GDC Festival of Gaming Scholarship Program Powered by Xsolla

Your road to GDC 2026 starts here

The GDC Festival of Gaming 2026 Scholarship Program - Powered by Xsolla is designed to break down barriers that prevent talented game developers from experiencing GDC to its fullest.

Selected recipients will get:

🎟️ GDC Festival Pass
🏨 Four nights at the Hilton Union Square
☕ Invitation to the Xsolla Scholarship Meet-Up
💼 Access to Xsolla events and networking sessions
🎁 Exclusive swag and developer perks

Open to developers and small studios worldwide with an active game in development, from early concept to near launch, with winners being announced at the end of January 2026.

RSVPs Closed

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GDC Festival of Gaming Scholarship Program Powered by Xsolla

Your road to GDC 2026 starts here

The GDC 2026 Xsolla Scholarship Program removes the barriers that keep talented developers from fully experiencing GDC.

Built for developers and small studios actively working on a game, this program helps you show up, connect, and take part in the conversations that move careers forward.

This is about access.
This is about momentum.
This is about all the things that help creators take the next step.

What selected recipients receive

🎟️ GDC All-Access Pass
🏨 Four nights at the Hilton Union Square
☕ Invitation to the Xsolla Scholarship Meet-Up at The Howard
💼 Access to Xsolla events and networking sessions
🎁 Exclusive swag and developer perks

Everything you need to be there—without the financial friction.

RSVPs Closed

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GDC Festival of Gaming Scholarship Program Powered by Xsolla

Your game. Your future. Your GDC 2026 experience.

Looking for a way to attend GDC? Xsolla is sponsoring 45 independent and emerging developers to attend GDC 2026 in San Francisco.

Get your GDC All-Access Pass, a four-night hotel stay, and access to Xsolla events and networking opportunities throughout the week.

RSVPs Closed

Selection Criteria

Developer Success Evaluation Framework

• Creativity & Innovation
• Impact & Potential
• Professionalism & Readiness

Development Stage Diversity

Range of early, mid, and near-release projects.

Supporting underrepresented developers

Giving a chance for underrepresented developers.

Timeline

Dec 19. 2025

Launch & Applications open

Announcement of GDC Festival of Gaming 2026
Scholarship Program powered by Xsolla Applications now open.

Jan 16, 2026

Applications close

All submissions must completed by Jan 16, 2026 to be considered.

End of Jan, 2026

Announcement of the winners

All 45 selected Scholarship recipients will receive a confirmation email.

Agenda

8:30am

Breakfast and networking

Network, enjoy the continental breakfast and get settled in

9:00am - 10:00am

Pitch

The top indie companies will pitch their games

10:00 - 10:30am

Post pitching coffee

Networking, fresh donuts and coffee

Agenda

8:30am

Breakfast and networking

Network, enjoy the continental breakfast and get settled in

9:00am - 10:00am

Pitch

The top indie companies will pitch their games

10:00 - 10:30am

Post pitching coffee

Networking, fresh donuts and coffee

Speakers/Hosts

VP, Strategic Planning & GM, Xsolla Funding Club

Xsolla Inc

Justin

Berenbaum

Business Development Manager
Xsolla Inc

Nathan

Solbrandt

VP, Strategic Planning & GM, Xsolla Funding Club

Xsolla Inc

Justin

Berenbaum

Business Development Manager
Xsolla Inc

Nathan

Solbrandt

Howard Street

747 Howard St,
San Francisco, CA

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the GDC 2026 Xsolla Scholarship?

The GDC 2026 Xsolla Scholarship helps 45 independent or mid-tier game developers attend the 2026 Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco.
Selected recipients receive a GDC Festival Pass, 4 nights of hotel accommodation, and exclusive access to Xsolla-hosted networking events during GDC week.

2. Who can apply?

The scholarship is open to emerging developers and small studios who already have a game in development — from early concept to near release.

