GDC 2026: A Revamped Gaming Festival is Coming Soon!

The gaming industry is poised for a significant gathering in 2026, as the Game Developers Conference (GDC) has announced a comprehensive revamp of its annual event. Dubbed the GDC Festival of Gaming, this reimagined experience aims to bring together a broad spectrum of industry professionals for a week of learning, networking, and celebration. This announcement coincides with GDC’s 40th edition, marking a pivotal moment for the long-standing conference. Beyond the structural changes at GDC, the wider gaming landscape continues to evolve, with news emerging from major publishers, indie studios, and technology providers.

This article delves into the details of the upcoming GDC Festival of Gaming and provides a roundup of other notable developments shaping the interactive entertainment world, covering everything from game cancellations and new releases to strategic partnerships and advancements in gaming technology.

The Revamped GDC Festival of Gaming in 2026

The Game Developers Conference is set to welcome the gaming industry back to San Francisco from March 9 to March 13, 2026, with its newly conceived GDC Festival of Gaming. This five-day event is designed to be an expansive forum for game makers, publishers, investors, founders, technologists, toolmakers, marketers, educators, and press. Its core purpose is to foster connections, facilitate knowledge exchange, and celebrate the creative spirit that drives the industry forward.

Building upon the extensive legacy of the original Game Developers Conference, the Festival of Gaming will introduce a packed schedule of activities. Attendees can anticipate a rich program featuring:

• Speed networking events to connect professionals rapidly.
• Hands-on workshops for practical skill development.
• Comprehensive content programming covering diverse topics.
• Individual sessions with leading executives and innovators.
• Speaker series featuring insights from industry veterans.
• Social mixers for informal networking opportunities.
• Concerts and gaming award ceremonies to celebrate achievements.

Mark DeLoura, GDC executive director of innovation and growth, emphasized the collaborative nature of the revamped event, stating, “In a time of great change, we can build walls or build bridges and the game industry has always thrived by coming together. The GDC Festival of Gaming strengthens those connections, celebrating creativity and supporting everyone who brings games to life, from napkin sketch to global launch.” Registration for the event is currently open at gdconf.com, inviting participants to secure their place at this milestone gathering.

Gaming News Roundup

Beyond the preparations for GDC 2026, the gaming world has seen a flurry of activity across various sectors. Here’s a look at some of the week’s most significant developments:

Studio Updates and Game Cancellations

Electronic Arts has announced the impending shutdown of “The Sims Mobile” in January, seven years after its initial launch and over 50 updates. The “Sims Mobile” team expressed gratitude to its community in a blog post, highlighting the creativity and imagination shared by players. Before its discontinuation on January 20, EA is rolling out a final update for the game. “The Sims Mobile” was delisted from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, making it unavailable for new downloads, though existing users can still access it. This closure follows EA’s recent move from a publicly traded company to a privately held entity, secured through a $55 billion buyout deal with several investors. Despite this, the broader “Sims” franchise remains active, with a recent update for “The Sims 4” and plans for a new “Sims” game incorporating online multiplayer features.

Recent Game Releases

Frontier Developments, in collaboration with Universal Products & Experiences, launched “Jurassic World Evolution 3” across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S. The game introduces juvenile dinosaurs and a comprehensive breeding system, a first for the franchise. Players can engage in a global campaign spanning multiple locations and utilize advanced creative tools to design their parks.

“The Sandbox” has also unveiled “San Junipero,” a new simulated experience inspired by the Netflix series “Black Mirror.” Releasing on October 22 for PC and Mac, the experience offers a first-person interactive journey through unforgettable locations and themes of simulated reality. Players will encounter key characters Kelly and Yorkie, interacting with them across different timelines and making decisions about their digital afterlife.

Industry Events

iam8bit, the gaming and media company, is celebrating its 20th anniversary with an art exhibit open to the public on Saturday, November 8, and Sunday, November 9. The exhibition will be held at Studio 8, located at 614 E 12th St. in Los Angeles. Over two decades, iam8bit has become a notable tastemaker at the intersection of games, art, and music, publishing original games and producing numerous albums and records. This event aims to commemorate its artistic roots and ongoing influence on the art and games landscape.

