EGD @ GDC 2025: Final Reflections & What’s Next

GDC wrapped up a month ago now, and looking back, it still feels like we needed more time. Every year at the Game Developers Conference feels like a whirlwind of new learnings and experiences, and this one was no different.

With the motivational sessions and the Expo Hall, it was clear that each corner of GDC offered something to inspire, challenge, and spark new ideas. For many of us, those sparks have also grown brighter since the event ended.

What We Learned

Some of the most powerful takeaways came during two very different types of sessions. One focused on gaming communities, and the other on neurodiversity in the game industry.

Kicking off Tuesday, a standout talk from Johan Pilestedt explored the highs and lows of the Helldivers 2 community, offering a much-needed conversation on how developers and players can engage more constructively online regarding game-related criticisms. It was both a history lesson and a communication strategy session, and it left a lasting impression.

Later in the week, two sessions centered on neurodiversity created an inclusive space for honest, sometimes vulnerable, conversations. One explored feedback culture within teams and how to foster psychological safety, while the other was a roundtable where attendees shared their own experiences as neurodivergent individuals in the industry.

This was such an excellent way for our students to build real, personal connections with other developers. One of our members even carried these teachings into a capstone project with America Needs You, a nonprofit organization for professional development, in which he deeply examined and discussed autism in gaming.

New Goals Unlocked

GDC also spawned some cool new ideas for EGD students at every turn, including game concepts and career goals, you name it!

After playing games at the Japan booth, one student wanted to explore something fresh: developing a Hololive/Vtuber game in Unity. With recent retirements in the Vtubing space still resonating, the idea feels like a creative challenge and a tribute.

Another takeaway a student had? It’s time to multiclass. Inspired by the IGDA Mentor Café and the Game Career Seminar on broadening one's skill set, there was a newfound ambition to jump into more game jams, sharpen coding and design chops, and build up skills beyond narrative (their field of interest). Because in today’s industry, being multiskilled isn’t just smart...it’s necessary.

Looking Ahead to GDC 2026 (Yes, We’re Coming Back)

Next year’s GDC may be coming a little earlier, but that just means the planning starts sooner! You can bet EGD will be back, hopefully with a new game to show and plenty of fresh faces (and familiar ones) to meet again.

Some of the connections formed this year have already led to follow-ups, and we’re excited to keep the momentum going, whether that’s at GDC or other events like EGD's very own Waffle Games (Psst happening June 14-15th! Get tickets for it here on our website!! 👀).

Stay Connected

Want to keep up with what's next for EGD? Stick around to see what we're working on and where we're heading next! We have some exciting stuff heading your way!!

Until next time.👾

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Follow the EGD Collective on social media to get updates on our upcoming events and workshops (Twitter / Instagram / Facebook). We encourage you the community on the EGD Discord server to meet some new friends and gain access to our wide array of services and resources!

Finally, consider joining our membership program! Benefits of registering for our membership tiers include access to student support services, fellowship programs, and more. You can find more information on our website here.