Only one person per studio may apply.

3. Is there a fee to apply?

No. There is no application fee.

4. Does the scholarship cover travel or airfare?

No. The Scholarship does not include airfare, meals, or any other personal expenses not specifically described herein.

5. What does the scholarship include?

Each recipient receives:

🎟️ GDC Festival Pass (provided by GDC)
🏨 4 nights of hotel accommodation at Hilton Union Square (March 8–12 or March 9–13)
☕ Invitation to the Xsolla Scholarship Meet-Up at The Howard (Wednesday, March 9)
🎁 Exclusive Xsolla merchandise and swag kit

6. When is the application period?

Applications open December 16, 2025 and close January 16, 2026.

7. When will recipients be announced?

Winners will be announced the week of January 26, 2026.

Selected developers will be notified by email.

8. What if I am not selected?

Applicants who are not selected will receive a polite decline email and may reapply for future Xsolla opportunities. Additionally, a waiting list will be maintained in case of cancellations.

9. How are recipients selected?

Applications are reviewed by an internal Xsolla committee based on creativity, innovation, diversity, and project potential. There is no external or industry jury involved.

10. On what date does the event take place?

The event is scheduled for Wednesday, May 31, 2024.

11. Do I need to know the value of the scholarship package, and what costs are covered?

Each Xsolla GDC Scholarship package has an approximate retail value (ARV) of $3,500 USD, which includes a GDC All-Access Pass and four (4) nights of hotel accommodation in San Francisco.

Please note: travel, meals, and any personal expenses not expressly stated are the sole responsibility of the scholarship recipient. This information is provided for transparency only and does not represent a cash prize or contest value.

12. Do I need to be an existing Xsolla partner to apply?

No. The scholarship is open to all eligible developers — both existing and new to Xsolla.

13. Where can I ask questions?

If you have questions about eligibility or submission details, contact scholarshipgdc2026@xsolla.com

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the GDC 2026 Xsolla Scholarship?

The GDC 2026 Xsolla Scholarship helps 45 independent or mid-tier game developers attend the 2026 Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco.

Selected recipients receive a GDC Festival Pass, 4 nights of hotel accommodation, and exclusive access to Xsolla-hosted networking events during GDC week.

2. Who can apply?

The scholarship is open to emerging developers and small studios who already have a game in development, from early concept to near release.

Please note:Only one person per studio may apply.

3. Is there a fee to apply?

No. There is no application fee.

4. Does the scholarship cover travel or airfare?

No. The Scholarship does not include airfare, meals, or any other personal expenses not specifically described herein.

5. What does the scholarship include?

Each recipient receives:

🎟️ GDC Festival Pass (provided by GDC)
🏨 4 nights of hotel accommodation at Hilton Union Square (March 8–12 or March 9–13)
☕ Invitation to the Xsolla Scholarship Meet-Up at The Howard
🎁 Exclusive Xsolla merchandise and swag kit

6. When is the application period?

Applications open December 19, 2025 and close January 16, 2026.

7. When will recipients be announced?

Winners will be announced by the end of January 2026.

Selected developers will be notified by email.

8. What if I am not selected?

Applicants who are not selected will receive a polite decline email and may reapply for future Xsolla opportunities. Additionally, a waiting list will be maintained in case of cancellations.

9. How are recipients selected?

Applications are reviewed by an internal Xsolla committee based on creativity, innovation, diversity, and project potential. There is no external or industry jury involved.

10. Do I need to know the value of the scholarship package, and what costs are covered?

Each Xsolla GDC Scholarship package has an approximate retail value (ARV) of $3,500 USD, which includes a GDC Festival Pass and four (4) nights of hotel accommodation in San Francisco.

Please note: travel, meals, and any personal expenses not expressly stated are the sole responsibility of the scholarship recipient. This information is provided for transparency only and does not represent a cash prize or contest value.

