Thanks to the GDC Scholarship Program, Pixelles has GDC All Access passes for women, trans men, non-binary/genderqueer and gender questioning people with 3+ years experience. We’re excited to organize another “Pixelles Ensemble at GDC” and continue supporting mid-career game developers.If you’re also parent, from an underrepresented country, or recently experienced being laid off, we especially want to see you apply!
What is GDC?
GDC stands for the Game Developers Conference taking place in San Francisco (California, USA) from March 18-22, 2024. It’s one of the largest conferences on game development in the world featuring panels, lectures, and roundtables on a variety of topics.There’s also lots of other events happening around the same time too. Off-site networking, social events and luncheons also take place during GDC. If you’re low on energy take a break at the Mild Rumpus or enjoy the weather outside in the park.
How does this work?
Pixelles provides you with:
GDC All Access pass
Discord for communication, safety and coordinating with the other participants
Possibility of invites to external networking & recruitment events
Support, guidance and help with your GDC experience
…and more!
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 ~3+ years experience in games. Why? We noticed that there are many scholarship 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 parents, people who were recently laid off, and people outside of Canada, USA, Western Europe or Australia. 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.You are eligible to apply if you:
a game development studio (yes, non-production roles count!)
a games adjacent company (like tools/engines)
independent, freelance or contract worker in games
teacher or adjunct faculty (sorry, no tenured professors)
person / fine artist creating alt games and “games”
employed in another field but making games independently
Don’t see your experience in the list? Apply anyway!
Identify as a woman (cis/trans), non-binary/genderqueer, gender-questioning or trans man
Legally permitted to travel to the United States
Agree to respect our safer space policy
Application
Deadline to apply: November 5th, 2023, 11:59pm ESTThis year, we are offering two scholarship options. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY and select the option that is most appropriate for you. We kindly ask that you only apply to one option.
All Access Pass only
This option is perfect for those who have the financial means to cover their trip and just need a pass. Click here to apply for Option 1: All Access Pass Only
All Access Pass and a $2,500 CAD travel stipend
This option is perfect for those who need some financial help getting to GDC. Click here to apply for Option 2: All Access Pass and a $2,500 CAD travel stipend
FAQ
Please don’t hesitate to write 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 the scholarship program?
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 3+ years.
Apply anyway! But if it’d help you feel more confident, then feel free email us at info@pixelles.ca and we’ll happily chat about it with you.Q: Is there a stipend for financial assistance in getting to GDC?
Thanks to our sponsorship efforts, we usually are able to provide some stipends for anyone who needs them. While we can not confirm the exact amount, please do apply anyway. We’ll try our hardest to hustle and provide some help!Q: Why are there spots in your scholarship specifically reserved for people who are from an underrepresented country and/or a parent?
Pixelles is trying something a little bit more intentional with our program by actively supporting “coup de coeur” causes. Our co-development program aim to helps mid-career moms and we are expanding that support, within the context of this GDC scholarship, to all parents. Inspired by #1ReasonToBe panel and the GDC State of the Industry report, we really want to see different voices, from around the world, given an opportunity to pursue career development and networking opportunities at GDC. Underrepresented countries are those fromQ: If I applied for the DMG Convoy, IGDA programs, I Need Diverse Games or any other GDC Scholarship opportunity, can I also apply for the “Pixelles Ensemble at GDC”?
Yes you can! We don’t discriminate if you applied for other opportunities but you will be awarded only 1 pass. This pass is non-transferrable so it cannot be given to a friend, partner, or colleague.Q: When will I hear back?
You should receive a response from us by mid-December.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. If you’re a cisgender man there are other GDC Scholarship opportunities, organized by various groups, which you’re welcome to apply for (if you are eligible): http://www.gdconf.com/attend/scholarships.htmlPlease don’t hesitate to write 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!
Pixelles GDC Ensemble
Thanks to the GDC Scholarship Program, Pixelles has GDC All Access passes for women, trans men, non-binary/genderqueer and gender questioning people with 3+ years experience. We’re excited to organize another “Pixelles Ensemble at GDC” and continue supporting mid-career game developers.If you’re also parent, from an underrepresented country, or recently experienced being laid off, we especially want to see you apply!
What is GDC?
GDC stands for the Game Developers Conference taking place in San Francisco (California, USA) from March 18-22, 2024. It’s one of the largest conferences on game development in the world featuring panels, lectures, and roundtables on a variety of topics.There’s also lots of other events happening around the same time too. Off-site networking, social events and luncheons also take place during GDC. If you’re low on energy take a break at the Mild Rumpus or enjoy the weather outside in the park.
How does this work?
Pixelles provides you with:
GDC All Access pass
Discord for communication, safety and coordinating with the other participants
Possibility of invites to external networking & recruitment events
Support, guidance and help with your GDC experience
…and more!
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 ~3+ years experience in games. Why? We noticed that there are many scholarship 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 parents, people who were recently laid off, and people outside of Canada, USA, Western Europe or Australia. 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.You are eligible to apply if you:
Have combined ~3+ years experience in games from having work in:
a game development studio (yes, non-production roles count!)
a games adjacent company (like tools/engines)
independent, freelance or contract worker in games
teacher or adjunct faculty (sorry, no tenured professors)
person / fine artist creating alt games and “games”
employed in another field but making games independently
Don’t see your experience in the list? Apply anyway!
Identify as a woman (cis/trans), non-binary/genderqueer, gender-questioning or trans man
Legally permitted to travel to the United States
Agree to respect our safer space policy
Application
Deadline to apply: November 5th, 2023, 11:59pm ESTThis year, we are offering two scholarship options. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY and select the option that is most appropriate for you. We kindly ask that you only apply to one option.
All Access Pass only
This option is perfect for those who have the financial means to cover their trip and just need a pass. Click here to apply for Option 1: All Access Pass Only
All Access Pass and a $2,500 CAD travel stipend
This option is perfect for those who need some financial help getting to GDC. Click here to apply for Option 2: All Access Pass and a $2,500 CAD travel stipend
FAQ
Please don’t hesitate to write 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 the scholarship program?
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 3+ years.
Apply anyway! But if it’d help you feel more confident, then feel free email us at info@pixelles.ca and we’ll happily chat about it with you.Q: Is there a stipend for financial assistance in getting to GDC?
Thanks to our sponsorship efforts, we usually are able to provide some stipends for anyone who needs them. While we can not confirm the exact amount, please do apply anyway. We’ll try our hardest to hustle and provide some help!Q: Why are there spots in your scholarship specifically reserved for people who are from an underrepresented country and/or a parent?
Pixelles is trying something a little bit more intentional with our program by actively supporting “coup de coeur” causes. Our co-development program aim to helps mid-career moms and we are expanding that support, within the context of this GDC scholarship, to all parents. Inspired by #1ReasonToBe panel and the GDC State of the Industry report, we really want to see different voices, from around the world, given an opportunity to pursue career development and networking opportunities at GDC. Underrepresented countries are those fromQ: If I applied for the DMG Convoy, IGDA programs, I Need Diverse Games or any other GDC Scholarship opportunity, can I also apply for the “Pixelles Ensemble at GDC”?
Yes you can! We don’t discriminate if you applied for other opportunities but you will be awarded only 1 pass. This pass is non-transferrable so it cannot be given to a friend, partner, or colleague.Q: When will I hear back?
You should receive a response from us by mid-December.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. If you’re a cisgender man there are other GDC Scholarship opportunities, organized by various groups, which you’re welcome to apply for (if you are eligible): http://www.gdconf.com/attend/scholarships.htmlPlease don’t hesitate to write 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!