International Game Developers Boycott US Conference Due to Safety Concerns
The annual Game Developers Conference in San Francisco faces a significant decline in international participation as developers worldwide express growing reluctance to travel to the United States. This year’s event, which has drawn global talent since 1988, is witnessing an unprecedented absence of overseas attendees who cite safety and security concerns.
Numerous international developers interviewed have expressed deep apprehension about visiting a nation they perceive as increasingly hostile toward foreign visitors. Their concerns are particularly acute among minority groups, transgender individuals, and those with publicly expressed political views that might conflict with current policies.
Emilio Coppola, Executive Director of the Godot Foundation based in Spain, captured the sentiment shared by many:
I honestly don’t know anyone who is not from the US who is planning on going to the next GDC. We never felt super safe, but now we are not willing to risk it.
Pandemic Disruption and Political Climate
The reluctance to attend began building after the 2020 conference cancellation due to COVID-19 concerns. The pandemic forced many developers to question whether in-person attendance justified the expense and effort, as virtual alternatives proved viable.
However, the current political administration has intensified these concerns significantly. Reports of enhanced immigration enforcement and aggressive border scrutiny have created an atmosphere of fear among potential international attendees. Stories of visitors being detained or refused entry, particularly those with histories of public statements critical of current policies, have circulated widely within the developer community.
Nazih Fares, a French-Lebanese creative director at Le Cabinet du Savoir, explained his decision:
Hearing European citizens getting arrested by border control over their views on the US is not something I would like to test for myself.
Heightened Security Measures and Personal Precautions
Those who did attend recent conferences described increasingly invasive border experiences. Neha Patel, an audio director at Pamplemousse Games, recounted her 2025 experience:
The agent at the border was very intrusive, more than the usual ‘Ah, brown people’ racism. They asked a lot of questions regarding my employment, roles, and studio. I lied and said that I did not have American clients nor did I admit I work as a freelancer. I was too scared.
Major studios have responded by implementing additional safety protocols for employees choosing to attend. One anonymous developer from a major studio revealed that their company provided legal documentation and safety briefings for all attendees, though they plan no physical presence at future events.
Individual developers have taken extraordinary personal precautions. JC Lau, a senior producer at Amsterdam’s Twirlbound, described sharing detailed travel information with multiple contacts, including instructions to contact the Australian consulate if communication ceased. Others reported scrubbing their social media profiles to remove potentially controversial content.
Diverse Concerns Across Demographics
The apprehension spans various demographics and backgrounds. Veteran developer Rami Ismail, who has attended since 2010, noted the deteriorating situation:
I ain’t going to GDC because I’m 99 percent sure I would not leave detention anytime soon. It used to be bad; now my white friends are being treated like I used to be.
Transgender developers face particular anxiety due to recent policy changes. Felix Kramer, a Toronto-based producer, expressed concern about potential complications arising from gender identity documentation discrepancies. Similarly, Erica Lahaie from Montreal cited the political environment’s impact on profiling risks.
Developers with public political stances worry about scrutiny. Jörg Friedrich, creator of the politically-themed game “Through the Darkest of Times,” stated:
It feels way too dangerous entering the US as people who are outspoken against fascism and autocracy and make art that stands for democracy and rule of law.
San Francisco’s Urban Challenges
Beyond immigration concerns, many developers cite San Francisco’s urban environment as an additional deterrent. Issues including street safety, homelessness, and visible drug use have compounded travel hesitations, particularly given the substantial costs involved.
Danish developer Martin Pichlmair observed:
For someone coming from Scandinavian luxury communism, the apparent refusal to deal with social issues is mesmerizing. Given the amount of money visible, it seems like a very cold-hearted thing to not spend some of it on making the place nice for everyone.
Conference organizers have implemented safety measures, including 24-hour hotlines and security escorts, while acknowledging the challenging political climate. However, most developers indicate that substantial policy changes would be necessary before they would reconsider attendance.
Despite alternative options like international conferences and virtual events, many developers express genuine sadness about losing access to what was previously a career-defining annual gathering. The conference had served as a crucial networking hub and community-building opportunity that many now feel forced to abandon.