11. Do I need to be an existing Xsolla partner to apply?

No. The scholarship is open to all eligible developers — both existing and new to Xsolla.

12. Where can I ask questions?

If you have questions about eligibility or submission details, contact: scholarshipgdc2026@xsolla.com

1.

What is the GDC 2026 Xsolla Scholarship?

The GDC 2026 Xsolla Scholarship helps 45 independent or mid-tier game developers attend the 2026 Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco.
Selected recipients receive a GDC Festival Pass, 4 nights of hotel accommodation, and exclusive access to Xsolla-hosted networking events during GDC week.

2.

Who can apply?

The scholarship is open to emerging developers and small studios who already have a game in development — from early concept to near release.

Only one person per studio may apply.

3.

Is there a fee to apply?

No. There is no application fee.

4.

Does the scholarship cover travel or airfare?

No. The Scholarship does not include airfare, meals, or any other personal expenses not specifically described herein.

5.

What does the scholarship include?

Each recipient receives:

🎟️ GDC Festival Pass (provided by GDC)
🏨 4 nights of hotel accommodation at Hilton Union Square (March 8–12 or March 9–13)
☕ Invitation to the Xsolla Scholarship Meet-Up at The Howard (Wednesday, March 9)
🎁 Exclusive Xsolla merchandise and swag kit

FAQ's

What is the GDC 2026 Xsolla Scholarship?

The GDC 2026 Xsolla Scholarship helps 45 independent or mid-tier game developers attend the 2026 Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco.
Selected recipients receive an GDC Festival Pass, 4 nights of hotel accommodation, and exclusive access to Xsolla-hosted networking events during GDC week.

Who can apply?

The scholarship is open to emerging developers and small studios who already have a game in development — from early concept to near release.

Only one person per studio may apply.

Is there a fee to apply?

No.

There is no application fee.

Does the scholarship cover travel or airfare?

No.

The Scholarship does not include airfare, meals, or any other personal expenses not specifically described herein.

What does the scholarship include?

Each recipient receives:

🎟️ GDC Festival Pass (provided by GDC)
🏨 4 nights of hotel accommodation at Hilton Union Square (March 8–12 or March 9–13)
☕ Invitation to the Xsolla Scholarship Meet-Up at The Howard (Wednesday, March 9)
🎁 Exclusive Xsolla merchandise and swag kit

When is the application period?

Applications open December 16, 2025 and close January 16, 2026.

When will recipients be announced?

Winners will be announced the week of January 26, 2026.

Selected developers will be notified by email.

What if I am not selected?

Applicants who are not selected will receive a polite decline email and may reapply for future Xsolla opportunities.

Additionally, a waiting list will be maintained in case of cancellations.

How are recipients selected?

Applications are reviewed by an internal Xsolla committee based on creativity, innovation, diversity, and project potential.

There is no external or industry jury involved.

Do I need to know the value of the scholarship package, and what costs are covered?

Each Xsolla GDC Scholarship package has an approximate retail value (ARV) of $3,500 USD, which includes a GDC All-Access Pass and four (4) nights of hotel accommodation in San Francisco.

Please note: travel, meals, and any personal expenses not expressly stated are the sole responsibility of the scholarship recipient.

This information is provided for transparency only and does not represent a cash prize or contest value.

Do I need to be an existing Xsolla partner to apply?

No.

The scholarship is open to all eligible developers — both existing and new to Xsolla.

Where can I ask questions?

If you have questions about eligibility or submission details, contact scholarshipgdc2026@xsolla.com

FAQ's

What is the GDC 2026 Xsolla Scholarship?

The GDC 2026 Xsolla Scholarship helps 45 independent or mid-tier game developers attend the 2026 Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco.
Selected recipients receive an GDC Festival Pass, 4 nights of hotel accommodation, and exclusive access to Xsolla-hosted networking events during GDC week.

Who can apply?

The scholarship is open to emerging developers and small studios who already have a game in development — from early concept to near release.

