2026 Game Devs of Color Expo Unveils Full Schedule
The eleventh annual conference will be held online September 22–25.
August 12, 2026 – Game Devs of Color Expo (GDoCExpo), now in its eleventh year, today revealed the full schedule for its online conference, running September 22–25. Organized by the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Game Devs of Color, the four-day event kicks off Tuesday, September 22 with a full day of online networking and social programming, including career and publishing conversations, a speaker & developer mixer, structured networking sessions, and Community Demo Night. Conference programming runs Wednesday through Friday, featuring 38 sessions from more than 40 speakers across three daily themes: “Craft and Culture” (Wed), “Building for the Future” (Thu), and “Humanity Through Games” (Fri).
Confirmed speakers include Anchit Sharma (Fears to Fathom), Derek Lieu (game trailer director/editor), and Neha Patel, sound designer for Venba and a Game Developers Choice Award nominee for Best Audio.
The full event schedule can be viewed here: https://gdoc.events/
The GDoCExpo Direct will close out the conference on Friday, September 25 at 3 p.m. PT / 6 p.m. ET on the GDoCExpo YouTube channel, featuring more than 40 new games, announcements, and exclusive updates. The GDoCExpo Steam Sale follows immediately after, running September 25 – October 2 starting at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET, with hundreds of discounted games and demos.
“Too many developers of color are still overlooked, even as they’re creating some of the most innovative and culturally resonant games out there. GDoCExpo is a place to discover great work, learn, and join a community that creates space for the care, celebration, and resilience that the industry doesn’t always provide,” said Brian Chung, Director of Programs & Development.
In addition to the virtual program, in-person watch parties are returning this year in New York City, Los Angeles, Portland, and Rochester, with more cities to be announced, giving attendees the chance to watch the conference together and connect with local developers and games community members. More information is available at gamedevsofcolor.org/watch-
GDoCExpo will award $7,000 grants to developers of color, with no strings attached, to support their game development work. Recipients will be announced September 25. GDoC has distributed more than $450,000 in grant funding to date, including $21,000 to three recipients in 2025.
Tickets for the 2026 GDoCExpo are on sale now. Members of the press are encouraged to register here to gain access to sessions, connect with speakers, and schedule interviews with developers.
GDoCExpo is made possible through the support of partners across the games industry, including leading sponsors Medal, No More Robots, and Supercell, as well as support from the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media & Entertainment (MOME). Their support helps Game Devs of Color Expo deliver accessible programming, conferences, showcases, grants, scholarships, and other game industry opportunities. Organizations interested in supporting Game Devs of Color’s year-round programs or future events can learn more about partnership opportunities at gamedevsofcolor.org/sponsor.
Community support remains vital as GDoC continues to rely on individual giving to sustain its programs. Donations directly support GDoC’s year-round programs, including grants, scholarships, community programming, and GDoCExpo, and can be made at gamedevsofcolor.org/donate.
Since its inception in 2016, GDoCExpo has built a reputation as a welcoming and inclusive space where developers can exchange knowledge, showcase their work, and find new opportunities in the industry. The event fosters genuine conversations and connections that extend beyond the expo, creating lasting relationships among attendees.
The full list of speakers can be found at https://www.gamedevsofcolor.
About Game Devs of Color Expo
Game Devs of Color Expo is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to amplifying the creative power held by people of color in games. Creators of color make great games but are often pushed to the margins. We fight to create a better games industry that is intersectional and equitable by organizing revolutionary events, uniting our vibrant community, and building access to knowledge, funding, and opportunities. Follow Game Devs of Color Expo on YouTube, Bluesky, and LinkedIn, and sign up for the mailing list.
