4th St.)
For 25 years, the interactive audio community has been our greatest inspiration. We’re inviting you to join us at the AMC Metreon Theatre for presentations featuring developers using Wwise and an exclusive screening of the “Sounds of Dreamers” documentary honouring the game audio community. Conveniently located at the intersection of the conference, the AMC Metreon 16 will host two days of presentations that are free and accessible without a GDC Pass at the AMC Metreon Theater 14. Sign up here to get updates and reminders
10:30 am | Audio from Day One
Speakers: Skywalker Sound
1:00 pm | Civilization VII Mixing: A Sound Strategy
Speakers: Kadet Kuhne, Dmytro Nebesh, Joseph Marcus, Dylan Escalona-Sandoval
2:30 pm | Immersive Best Practices
Speaker: Erik Foreman
4:00 pm | Scoring Wildgate
Speaker: Maclaine Diemer
Wednesday, March 11 | 7:00 – 9:00 pm | Game Audio Network Guild Awards
Room 2006, West Hall – Required Pass Type: Festival Pass, Game Changer Pass
“Now in its 24th year, the annual G.A.N.G. Awards Show celebrates excellence in video game music, sound design, and dialogue performance. Presented by the Game Audio Network Guild, the ceremony recognizes and honors standout creative and technical achievements across all facets of audio, from indie projects to AAA titles. The event brings together audio professionals from around the world to recognize the best in the field, in one of the largest gathering of game audio professionals each year.”
I’ve said it before: Put on your #SocksOfGameAudio, paint up those #NailsOfGameAudio, and make sure you bring a GDC Pass + GDC Nights with you. (Required for entry)
Thursday, March 12 | 10:30am – 5:00pm | Audiokinetic – AMC Metreon Theater
AMC Metreon 16 Theater 14 (135 4th St.)
10:30 am | Atmos in the Wild: A Technical Deep Dive into the Mix of Cairn
Speakers: Martin Stig Andersen, Alistair Hirst
1:00 pm | Panel | Designing for Touch: On Haptics
Schedule in-progress, sign up here to get updates and reminders or circle-back here closer to the conference
2:30 pm | Panel | What’s Next: Development Today and Tomorrow
Schedule in-progress, sign up here to get updates and reminders or circle-back here closer to the conference
4:00 pm | Sounds of Dreamers
Three years in the making, SOUNDS OF DREAMERS is a documentary that captures voices and stories from across the world—Montreal, San Francisco, Burbank, Copenhagen, Hilversum, Tokyo, and Shanghai—bringing together the passion, creativity, and innovation that make our game audio community, extraordinary. Swing by to check out the final cut that celebrates the game audio community! Sign up here to get updates and reminders
Thursday, March 12 | 8:00 – 1:00 am | VGM Jam & MTG Meetup
Savoy Tivoli,1434 Grant Ave
“VGM JAMJoin us for a night of your favorite music from our favorite video games at the Savoy Tivoli is San Francisco’s historic North Beach district! There will be a house band and multiple open jams, so feel free to bring an instrument and get ready to hop on stage.” Partiful, FB, Luma
“Magic: The Gathering!? Game Audio friends!? Pretty cool! Join us in the side room at the Savoy Tivoli during the VGM Jam for games of all formats!! There will be boxes for purchase for drafts or sealed provided by Checkpoint. It will be next to the VGM Jam, so both events can be enjoyed by all”
Friday, March 13 | 5:00 pm | Meetup Behind the Carousel – If You Want It
For years, the School of Video Game Audio has been hosting an annual GDC meetup on Friday afternoon at 5 pm behind the Carousel. While Leonard and co. won’t be making it down to San Francisco this year, that doesn’t mean this last chance to high-five and hug before the four winds carry folks off shouldn’t be upheld….if you want it!
Come to catch the last embers of conference conversation and to stoke the fires of future conversations yet to come.
GDC Party List
Yeah, of course there’s a 2026 GDC Parties List you can keep an eye for other ideas of what to do and how to spend time. (because spreadsheets, amirite!)
GDC Festival of Gaming | Hop With The Jet Set
“Our chameleon tongues catch the flies in the air.” – Dead Kennedys
This year brings the restructuring of the Game Developers Conference under the newly minted title: “GDC Festival of Gaming”. While you can peer into the marketing perspective of what actually changed this year, a couple of things make intentions clear:
- “GDC is now the Festival of Gaming: a five-day experience that extends beyond the Moscone halls and brings learning, connection, and celebration together.”