Only one person per studio may apply.

Welcome and Introductions

Our VP of Product Marketing, Ingrid Wantuch, kicks off the event with a welcome message.

Is there a fee to apply?

No.

There is no application fee.

Partners

Xsolla Funding is focused on connecting high-quality projects with investors and publishers.

We will be hosting our in-person Rapid Rounds Pitch event at Gamescom, where the best indie developers will present their games to a live audience of investors and publishers.

GDC Festival of Gaming Scholarship Program Powered by Xsolla

RSVPs Closed

GDC Festival of Gaming Scholarship Program Powered by Xsolla

RSVPs Closed

Agenda

8:30am

Breakfast and

networking

Network, enjoy the continental breakfast and get settled in

9:00am - 10:00am

Pitch

The top indie companies will pitch their games

10:00 - 10:30am

Post pitching

coffee

Networking, fresh donuts and coffee

Agenda

8:30am

Breakfast and

networking

Network, enjoy the continental breakfast and get settled in

9:00am - 10:00am

Pitch

The top indie companies will pitch their games

10:00 - 10:30am

Post pitching

coffee

Networking, fresh donuts and coffee

Speakers/Hosts

Justin Berenbaum

VP, Strategic Planning & GM, Xsolla Funding Club

Xsolla Inc

Veteran video game business development, sales with an proven record for building successful long-term strategic relationships within the hardware, software, studio, internet, dynamic advertising, technology, and mobile space.

Nathan Solbrandt

Business Development Manager
Xsolla Inc

Nathan is a BD Manager for Xsolla in Europe. Starting his career in strategy consulting, he then co-founded a serious games company where he led a team of Unity developers designing and building multi-player virtual worlds to accelerate expertise acquisition.

Justin Berenbaum

VP, Strategic Planning & GM, Xsolla Funding Club

Xsolla Inc

Veteran video game business development, sales with an proven record for building successful long-term strategic relationships within the hardware, software, studio, internet, dynamic advertising, technology, and mobile space.

Justin Berenbaum

VP, Strategic Planning & GM, Xsolla Funding Club

Xsolla Inc

Veteran video game business development, sales with an proven record for building successful long-term strategic relationships within the hardware, software, studio, internet, dynamic advertising, technology, and mobile space.

Speakers/Hosts

Justin

Berenbaum

VP, Strategic Planning & GM, Xsolla Funding Club

Xsolla Inc

Nathan

Solbrandt

Business Development Manager
Xsolla Inc

Justin

Berenbaum

VP, Strategic Planning & GM, Xsolla Funding Club

Xsolla Inc

Nathan

Solbrandt

Business Development Manager
Xsolla Inc

Justin

Berenbaum

VP, Strategic Planning & GM, Xsolla Funding Club

Xsolla Inc

Nathan

Solbrandt

Business Development Manager
Xsolla Inc

Justin

Berenbaum

VP, Strategic Planning & GM, Xsolla Funding Club

Xsolla Inc

Agenda

8:30am

Breakfast and networking

Network, enjoy the continental breakfast and get settled in

9:00am - 10:00am

Pitch

The top indie companies will pitch their games

10:00 - 10:30am

Post pitching coffee

Networking, fresh donuts and coffee

Agenda

8:30am

Breakfast and networking

Network, enjoy the continental breakfast and get settled in

9:00am - 10:00am

Pitch

The top indie companies will pitch their games

10:00 - 10:30am

Post pitching coffee

Networking, fresh donuts and coffee

Speakers/Hosts

VP, Strategic Planning & GM, Xsolla Funding Club

Xsolla Inc

Justin

Berenbaum

Business Development Manager
Xsolla Inc

Nathan

Solbrandt

VP, Strategic Planning & GM, Xsolla Funding Club

Xsolla Inc

Justin

Berenbaum

Business Development Manager
Xsolla Inc

Nathan

Solbrandt

Partners