University of Advancing Technology's Official Technology Blog

Every year, the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco becomes a hub for game industry professionals, students, and educators alike. This year, students, staff, and faculty from the University of Advancing Technology (UAT) made their way to the Moscone Center to immerse themselves in a week of networking, learning, and showcasing their passion for game development. 

Networking Beyond the Conference: Meetups and Off-Site Events 

One of the best aspects of GDC isn’t just the sessions—it’s the countless networking events that happen off-site. UAT attendees participated in industry mixers, rooftop gatherings, and specialized meetups for game designers, programmers, and artists. The meetups at Yerba Buena Park provided a casual yet productive environment to connect with professionals and indie developers alike. Conversations ranged from the latest game engines to career advice and job opportunities. UAT Alumni Sophie Schenck says, “I think the central takeaway, though, is that game devs are some of the nicest and chillest folk to hang out with, and if you're a nice, passionate person, then you'll get far.” 

Favorite Sessions and Learning Opportunities 

GDC offers a variety of sessions, from deep-dive technical talks to creative storytelling workshops. UAT students were particularly excited about talks on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in gaming, the future of Virtual Reality (VR), and postmortems from successful indie games. UAT Professor Hue Henry and Career Services Coordinator Jake Henningsen attended discussions about game education and mentoring, bringing back valuable insights to enhance UAT’s curriculum and plan future UAT Game Jams for high school students. UAT Alumni Sophie Schenck recommends, “Come prepared. This means like having your portfolio and business cards up to snuff, but this also means planning what your days are gonna look like. Sure, things can and will change, but it's helpful to know sort of what you'll be doing cause there's too much stuff.” 

Exploring the Expo Hall and IGF Pavilion 

The Expo Hall is always a major highlight, featuring booths from industry giants like Meta, Tencent, and major game studios. UAT attendees got hands-on experience with the latest development tools and technologies. Meanwhile, the Independent Games Festival (IGF) Pavilion was a treasure trove of creativity, showcasing some of the most innovative indie games of the year. Students had the chance to speak directly with indie developers, gaining insights into their creative processes. 

GDC Connect, Speed Networking, and Start-Up Opportunities 

For students looking to break into the industry, GDC Connect and Speed Networking were invaluable. Through these programs, UAT students met recruiters, hiring managers, and fellow developers. Some aspiring entrepreneurs also explored GDC Start-Up, an initiative that provides resources and mentorship to game industry start-ups, offering a glimpse into the business side of game development. 

Alt+Ctrl.GDC: Interactive and Experimental Games 

One of the most exciting showcases at GDC is Alt+Ctrl.GDC, where developers present experimental and alternative controller games. UAT students marveled at unconventional setups, from games controlled by physical motion sculptures to experiences that blend digital and real-world interactions. It was a reminder that innovation in gaming goes far beyond just code and design—it’s about pushing boundaries in interactivity. 

Traveling to San Francisco and Surviving Convention Life 

Traveling to GDC is an adventure in itself. UAT attendees shared their experiences navigating San Francisco’s public transportation, exploring the city's vibrant food scene, and finding the best coffee spots to keep energized throughout the week.  

Conference Associates: The Unsung Heroes 

No GDC experience would be complete without the amazing Conference Associates (CAs). CA’s help keep the event running smoothly, providing guidance, organizing sessions, and assisting attendees. UAT Game Programming student Jenson Searle had the experience of being a CA this year which makes attendance far more affordable on a typical student’s budget.  
 
GDC Wrap Up 

As GDC 2025 wrapped up, UAT attendees returned home with fresh knowledge, new industry connections, and a renewed passion for game development. The experience reinforced the importance of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning—core values that drive the University of Advancing Technology. As far as big GDC takeaways, UAT student Baylee Balismo Ketelhut said, “My main takeaway from going to the conference was that you need to either be extremely good at what you want to do, or you should have varying skillsets that set you apart from others (making you a stronger addition to a team). For example, if you're looking for a job as an environment artist, pick up skills that not many people have such as using Substance Designer or lighting your scenes in a game engine. For other roles, such as narrative design, try your hand at programming in-engine or start creating UI elements to implement towards your narrative. The same goes for all other game-related fields; the more you know, the cheaper you'll be for indie developers and the better you'll be able to communicate in a multi-disciplinary team in agile development.” 

Ready to take your game development skills to the next level? Explore your future in game development—learn more https://www.uat.edu/