- “The conference agenda has been unified. No more siloed All Access/Core/Summits pathways. One program, one ecosystem, all five days.”
Previously split into a Monday/Tuesday block of Summits, Workshops, and Tutorials, the new schedule attempts to weave these formerly siloed aspects into a single weeklong occasion. Without the historic split in content types, the intention is clearly to keep feet on the ground for the whole week. The side effect of this unification, however, is an increased pressure to navigate a full week of mixed sessions, re-asking the question of when to participate (…and how much you’re willing to spend).
Meanwhile, the Audio Summit has been absorbed into the Audio Track program and spread throughout the week. One aspect of the Summit that lives on is the Audio Lunchtime Surgeries, running Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 12:35 pm – 1:35 pm.
“An opportunity for deeper conversations with Audio Summit speakers over lunch in a smaller-scale setting. Grab some food and come back to sit at tables in the round with the day’s speakers. Discuss the day’s topics, industry trends, and the questions at the top of your mind. Get your specific questions answered, meet other attendees, and ask speakers about their experiences, perspectives, and opinions of audio for games today and in the future. All are welcome!”
- “The pass structure has been simplified. Fewer tiers, clearer value, and full access built around how the industry works today.”
While the pass structure has been simplified with a clearer value proposition regarding access, this consolidation removed the “Expo Pass,” which served as the least expensive way to attend. If you opted into the new pricing structure early, the $650 “Festival Pass” might have felt like a bargain for the increased access. However, as we approach the conference proper, the $1,200 price tag makes it difficult to imagine attending on a budget without going full-on “Free-DC” and orbiting outside the conference proper.
Even with the “Indie/Start Up” or “Academic” passes priced relatively lower, their forever-escalating price points punish anyone who couldn’t plan ahead to attend last fall. Chalk all of this up to the rising cost of doing business, or perhaps a gross oversight of the struggling game developer’s ability to weather this financial change in a time of depression. Regardless, it feels like a decision that will limit the financial diversity of the community in attendance—and diversity in general. Ultimately, it’s difficult to accept that diversity must come at the cost of… well, the cost.
Sessions Agenda | I Am the Owl
“In ten years we’ll leek the truth” – Dead Kennedys
Now the real challenge begins: With multiple parallel Audio presentations (not to mention other disciplines across the whole conference), how can one possibly be expected to choose? You have the GDC Main Conference Audio Advisory Group to thank for this burden of choice. (And thank them you should!) They’ve been working to make every hour of the Audio Track a study in (equal parts) inspiration and FOMO. While you’re at it, give thanks to the Conference Associates (CAs), who shine a bright light when you’re lost or in need of assistance. Their presence is a gift and a treasure.
Every presentation is a reflection of hard-won knowledge learned over the course of development. Equipped with this insight, attendees file out into the hallway where the discussion continues: unpacking terminology, expanding on concepts, and gaining a greater understanding through shared perspective. Be mindful in these moments of group conversation. Invite folks on the periphery to lend their thoughts, leave space for alternate points of view, and help create an equitable and inclusive environment. Your action (or inaction) may make the difference for someone finding their way in game audio, shaping the world as it unfolds outward.
You’ll start the conference as a sponge with unlimited potential for absorption. When the last official day arrives, you’ll be desperately seeking the last precious drops of knowledge while simultaneously overflowing with a burden of fresh thoughts. Pace yourself. If you’re cueing up for the Morning Audio Community Meetups (see above), it’s likely someone will share their experience and help fill in the gaps left by unseen presentations. Regardless, it’s up to you to soak it all up so you can water the garden of game audio for the year ahead.
Roundtables | Insight
“We’re all planning our careers” – Dead Kennedys
Roundtables represent the best in open-format conversation, encouraging the free exchange of ideas between people. Topical, focused, and moderated, these can be an excellent opportunity to get things out of your head, share experience, lend a perspective, and channel the moment. Here’s the catch: The roundtables are only accessible in person; the conversations don’t live on as part of the GDC Vault. For me, that often puts attending these discussions ahead of other presentations that can wait until after the conference. Which is to say, it’s worth finding your way to these well-moderated and insightful moments that live on only in memory.
