Preparing for #GDC2025
What a wild ride prepping for GDC has been. I'm finally at a point where my new game is actually looking pretty darn good—good enough to proudly show it off. Sure, I'm gonna hustle like crazy right up until the moment I walk onto the conference floor, tweaking and polishing everything, but honestly, if I didn't, the game would still be in solid shape. That's a good feeling.
But wait… it's not just about the game demo, is it? To truly pitch my game to potential partners, investors, or publishers (the legendary PIPs), I need MATERIALS! Stuff that makes me look legit and memorable.
First, business cards—those tiny pieces of paper that say, "I'm professional, please don't lose me." Then there's the pitch deck. It’s gotta be slick, clear, and engaging, something that makes even the most jaded publisher sit up a little straighter in their chair.
Oh, and how could I forget? Obviously, I need a jacket—something fresh and attention-grabbing (plus it really is not going to be warm the time I go to California... amazing), emblazoned with my game's logo. You know, subtle yet flashy. And maybe I'll throw in a faux Sega Genesis jewel case, complete with an insert that captures that nostalgic, retro gaming vibe. Now THAT'S a conversation starter.
But hold on—I nearly forgot about revamping the website! Yeah, I had to scramble and whip up a sleek new web presence, because first impressions are everything in this industry. SMH.
Yet, even with all of this checked off my very long list, there's still this lingering feeling: am I really ready? I've done my homework—I've watched countless talks about pitching to PIPs, read tons of articles, and absorbed every scrap of advice I can find. Still, the reality is, I might walk away from GDC empty-handed. No new deals, no partnerships, not even an investor's business card. Am I cool with that? Uh…mostly. But I'd be lying if I said it wouldn't sting a bit.
Honestly, at minimum, I hope I at least get to network with some fellow developers. Building connections, shaking hands, sharing stories—those things matter, too. Maybe, just maybe, I'll even manage to get a foot in the door at a couple of publishing houses, making those valuable contacts for down the line. Because let's be real: spending all this cash and walking away with nothing tangible would be a gut punch. GDC definitely ain't cheap.
Just to give you an idea:
- Conference ticket: $600
- Cheapest flight I could find: $300
- Hostel (yeah, you heard me right, hostel): $160
- Rush-ordered business cards: $80
- Rush-ordered custom jacket: $100
And trust me, I hunted for the absolute lowest prices. We're talking budget GDC here, folks. I'll be packing super light, resisting the urge to grab every freebie in sight just to avoid the dreaded extra baggage fees on the flight back home.
Anyways, maybe some of you out there can relate to the rollercoaster of emotions leading up to a big event like this. It's nerve-wracking as heck, and there's still a handful of anxious days until the conference kicks off. Oh, and if you're heading out there too—FIND ME! Let's hang out, swap stories, and maybe even complain about how expensive everything is.
Let's connect!