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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Some international games-industry professionals said they planned to skip the 2026 Game Developers Conference because of safety fears, U.S. immigration enforcement and entry concerns, and the expense of attending. That is what a January 26 report documented—not a confirmed fall in international attendance. The event was scheduled for March 9–13 at San Francisco’s Moscone Center and has since passed.
What was reported about international attendees
TechCrunch’s January 26, 2026 report described international games-industry professionals expressing plans to skip GDC. Their stated concerns included personal safety, U.S. immigration rules and enforcement, and the cost of travel, lodging, food, and event passes.
The account is event-specific qualitative reporting on expressed plans and concerns. It did not provide a final attendance count or establish that international attendance declined, much less quantify how much any decline was caused by ICE activity. An attendee quoted anonymously in the story said, “It’s not worth taking the risk of going”; that comment reflects one person’s view, not a measured assessment of risk or a consensus among international attendees.
What GDC said it was doing
Organizer response to travel and policy concerns
GDC president Nina Brown told TechCrunch that the organization was working with local officials and legal experts to monitor U.S. policy changes. She encouraged international attendees to start visa applications early and consult their embassies. Brown also described a 24/7 hotline, staff safety training, and security escorts on request, and said “the safety of our community is always our top priority.” Those were the organizer’s stated plans and assurances, not independent evidence that concerns were resolved or that every attendee felt safe.
#1 Best Overall
- Package Includes: you will get 24 pieces of video game pass holder with lanyard, enough to play with family and friends; And with everyone's name written on them to immerse everyone in a more fun party atmosphere
- Suitable Size: the video game pass card is 2.2 x 3.5 inch, the card gaming card holder is about 2.5 x 4 inch, the VIP pass lanyard length is about 18 inches, big enough for most people to wear and enough to attract attention
- Quality Material: the transparent VIP video game pass holder is made of PVC, waterproof, not easy to break, reliable and reusable; The VIP pass card is made of heavy paper with a cool and clear pattern; The card holder has smooth edges, soft and light to the touch, and will not add burden to your neck, which can provide you with a comfortable experience
- Game Theme Design: our gamer VIP pass lanyards are printed with game pattern and text, mainly in blue, black and white, suitable for all kinds of classic game themed parties and ideal as game on tickets, which can add more fun to your daily life
- Wide Applications: these video game party favors can not only be applied for any game themed events, but also for birthdays, welcome parties, kindergarten events, etc.; Sign their name on each blank section and invite them to enjoy your own party time
Support listed in the event director’s note
In a separate official note, event director Stephenie Hawkins wrote, “We’re committed to the safety and comfort of our attendees and the community.” The note described these measures for the 2026 event:
- A hotline staffed 24/7 from March 5 through April 3, with the option to report concerns anonymously.
- Welcome Ambassadors around Moscone Center and in the city.
- Walking escorts for attendees staying near the convention center.
- Security escorts inside Moscone Center.
These details come from Hawkins’s event note and refer to dates and support for the completed 2026 event; they are not current contact instructions. The note documents what GDC said it offered, but does not measure how attendees perceived the measures or whether they changed anyone’s travel decision.
Rank #2
- Specific Information: the gaming party supplies include 30 packs of VIP pass cards in green with cardholders and lanyards in the package, which is enough for you to hold a game theme birthday party, making the party more impressive and interesting to have an unforgettable memory
- Enjoyable Quality: the game on birthday party supplies are made of paper card and plastic material holders with ribbon lanyards, they are soft and smooth in touch, lightweight and comfortable in wearing, and serviceable and reusable in usage, bringing nice experience for you
- Distinctive Design: our video game lanyards have a game theme design with some words and patterns printed on them, the paper card is printed with the inspiring words to encourage gamers and the letters VIP on the lanyard to show the identity of the people, which can add more fun to your party
- Proper Size: our gamer birthday decorations have suitable size for most people to use, the VIP lanyard is 17.13 inches in length, the plastic cardholder is 2.5 x 4 inches, and the paper card inside is 2.1 x 3.3 inches, which can be accepted by most people without feeling uncomfortable
- Practical Usage: you can not only use the VIP lanyards for your game theme party, just change the paper card inside with student ID card, employee card, participation card or other cards, they can be useful and practical in your daily life
What the 2026 industry survey can—and cannot—show
The 2026 State of the Game Industry survey, published by GDC Festival of Gaming / Informa, offers broader context about U.S. travel plans among non-U.S.-based game-industry respondents. It was not a survey of GDC attendance or cancellations.