Here are a few that seem like they would be worth your time:
UNDERSTANDING AI IN GAME AUDIO ROUNDTABLE
Tuesday, March 10 | 1:50 pm – 2:50 pm
Speakers: (Presented by the IGDA) Speakers: Alexander Brandon (Funky Rustic, LLC), Pat Scandalis (moForte Inc)
Location: 301 South Hall
AUDIO DIRECTORS
Wednesday, March 11 | 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Thursday, March 12 | 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Speakers: Lydia Andrew (EA DICE), Caleb Epps (Brass Lion Entertainment)
Location: 312 South Hall
GAME AUDIO PROGRAMMING
Wednesday, March 11 | 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm – GAME INTEGRATION
Thursday, March 12 | 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm – LOW-LEVEL TOPICS
Friday, March 13 | 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm – FREE-FOR-ALL
Speakers: Guy Somberg (Echtra Games), Tomas Neuman (CD Project Red)
Location: 306 South Hall
DIVERSITY IN GAME AUDIO
Wednesday, March 11 | 1:50 pm – 2:50 pm – FIGHTING BACK
Thursday, March 12 | 9:30 am – 10:30 am – MAKING IT HAPPEN AND ADVOCATING FOR YOURSELF
Speakers: Speakers: Katelyn Isaacson (Ludogram/Independent), Star Victoria Power (Slide20XX), Chase Bethea (Chase Bethea/Independent), Nadia Wheaton (Independent)
Location: 306 South Hall
AI AUDIO ROUNDTABLE
Friday, March 13 | 10:50 pm – 11:50 pm
Speakers: Crystal Lee (Schell Games)
Location: 312 South Hall
Town Halls | We’ve Got a Bigger Problem Now
“You closed your eyes, can’t happen here” – Dead Kennedys
Each of the organizations that represent the audio community will meet and discuss the work that’s being done while opening the stage for individuals to bring forward issues that need to be heard. It’s worth finding your way to these if you’re interested in some of the concerns facing our industry and especially interesting if you have issues to bring (or energy to spare!).
Thursday, March 12 | 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm – IASIG TOWN HALL
Location: 2018 West Hall
Friday, March 13th | 1:10 pm – 2:20 pm – G.A.N.G. TOWN HALL
Location: TBD
Expo | Gone with my Mind
“He’s been talking to paintings in the hall” – Dead Kennedys
The Expo has been reworked too: “it’s an experience-led festival environment organized into five themed neighborhoods: Game Development, Future Tech, Indie & Education, International, Monetization & Player Engagement.” As to whether this feels any different to the wild cacophony of previous years or will continue the past years reduction of past giants and thinning foot traffic will remain to be seen. In the meantime, there are enough good people to meet, greet, and wander between booths to talk with.
Wednesday, March 11 | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Thursday, March 12 | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Friday, March 13 | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Don’t forget to have fun as part of the “Marquee Experiences” like GDC Play, alt.ctrl.GDC, IGF Pavillion, Neighborhood Stages, and other attractions. (Did anyone try the “cat” controller last year?) Meanwhile, here are a few audio-related folks still holding down space on the show floor:
bHaptics – 533
“bHaptics is the innovator and provider of consumer-ready full-body haptics solutions. Join us at GDC 2025 and enter a whole new world of real time tactile VR gaming experience using our TactSuit Pro, Air, TactSleeve and TactGlove.”
FMOD – 849
“FMOD is an end-to-end solution for adding sound and music to any game. Build adaptive audio using FMOD Studio and play it in-game using the FMOD Engine.”
Miraisens – SC03
“MIRAISENS develops advanced 3DHaptics technology that enables directional force and realistic tactile sensations. Its AMPTIX™ middleware and authoring tools simplify integrating immersive haptic feedback into games, enhancing interactivity and user immersion across platforms.”
Closing | Moon over Marin
“There will always be a moon over Marin” – Dead Kennedys
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This is the 20th anniversary of my first GDC, where I landed in San Jose (at the time) and famously fell down the rabbit hole of game audio. The years have provided a wonderland of knowledge sharing, community, and friends for life. To say again that “There’s a comfort in repetition” is an understatement. As long as I stay honest with myself and acknowledge that the “Game of GDC” has changed fundamentally for me since that first time.
