The Digester

Dozens of international game developers say fear of aggressive border checks, potential detentions, and safety concerns in San Francisco have led them to cancel Game Developers Conference travel plans. Some studios offered legal briefings and contingency plans, while organizers maintain recent international attendance was in line with previous years.

Dozens of international game developers are canceling GDC attendance because they fear aggressive U.S. border scrutiny and possible detention.
Reports of phone searches, intrusive questioning, and travelers being turned away at airports have intensified travel worries.
Developers from minority groups, transgender people, and outspoken critics of U.S. policy say they feel especially at risk.
Some companies canceled U.S. travel or provided legal briefings and emergency plans for employees who still attended.
Concerns about safety and the downtown San Francisco environment and the cost of travel are also deterring attendees.
GDC organizers say 2025 international attendance remained broadly in line with past years, but many developers say they will only return if U.S. policies change.

Many international developers skipping GDC over U.S. travel and safety fears

Sources