Key Partnerships

Sports Interactive has announced a partnership with the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the NWSL Players’ Association (NWSLPA) to integrate these leagues into “Football Manager 26.” The game is scheduled for launch on November 4. Miles Jacobson, Studio Director at Sports Interactive, expressed excitement for the debut of women’s football in the game, emphasizing the commitment to proper representation with major world licenses. Katie Eaton, Vice President of Consumer Products at NWSL, highlighted the partnership as an innovative way to reach soccer fans and expand the NWSL’s audience. “FM26” fans will be able to manage elite NWSL teams, scout new talent, and compete at the highest level, with the deal including official player photos, club logos, and kits.

Executive Changes

Tero Virtala has stepped down as CEO of game development company Remedy, a role he held since 2016. He will remain with the company for an agreed transition period while a new leader is sought. Remedy co-founder and chief product officer Markus Mäki will serve as interim CEO, with these changes effective immediately as of October 22.

In another executive move, Katelynn Heil has joined Voldex in the newly created position of head of franchise management, reporting to CEO and founder Alex Singer. Heil’s focus will be on building and scaling the Brookhaven IP across various entertainment formats, live experiences, brand collaborations, and consumer products. She will lead Voldex’s franchise development strategy, working with the Brookhaven game team on proprietary elements, narrative and video content, and establishing a global licensing program. Additionally, Heil will contribute to Voldex’s broader franchise development roadmap by identifying future opportunities within the company’s portfolio. Before joining Voldex, she was head of brand marketing and franchise strategy at Moonbug Entertainment.

Upcoming Titles and Trailers

SEGA has released a teaser trailer for “Sonic Rumble,” a multiplayer arcade royale game set for global launch on November 5. In “Sonic Rumble,” up to 32 players will compete in a variety of challenges within Dr. Eggman’s Egg Toy Land, including obstacle races, survival challenges, cooperative team battles, and ring-collecting showdowns. Players can choose from fan-favorite characters, customize their aesthetics, and select strategic skill options. “Sonic Rumble” will be available on iOS, Android, and Google Play Games on PC and Steam.

New Platform Launches

“Assassin’s Creed Shadows” is slated to launch on Nintendo Switch 2 on December 2, including all content updates released since its initial debut. The Nintendo Switch 2 version will offer portability and touch screen support, with its “Claws of Awaji” expansion pack arriving next year. Players will journey through Japan as dual protagonists, Naoe (a shinobi Assassin) and Yasuke (a samurai warrior), mastering their complementary playstyles to uncover their shared destiny and usher in a new era for Japan. The Standard Edition will be priced at $59.99, available physically or digitally, while the Premium Edition, digital-only, will cost $99.99. The Nintendo Switch 2 version will support cross-progression across all platforms via Ubisoft Connect. “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” is currently available on Ubisoft+, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation®5, PlayStation 5 Pro, Amazon Luna, Macs with Apple silicon, and Windows PC via various digital storefronts.

Cloud Gaming Developments

Amazon Luna, the cloud gaming service, has relaunched with a reimagined and redesigned interface as of October 23. This update brings over 50 games to Prime members at no additional cost, along with new features like GameNight and a collection of more than 25 local multiplayer games. Jeff Gattis, general manager of Amazon Luna, stated that the service aims to remove traditional barriers to gaming by eliminating the need for expensive hardware, downloads, or installations. Access to Luna’s offerings is now included within the Prime membership for over 200 million paid members. The Prime-included game titles feature prominent releases such as “Hogwarts Legacy,” “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle,” and “TopSpin 2K25,” alongside a diverse catalog of blockbusters, classics, and indie games.

Conclusion

The gaming industry continues its dynamic evolution, exemplified by GDC’s ambitious plans for its 2026 Festival of Gaming. This significant restructuring of one of the industry’s premier events reflects a commitment to fostering a more connected and innovative future for game development. Simultaneously, the array of news – from major game releases and strategic partnerships to shifts in executive leadership and advancements in cloud gaming – underscores a vibrant and continuously expanding landscape. These developments collectively highlight an industry that is not only adapting to change but actively shaping its future, promising exciting prospects for both creators and players alike.