I have a job and feel connected to people doing incredible work, many of whom have participated in my education along the way. I have support from the company I work for to continue investing in the community, alongside helping to grow interactive audio workflows. The Morning Meetups, which evolved from the early days of the Game Audio Podcast, help bring a heartbeat to the conference while providing an access point to members of the community (new and old). And finally, this guide—something I’ve been creating yearly (for the most part) since 2016—attempts to tie together threads on the ground with other audio event organizers working to create the connective tissue throughout the conference.
It’s my hope that after twenty years of iteration, attending as someone new to the industry no longer feels like a random series of coincidences (as enjoyable as that may have been), but that there’s a semblance of structure to help people find the community. I’ll be there on the ground to try and help catalyze any positivity that I can. It’s a gift to be able to catch up with old friends and meet folks who are new to me. If you see me on the ground, please say hello! See you soon!
Here are some final words culled from previous guides to help close things out:
The Purple Guide to Game Audio GDC 2025:
If I have one piece of advice it would be: Ask how you can help
Whether it’s between people, in the community, as an ally, in the face of adversity, silently or loudly, I believe that you have something to give that could be an important part of someone’s experience. So do what you can to prepare for any opportunity to lend your skills, talent, perspective, support, allyship, understanding, or otherwise sharing unconditional self and what you have to offer. It may not be clear what you can do. Regardless, there you’ll be, faced with the potential to have a positive impact on the outcome of the interactions that you’ll take part in.
The Imaginary Guide to Game Audio GDC 2024:
It’s the work that comes later, between GDCs if that’s how you measure time, that will tell the story of what happened. Or what happened next.
Looping right back to the beginning: How will this time together change the outcome of our way forward? How will we use what we’ve learned to change things for the better? What perspective will be gained that could prevent us from the same traps? Will we have changed as part of our interactions? Will our choices have consequences that result in a richer storyline? Will we be part of something bigger, something inclusive, something that carries outside of the slice of time shared together?
The Drifting Guide to Game Audio GDC 2023:
If it’s your first time pounding the pavement, try to find folks you can navigate the streets with…especially in the evening when paths get nebulous and neighborhoods unknown. Safety levels can change on a block-by-block basis and some of that change can be insulated when you’re with a group of folks beating a hasty trajectory between hang outs. If you’re returning, try to impart some of your hard-won wisdom about the wilder parts of downtown. Pay attention, offer to walk with someone if they’re headed out or suggest a happy trail to get them where they’re headed that might bypass some of the rough spots.
Stay in the moment, feel all the feels, and I hope to see you in San Francisco!
The Bohemian Guide to Game Audio GDC 2019:
“Have a look at the GDC Code of Conduct before you hit town and engage its guidelines while onsite (and continue to adhere to its sensible advice even outside of the presentation hall). Forming relationships and cultivating conversations should begin with mutual respect; always stay positive and within the bounds of social etiquette. Find ways to include people in your adventures when possible. Find ways to bring other people into your conversations, and always treat people in the best way possible. We choose this opportunity as ambassadors of audio in the game development community, so lead with the greatest optimism, collaboration, humbleness, and grace in-conversation.”
P.S.
Each year’s Guide contains an homage to some of my favorite bands. This year’s section titles have been embedded with song titles from the Dead Kennedys catalog. The Dead Kennedys were a provocative and controversial hardcore punk band primarily active in the 1980s. Their critical lens on politics in the United States, expressed through high-energy—and often angry—emotional music, struck a chord in my early years. Revisiting their catalog, one can draw direct parallels between concerns they expressed about systems of oppression and control enacted on the population then, and now. In a year defined by industry turbulence and uncertainty, the raw, unfiltered energy of punk offers a cathartic outlet for the dissonance we’re all navigating. The themes in their music and lyrics make visible a negativity that poses questions about the world and how we operate within it. The Dead Kennedys represent an extreme in music that can take work to understand, especially in today’s context. While some of their lyrics reflect extreme stereotypes, judgments, and outdated perspectives, I think there’s a message worth considering and measuring against the reality of today.
Bio: Damian Kastbauer is a Software Product Manager at Audiokinetic helping to grow the future of interactive audio along with the interactive audio community.