| Survey finding | What it describes |
|---|---|
| 31% said they had canceled U.S. travel plans because of current immigration or gender identity policies. | Non-U.S.-based game-industry survey respondents; travel to the United States generally, not GDC attendance. |
| 33% said they were reconsidering future U.S. travel plans. | Non-U.S.-based game-industry survey respondents; future U.S. travel generally, not a GDC-specific decision. |
| 47% of LGBTQ+ respondents in the non-U.S. group said they had canceled travel plans. | LGBTQ+ respondents within the non-U.S.-based group; travel plans generally, not GDC attendance. |
These are self-reported survey results, not estimates of the number or share of GDC attendees who canceled. The survey and the TechCrunch report address different populations and questions: one describes general U.S. travel plans among non-U.S.-based workers, while the other reports statements about one conference.
Rank #3
- Guy nurses/doctors, this funny game controller reel fits you! Retractable alligator clip secures IDs tight—adds a cool gamer vibe to hospital shifts, no frills, just functional fun.
- Gamer teachers, this one’s for you! Cute game controller design blends with classroom gear, retractable clip eases ID checks—turns a basic holder into a nod to your hobby.
- Perfect for guys in the office! Funny game controller reel spruces up desk days, retractable clip keeps IDs handy—brings nostalgic gaming feel to daily work.
- Men in medical roles love this! Sturdy alligator clip holds up to fast-paced hospital work, and the game controller look adds a playful twist to scrubs.
- Great gift for guy gamers at work! Reliable retractable clip + fun game design—ideal for nurses, teachers, or office guys who want hobby-themed ID gear.
What is known about the 2026 event and its terms
GDC was scheduled for March 9–13, 2026, at Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco. The dates and policies are historical, not current booking guidance. The official registration policies said pass cancellation or downgrade requests were due by February 13, 2026, and described a $300 cancellation fee, with different terms if the event was officially canceled.
TechCrunch also reported in January 2026 that the new Festival Pass started at $649 and was 45% cheaper than the prior All-Access pass. That was a dated ticketing detail for the 2026 event, not a price available now.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Officially Licensed: This Mario lanyard is officially licensed, perfect for fans of the iconic video game character.
- Safety First: Features a neck breakaway design and a lower buckle release for added safety and convenience.
- PVC Rubber Charm: Includes a colorful PVC rubber Mario charm (approx. 2 inches tall) that adds a fun and playful touch.
- Clear ID Sleeve: Equipped with a clear ID sleeve (approx. 3.5 x 2.5 inches) with an insert card for easy identification and access.
- Durable Construction: Made from durable polyester strap (approx. 22 inches long), rubber charm, plastic, and zinc alloy hardware for long-lasting use.
Rank #4
- THIS SONIC THE HEDGEHOG LANYARD IS AN PRODUCT - Bioworld is one of the largest pop funure merchandise distributors in the world! They specialize in GUARANTEED nice Sonic The Hedgehog merchandise and products just like this lanyard!
- SUPERIOR QUALITY AND MATERIALS: This specific lanyard is done in a normal width style that is great for use as a key lanyard, for conventions, cruises, and other events. At (approx.) .75" width and 32 inches when fully undone, these are built to endure the tortures of vacations, excursions, and everyday wear!
- DETAILED RUBBER CHARM: Attached is a 2" Rubber Sonic The Hedgehog character and collectible sticker. Great for young and old video game enthusiasts of the Sega speedster, Sonic! The lanyard has a classic video game graphic design on one side, and a Sonic logo and character on the other!
- BREAKAWAY LANYARD CLOSURES: Features 1 plastic slide release buckle 3" up for quick detachment and 1 breakaway snap closure at back of the neck. *ALWAYS be careful not to get your lanyards caught in objects with moving part*
- MADE OF STRONG FABRIC: These lanyards are made of a strong, durable nylon fabric that will not tear or rip easily. Remove plastic badge holder for use as a keychain, phone, face mask, or wallet lanyard as well!
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