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In partnership with GDC, Pixelles has GDC Festival Passes for women, trans men, non-binary, genderqueer and gender-questioning people with 5+ years experience. We’re excited to organize another “Pixelles Ensemble at GDC” and continue supporting mid-career game developers.Our program also gives special consideration to people at the intersection of gender and another focus. This year, we would like to especially encourage applications from:

What is GDC?

Pixelles provides you with:

Pixelles Ensemble aims to create a supportive environment that not only compliments professional development happening at GDC but also provides you with a small group of folks to depend on. While Pixelles does encourage you to take advantage of opportunities that we provide, we don’t force you to attend our events, talks or do any homework. It’s all optional.If your application is accepted you’ll receive a complimentary, non-transferrable conference pass. Please be aware that you are responsible for booking and costs associated with travel, lodging, food, etc. Our financial assistance helps, but it probably will not cover the entire cost of the trip. If needed, GDC can provide a letter of intent for your visa process.If it’s your first-time heading out to GDC or even visiting San Francisco, don’t worry! We’ll be there to guide you, point out the cheap (but delicious) food spots, share a ride, set up a buddy system for social events and make sure you have a great time!

Eligibility

We want to support gender marginalized folks with a combined 5+ years experience in games. Why? We noticed that there are many pass programs available to students/new graduates but not much for people already mid-way through their games career.As mentioned before, we especially want to see applications by studio founders and community/grassroot organizers in game development. Special consideration will be given to these applications. There are questions on our application form where you can indicate this.If you intend to travel with your kid(s) to GDC, the conference does have childcare available. There is also a private nursing room available too. We will do our best to help with the visa process.

FAQ

Please don’t hesitate to write to us at ensemble@pixelles.ca if you have any more questions or need clarification on anything. We’ll be happy to answer you.

Q: Do I need to be located in Montréal, Québec?
No, you can be from anywhere in the world, as long as you are legally able to travel to the United States. You are responsible for acquiring your own visa (if necessary), travel costs and arrangements. We will try to help you where we can!Q: Do I need to present/appear as feminine to be part of Pixelles GDC Ensemble?
No, you don’t need to look feminine to be part of Pixelles Ensemble. You are 100% accepted and welcome no matter how you express your gender identity.Q: I’m currently employed in the games industry but in HR, accounting, acquisitions, marketing, and/or other non-production roles. Can I still apply?
Yes, you are very much part of this games industry too. Your role is just as important and integral as those in production. Please do apply!Q: I am unemployed/in-between jobs right now. Can I still apply?
Absolutely, yes!Q: I’m not sure if my experience counts towards the 5+ years.
Apply anyway! But if it’d help you feel more confident, then feel free to email us at ensemble@pixelles.ca and we’ll happily chat about it with you.Q: Can I also apply for the “Pixelles Ensemble at GDC” if I also applied for another GDC pass program?
Yes you can! We don’t discriminate if you applied for other opportunities but if you’ve been accepted into another program, then you must choose one. Passes are non-transferrable so the “spare pass” cannot be given to a friend, partner, or colleague.Q: When will I hear back?
You should receive a response from us by the end of January.Q: Why can’t men apply for this?
We welcome applicants by trans men, gender neutral individuals who were AMAB, and folks who, at times, identify as a man. The games industry suffers from a lack of gender diversity and is primarily composed of cisgender men (those who were born a man and identify as a man). Pixelles’ mandate tries to encourage those gender identities who may feel marginalized by this industry.

Since 2016, Pixelles has sent over 250 women, nonbinary, genderqueer, and trans game developers to GDC.In addition to GDC's Festival Pass, the Pixelles Ensemble program provides its recipients with a meaningful support network, safety, peer mentorship, healing, and career development opportunities. However many participants don’t have the financial means to attend. Without financial support, these marginalized game developers will miss out on an essential opportunity for professional and personal growth.

Become a partner

By becoming an Ensemble program partner, you can make a real difference in the careers of marginalized game developers today and directly contribute to a more equitable games industry. We're available by email at sponsorship@pixelles.ca to answer any questions in english ou en français.Our Sponsorship Document is also available for download:

• AAA, Large, and Mid-Size Companies

• Indies and Small Businesses